Why Jaw Growth Matters

Did you know that your upper and lower jaws don’t always grow at the same rate? Some children’s lower jaws may grow too far forward, while others may have upper jaws that don’t keep pace with the rest of their facial development. These growth differences can lead to bite problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and tooth crowding.

Because the jaws are still developing throughout childhood and adolescence, orthodontists can often use this natural growth to their advantage. They may use specialized orthodontic appliances to help encourage or redirect your child’s jaw growth, improving their bite while creating better facial balance.

The Importance of Timing

Growth modification treatments are only effective during certain stages of development. If orthodontic treatment begins too early, the desired changes may not be maintained long-term. If it’s delayed until growth is complete, options become more limited, and correcting jaw discrepancies may require tooth extractions or even jaw surgery in severe cases.

These concerns are why it’s a good idea to have an orthodontist carefully monitor your child’s jaw growth patterns through periodic examinations, digital imaging, and X-rays. These tools help them determine the ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment for each individual patient rather than relying solely on the child’s age.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Not every child needs braces at the same age or for the same length of time, and not every bite concern requires early intervention. Some children may benefit from phased orthodontic treatment, while others can achieve excellent results by waiting until most of their permanent teeth have grown in.

By considering jaw growth alongside tooth development, orthodontists can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses both aesthetics and functional concerns. Carefully timing your child’s orthodontic treatment helps maximize its efficiency, improve their bite alignment, and create healthy, beautiful results that last well into adulthood.

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Let Your Toddler Participate

One of the easiest ways to make brushing more exciting is to let your toddler be involved. Allow them to choose their own toothbrush in their favorite color or with their favorite character on it. Kid-friendly toothpaste flavors can also make a big difference. When children feel like they have some control over the task, they’re often more apt to participate willingly.

Use Songs, Games, and Creativity

Music and games can make brushing time seem more like play. Try playing a two-minute song or singing a silly brushing rhyme. These playful strategies can help your toddler associate brushing their teeth with fun rather than frustration.

Make Sure Their Teeth Are Actually Getting Clean

Toddlers are notoriously independent, and this applies to brushing their teeth as well. However, you will still need to help ensure their teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Toddlers often lack the coordination needed to brush their teeth effectively on their own. A helpful strategy is to let your toddler brush first, then follow up by gently brushing all tooth surfaces yourself, including along the gumline and back molars where plaque tends to collect.

Be Consistent 

Consistency when it comes to brushing is just as important as technique. Establishing a routine helps your toddler know what to expect, and brushing at the same time every morning and evening can help the process go more smoothly. Over time, their tooth brushing routine becomes a normal part of their day and a lifelong healthy habit.

Encourage Healthy Habits With Positive Reinforcement

Have you ever seen a toddler light up at the smallest encouragement? When you’re establishing a tooth brushing routine, praise, sticker charts, or small rewards for happy cooperation can help encourage them along the way. 

Turn Tooth Brushing Into a Positive Habit

By keeping brushing fun, interactive, and consistent, you can help your toddler develop strong oral hygiene habits from the very beginning. Beyond daily oral hygiene habits, be sure to schedule regular checkups with a dentist to ensure their teeth and gums are healthy, and their smile is as cute as can be.

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When Should the First Visit Happen?

Most dentists recommend scheduling this appointment by your child’s first birthday or within six months of when their first tooth appears. Early visits allow the dentist to monitor their development and catch any potential concerns before they become bigger issues.

What Is the Goal of the First Appointment?

Unlike adult visits, your child’s first dental appointment is typically short and gentle. The primary goal is to help your child feel safe and comfortable in a new environment. This visit is all about building trust, creating positive associations, and introducing your child to the dental office in a fun, low-pressure way.

What Happens During the Visit?

During the dental appointment, your child will meet the dentist and their team and get familiar with the space. The dentist will perform a quick exam to check for early signs of tooth decay, evaluate their gum health, and ensure their teeth and jaw development are on track. If appropriate, a gentle cleaning or fluoride treatment may also be performed.

How to Prepare Your Child

Preparing your child at home before their first visit to the dentist can make a big difference in the experience (for you, the child, and the dentist!). Talk about going to the dentist in a positive, reassuring way, and avoid using scary words. Reading books or role-playing a dental visit can also help your child feel more comfortable. Additionally, try to schedule the appointment at a time when your child is well-rested and fed to encourage a smoother visit.

Creating a Positive Dental Experience

It’s normal for children to feel shy or even a little fussy during their first visit. Experienced pediatric dental teams are trained to be patient and work with young patients, and will go at a pace that keeps your child feeling comfortable and secure. With encouragement and preparation, your child’s first dental appointment can be a positive introduction to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

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Without flossing, kids and adults are more prone to bad breath, gum disease, and cavities between the teeth. As parents and caregivers, understanding the right age to introduce flossing to kids can make a significant difference in their lifelong oral health.

But what age should you teach kids to floss? Here’s when to introduce flossing and how to get your kids to floss effectively.

Start Teaching Kids to Floss Around Age Six

Although you can start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch, eventually, your child will begin to brush and floss on their own. You can start teaching your child to floss around age six, when most children have the dexterity to start flossing on their own.

By this time, your child should have a clear understanding of the flossing process and why it’s important. Parents can start to guide them on how to floss effectively, using age-appropriate flossers or traditional floss.

It’s essential to make sure children floss properly and don’t harm their gum tissue by going too far underneath the gumline. As such, most children will need supervision flossing until they are between eight and 10 years old [2].

How to Teach Kids to Floss

Teaching kids to floss can be a challenging but rewarding experience for both parents and kids. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Show by example. Show them how to wrap the floss around their fingers, slide it between the teeth gently, and curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, scraping the sides of each tooth with a clean section of floss. You can demonstrate on your own teeth to show your child the proper technique and have them try on their own in the mirror.
2. Use fun tools. There are numerous child-friendly flossers available. Your child might benefit from using small brushes or other flossing tools to effectively clean between their teeth until they get the hang of using traditional floss [3].
3. Stick to a routine. Children tend to respond well to routines, so incorporate flossing into your child’s daily brushing routine to make the habit stick. Making flossing a habit can set the stage for lifelong oral health.

Set Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

While helping children adjust to handling their own dental care can be challenging, it’s a crucial part of their oral health and allows them to establish healthy habits for life. Teaching your child to floss is an important milestone that can make all the difference for their smile. Ask your child’s dentist for more flossing tips during their next checkup!

Sources:

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/flossing
2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=flossing-and-children-90-P01852
3. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(21)00657-7/fulltext 

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If one of your child’s baby teeth is loose, that means that the permanent tooth is on its way in. The permanent tooth will slowly force the baby tooth out, which is why the primary tooth becomes loose as the connective tissue dissolves. When your child has a loose tooth, is it ok to pull it out? Here’s what you should know when it comes to pulling your child’s baby teeth.

If You Can, Let the Tooth Come Out on Its Own

Usually, a child’s loose baby tooth will come out by itself. If you can, leave the tooth alone until it comes out. If your child is complaining that the tooth is very loose, or you’re worried the tooth may fall out while your child is sleeping, you can evaluate how loose the tooth is.

If the tooth still feels firm and secure, it’s certainly not ready to be pulled. However, if the tooth is so loose you’re not sure how it’s still attached, you may attempt to gently pull it. You can do this by using a tissue to grab the tooth and gently pull it to see if it will come out [2].

Encourage Your Child to Wiggle the Tooth

Should your child’s baby tooth be loose, you can encourage your child to wiggle the tooth on their own, whether with their (clean!) fingers or with their tongue. This way, instead of having to pull the tooth, your child can help the tooth naturally become more loose over time and fall out on its own when it’s ready.

Never Force a Baby Tooth Out

If your child feels pain when you wiggle their tooth or attempt to pull it, never force the baby tooth out. The baby tooth needs time to work its way out as the permanent tooth comes in, and you should never force this process.

Should you have concerns about your child’s loose tooth, or believe it should have fallen out already, don’t hesitate to follow up with your child’s dentist. In some cases, whether for orthodontic reasons or if the tooth is stuck, it may need to be pulled by your dentist [3].

Have Questions? Ask Your Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s pediatric dentist is there to answer your questions and support your child’s oral care. If you have any questions about your child’s loose tooth, you can always follow up with their dentist before pulling a tooth that may not be ready to come out. Remember, most loose teeth will fall out on their own, so let them come out naturally if you can!

Sources:
1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/When-
Children-Begin-to-Lose-their-Baby-Teeth.aspx
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/ask-an-ada-dentist/removing-loose-tooth
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5410675/

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Whether or not your child is accustomed to the dentist, it can be difficult getting kids to feel good about seeing an oral healthcare professional. However, seeing a dentist in their early years is an instrumental part of helping your kids set up healthy habits for life when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. Not to mention those regular visits are going to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

When you want your child to love the dentist, here are five tips to help you get started!

Start Early

Children should ideally have their first dentist visit between the age of six months and one year, or whenever their first tooth comes in [1]. The earlier you get your child used to the dentist, the better!

You can and should start with their oral care shortly after birth—wiping their gums with a clean cloth after feedings before they have teeth, and brushing and flossing once the teeth come in, to get them used to oral care.

Go to the Dentist Yourself

Practice what you preach when it comes to the dentist! By going to the dentist yourself and placing an emphasis on your oral care, you can show kids how to take care of their teeth by being an example.

However, remember that it’s generally not a good idea to take your child to your own dentist, as the environment and treatment can make them feel intimidated. A child-friendly dentist will seem much less scary!

Offer Incentives

If your kids really dread going to the dentist, you can offer incentives in exchange for them going and doing their best to maintain a positive attitude while receiving treatment. You can offer healthy treats or have them pick a prize after each dental appointment.

Many pediatric dentists will already offer prizes and incentives for receiving oral care, so you might not have to further incentivize your kids!

Try Attending a Dental Presentation

You can get your children excited about going to the dentist by attending a dental presentation [2]. Call your local pediatric dentist and ask about a day where kids can come in and tour the office, sit in the exam chair, see Mr. Thirsty, and play with stuffed animals that have teeth they can brush.

Even if your dentist doesn’t offer a child-friendly dental presentation, you can certainly suggest they consider doing one or call around to see if another dentist has such an event you and your kids can attend.

This will not only get them more familiar with the dentist, but learn that it’s a fun place and not as scary or boring as they might think.

Have Fun at Home

You can encourage oral care habits at home and motivate kids to get excited about the dentist. Try purchasing stuffed animals where you can brush and floss their teeth and pretend to fill in cavities. Take kids to the store to pick out a fun toothbrush and toothpaste.

Make oral care fun at your house and extend this routine to the dentist—it just might get your kids excited about going for their regular checkups and cleanings!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/resources/lesson-plans/presentation-resources

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Teething can be a challenging time for baby and parents alike. Fortunately, this phase of your child’s life won’t last forever—but in the meantime, what can you do to help your baby be more comfortable?

Freeze a Wet Washcloth

Cold objects will help numb your child’s gums and alleviate the pain and swelling that can come with teething. You can wet a washcloth and place it in the freezer before allowing your baby to chew on it. Of course, you should always supervise your child with any toy or  object.

Teething necklaces and bracelets aren’t recommended as the materials that are used for these items can cause children to choke [1]. Regardless of what teething toy you choose for your baby, supervision is always important.

Invest in a Rubber Teething Ring

Many babies find relief from teething pain by chewing on a solid rubber teething ring. There’s no need to chill or freeze these rings as the pressure from chewing on the toy will help your child’s mouth feel better.

Freezing the teething ring can make it too hard for baby’s mouth and have the potential to cause additional discomfort.

In addition, the American Dental Association recommends avoiding teething rings that are filled with liquid, as your child could puncture them and either choke or swallow the liquid inside [2].

Try a Gum Massage

This home remedy is easy and doesn’t require any toys or a washcloth, although you may choose to use a clean piece of gauze.

Try giving your baby a gum massage for their teething pain. The pressure from the massage can help alleviate discomfort from teething. Just be sure your fingers are clean before putting them in your child’s mouth!

A gum massage can be done virtually anywhere and at a moment’s notice in the event that your little one is inconsolable on a trip out or in a place where a teething ring isn’t available or the frozen washcloth isn’t ready yet.

Use Caution with OTC Medications

Although it may be tempting to search for a quick-fix for your baby’s teething pain, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t advise immediately reaching for over-the-counter (OTC) medications or homeopathic remedies as they can be harmful to your child [3].

In the event that none of the above remedies works for your child, you can follow up with your baby’s dentist or pediatrician regarding the use of medication or topical ointments to help your baby feel better.

Soothing Baby’s Teething Pain

It can be difficult to watch your little on go through the discomfort of teething. However, don’t fret—your baby will be done teething soon enough and won’t remember teething or the discomfort it can cause.

Give these home remedies a try to soothe your baby’s teething pain and keep everyone in your house happy during the teething process!

Sources:
1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/Teething-Pain.aspx
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teething
3. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm385817.htm

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However, pacifiers can also have negative impacts on the growth of your child’s mouth, jaw, and teeth, especially if used for extended periods of time.

How can pacifiers impact your child’s oral health? Here’s what you need to know about oral health and pacifier use.

Pacifiers Could Affect Mouth Growth and Development

If your baby is using a pacifier over a long period of time, it can actually change the shape of your child’s mouth, specifically the roof of the mouth.

What exactly is considered prolonged use of a pacifier? Your baby should be completely weaned off a pacifier by age two. Some professionals even suggest stopping or limiting use of the pacifier as early as six months of age [2].

If the development of the roof of your baby’s mouth is impacted, your child could have what’s called an open bite, where the top and bottom rows of teeth won’t touch in the front even when the mouth is closed.

Pacifiers Have the Potential to Cause Teeth Alignment Issues

Just as prolonged thumb sucking can affect tooth alignment, so can long-term pacifier use. Your child’s teeth may slant forward or protrude from the mouth and the teeth may not come in properly.

Your child may have crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth. They could also experience changes in their jaw development or alignment with consistent and prolonged use of a pacifier.

Unfortunately, children who experience teeth or jaw alignment issues from pacifier misuse will require orthodontic intervention in the future. Teeth that are affected won’t fix themselves and any jaw or bite issues won’t go away on their own.

Guidelines to Follow When Using Pacifiers for Healthy Teeth

While pacifiers can certainly be helpful, parents should use them with the understanding that they are temporary, not a habit to be encouraged.

You can follow the below tips for keeping your child’s tooth and jaw development healthy even with use of a pacifier in their infancy:

– Consider only using a pacifier during your child’s nap and sleep time.
– Consider stopping or limiting use of the pacifier once your baby is able to coo, which indicates that they have control over their tongue and no longer need a pacifier.
– In any case, ensure your child is weaned off the pacifier by the time they are two years old.
– Avoid dipping the pacifier in a sweet solution such as honey; this can encourage tooth decay.
– Consider using the pacifier to soothe your baby only as a last resort once he or she is past the age of one.

You can talk more with your child-friendly dentist about the use of a pacifier and continue to schedule regular checkups for your little one to ensure their tooth development is on track!

When using a pacifier, it’s important to exercise caution so that your baby can have healthy teeth and gums for life. By using a pacifier properly, you can enjoy its benefits while reducing the risk that your child would experience oral health problems as a result. Talk to your dentist or pediatrician more about safe pacifier use!

Sources:
1. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/5/e716
2. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0415/p681-s1.html

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Teething can be a challenging time for babies and their parents, causing symptoms that range from drooling to irritability to trouble sleeping. Your child may also be trying to chew on objects, rub their face, or be difficult to soothe.

You can help your baby through the teething process with the following tips to help reduce their teething discomfort.

Massage Your Child’s Gums

Applying light pressure to your child’s gums via a gum massage can help temporarily alleviate their teething pain until an episode passes. Be sure to always wash your hands before putting your finger in your baby’s mouth.

You can gently massage your child’s gums to help soothe them while their teeth are coming in. Be sure not to apply too much pressure and if your baby shows signs of additional distress, discontinue this practice.

Keep Stress to a Minimum

Inflammation during the teething process causes your child’s mouth to hurt. Any additional stress on your baby can exacerbate their symptoms, so keeping your baby as comfortable as possible during this time is important.

For some babies, soothing activities such as breastfeeding (if you choose to breastfeed your child) or a warm bath can help distract a baby from their discomfort and calm them down.

Give Them a Cold Object

There are many objects on the market today that can be chilled or frozen for your baby to chew on to help numb their mouth and stop their teething pain. These include:

 Teething toys. These may include teething rings, wooden toys which can help apply pressure, or even teething necklaces that go in the freezer and can be given to baby for them to chew on for cool relief.

 Frozen fruit. Never give your baby whole frozen fruit as they may choke; instead, you can try putting the fruit in mesh bags that are tied off or sealed and allowing your baby to chew and refilling as needed.

 Other frozen objects. You may also choose to try a cold spoon, a frozen washcloth, or other objects to help alleviate your baby’s pain, just be sure your child cannot choke on the object and always supervise your baby!

Teething Gel

Your dentist may recommend a teething gel to provide your baby with quick relief in the event that they are inconsolable with these other tips during the teething process. Your dentist can let you know what gel they recommend and where you can find it as well as how to apply it. Typically, any type of pain medication is used as a last resort for babies who are teething.

Is your child going through the teething process? Emerging teeth can be uncomfortable for babies and anxiety inducing for parents who have to comfort their baby during this time. You can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort and stress with the above tips for teething pain!

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Even if your orthodontist has prepared you for your child’s appointment, the following tips will
help you to create an even smoother transition for your child to adapt to life with braces after
their appointment!

Preparing for Discomfort

Your child should be informed that there will be some pain associated with getting braces.
While teeth are shifting, especially during the first few days after getting braces, your child’s
teeth will be very sore and your child may be more irritable because of this discomfort.

In order to help alleviate your child’s pain, you should have the following on hand before your
child gets their braces:

Orthodontic Wax. This dental wax will help your child’s gum tissue adjust to the braces
by softening edges that may, at least in the beginning, rub painfully on your child’s
gums.

Cold Foods or Ice. Keeping cold foods such as ice cream, popsicles, and even frozen
yogurt on hand can help reduce discomfort while providing a soft, easy-to-eat snack.
Some children may also want to suck on ice, just be sure they don’t chew it as ice can
actually fracture teeth.

OTC Pain Medication.

Your orthodontist can recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen to help manage your child’s pain.

Not every child will experience the same level of pain when getting braces, but by keeping
these items on hand and preparing your child for the discomfort to come, you both can be
better prepared for adjusting to life with braces.

At Your Appointment

During your child’s appointment to get their braces on, you should expect to be there for
approximately one to two hours. Appointment time will vary by the type of braces your child is
getting, but typically, at least one hour is to be expected. Plan to be at the office for this
amount of time and don’t fret—your child’s orthodontist is doing his or her best to ensure the
application goes smoothly.

Stock the Fridge and Pantry

Be sure to stock plenty of soft foods for your child to eat in those first few days after they get
braces. Due to the level of discomfort children can experience with their new orthodontia, soft
foods are a must during those first tender days. Some good meal options and snacks include:

 Soup
 Smoothies
 Mashed Potatoes
 Yogurt
 Ice Cream
 Pudding
 Scrambled eggs
 Applesauce
 Bread products such as muffins or pancakes
 Pasta
 Soft fruits such as bananas, watermelon, or ripe peaches
 Tofu

Keeping some of your child’s favorite soft foods on hand can help them better cope with the
discomfort of their new braces and keep them nourished during this time of transition.
Within a few days, your child’s teeth should begin to feel better. Most children adjust to their
braces after just a few weeks, so be patient while also being encouraging and prepared.

Is your child getting braces today? By being prepared with the necessary items including food,
orthodontic wax, and anti-inflammatory OTC medication, you can help your child adjust to their
new orthodontia and look forward to that straight smile when the braces finally come off!

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