If left to continue as the permanent teeth come in, thumb-sucking can impact your child’s jaw and tooth development, and may even lead to crooked teeth. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s thumb-sucking habit and their tooth development!

Thumb-Sucking Can Cause Issues With Tooth Development

If your child still sucks their thumb as their permanent teeth come in, it can cause issues with the growth and the alignment of the teeth [2]. Vigorous thumb suckers can even develop problems with their baby teeth. Due to the position of their thumb in their mouth, the teeth can actually grow “around” the finger, creating crowded or crooked teeth.

The same is also true for children who suck their thumbs for an extended period of time. This action can actually “push” the front teeth forward, which could lead to protruding teeth or crooked teeth.

May Also Cause an Improper Bite

Thumb-sucking past the age when the permanent teeth come in can cause a malocclusion, otherwise known as an improper bite [3]. The most common improper bite as a result of thumb-sucking is what’s called an open bite. An open bite happens when the jaw is at rest, but the front upper and lower teeth don’t align properly, and so there will be an open space. Both thumb and pacifier sucking can cause an open bite.

When the jaw doesn’t fit together properly, it can lead to other problems, including chronic jaw discomfort or even trouble chewing or speaking. Stopping thumb-sucking is one preventable way to prevent a malocclusion in your child!

When to Break the Habit

If your child doesn’t stop sucking their thumb or pacifier on their own by the age of five years old, it could be time to intervene [4]. Once the habit is broken, your child’s teeth may still return to normal, or they may need orthodontic intervention if the permanent teeth have been affected. Your dentist can let you know more about what to expect during your child’s checkup.

While thumb-sucking is normal and shouldn’t necessarily be discouraged, it can be a problem if your child doesn’t stop on their own past the age of five or six. You can schedule an appointment with your child-friendly dentist to talk about your child’s thumb-sucking habits and determine if they could be negatively impacting your child’s smile. Your dentist can also give you more pointers on helping your little one to stop if they are past the age that thumb-sucking is considered normal.

Be aware of the effect excessive or prolonged thumb-sucking can have on your child’s teeth as well as their jaw development! By doing so, you can support your child by making healthy choices to protect their oral health for years to come.

Sources:
1. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tp23120
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2639459
4. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-

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Every baby is different and some children won’t have their first teeth begin to erupt until the age of one year or later. Any parent or caregiver who’s been around a fussy teething baby wants to know—how long is this going to last? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to the duration of your child’s teething pain!

Expect Teething to Last a Few Days

You can expect teething pain to last a few days for each tooth or set of teeth [1]. Your baby’s discomfort comes from a tooth slowly working its way through their gumline. Although your baby may be uncomfortable, don’t worry if you don’t see a tooth—it’ll come in within a few days’ time!

To check for incoming teeth, you can inspect your child’s gums, which may appear more red or swollen at the area where the tooth will soon appear. You may also notice a small blister at the area as well, which should go away once the tooth erupts.

Signs and Symptoms of Teething You May Notice

It’s normal for children to be in some discomfort during their teething process. Normal signs and symptoms to expect include irritability, drooling, restlessness or trouble sleeping, and decreased appetite [2]. Fortunately, these symptoms should only last until the tooth has pushed through the gumline!

A fever, rash, or diarrhea are not normal symptoms of teething and you should follow up with your pediatrician if your child has any of these conditions, whether alone or in conjunction with their teething pain.

What Can You Do to Help Your Child?

It might feel like a long few days, but once your baby’s teeth come through the gumline, they’ll begin to feel better. In the meantime, you can try giving your baby a gum massage, cold or cool foods to eat, and firm objects to chew on that are approved for children.

Your pediatrician may recommended medication or teething gel as necessary [3]. Around the time that your child’s first tooth comes in, you can take him or her to the dentist for a checkup. Remember, as soon as your child has teeth, they’re susceptible to tooth decay!

It can be difficult to see your toddler in pain, but rest assured that their teething pain will pass. In the meantime, try some of the above suggestions, and should you have any questions about your child’s teething pain, follow up with your kid-friendly dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.medicinenet.com/teething/article.htm
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teething
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002045.htm

The post Signs and Symptoms of Teething You May (and May Not) Notice appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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

The post Home Remedies for Your Baby’s Teething appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

During OSA, the airway collapses and produces pauses in breathing that can last for a minute or
longer. People will wake up gasping for air, although they may not remember these episodes as
they happen during sleep.

In children, boys and girls have the same risk for sleep apnea. Children ages 3-6 are more likely
to have the disorder, although only between two to four percent of children suffer from OSA
[1].

What are some of the risk factors for childhood sleep apnea? The following conditions may
predispose your child to developing this harmful sleep disorder.

Children with Certain Facial Features

Children who have specific facial characteristics may be more prone to develop sleep apnea.
These characteristics include having smaller nostrils, having been born with cleft palate, or
having a smaller jaw [2].

These facial features can lead to an inhibited airway during sleep, increasing your child’s risk for
obstructive sleep apnea. Signs of sleep apnea include snoring, daytime fatigue, and behavioral
problems in younger children.

Down Syndrome

Children who have Down syndrome are more likely to have OSA. These children may have
smaller airway passages and enlarged tongues or tonsils which may lead to the development of
OSA. Weak muscle tone in the upper airway could also increase your child’s risk for sleep apnea
[3].

Children with Down syndrome are also more prone to obesity that could lead to trouble
breathing. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for developing OSA as excessive weight
around the neck can cause the airway to collapse during sleep.

Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular diseases—conditions that affect the muscles and the nerves that control their
movements—can predispose children to OSA.

These include conditions such as muscular dystrophy, dermatomyositis, Guillain-Barre
Syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorder [4]. If your child has a neuromuscular
disease in combination with signs of sleep apnea, it’s time to seek an evaluation from a sleep
specialist.

Children Who Have Tonsillitis

Children with a history of swollen tonsils may experience a collapsed airway during sleep that
could lead to OSA. If your child has tonsillitis, ask your doctor or dentist about their risk for
sleep apnea during their next appointment.

Family History

Having a family history of sleep apnea can put your child at risk to develop the disorder. If you
or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea, let your child’s pediatrician or dentist
know so you can be aware if your child is at risk to develop the disorder.

Don’t Wait to Seek Help

It’s important to seek help for your child’s sleep apnea and not wait for your child to “grow out”
of the disorder. While it’s possible that some children may not have OSA as they get older, the
condition is very damaging while it lasts and could have long-lasting effects on your child’s
cognition and mood [5].

Getting help from your child’s dentist or pediatrician is paramount. Dentists frequently come
into contact with OSA and can refer you to a sleep specialist for a diagnosis if she or she
believes a sleep disorder is present.

Schedule an appointment with your child-friendly dentist today to discuss the risks of OSA for
your child!

Sources:

1. http://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders-by-category/sleep-breathing-disorders/child-sleep-apnea/symptoms-risk-factors
2. https://nyulangone.org/conditions/sleep-apnea-in-children/diagnosis
3. https://www.ndss.org/resources/obstructive-sleep-apnea-syndrome/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18534877
5. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-news/sleep-apnea-children-lead-changes-mood-cognition/

The post Is Your Child Predisposed to Having Obstructive Sleep Apnea? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Frena are an essential part of our smiles and keep our mouths healthy and functional. However, there are certain cases where the frena are hindering to the mouth’s daily activities, such as speaking and eating. What is a frenectomy, and why is it necessary?

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is the removal or shortening of a frenum in the mouth. For some people, their frena may be elongated and cause problems, so a frenectomy will better shape the frenum and alleviate any discomfort or challenges.

A frenectomy could include the removal of one frenum or removal of several frena. Whichever frena are causing problems are the ones that will need attention to help your mouth be comfortable and functional again. Any frena have the potential to cause problems!

When Is a Frenectomy Necessary?

There are a few scenarios in which a frenum or frena would need to be removed. For example, if the lingual frenum (underneath the tongue) is too long, it can cause infants discomfort or difficulty when eating. This is what constitutes the phrase “tongue-tied”—having an elongated lingual frenum that essentially binds your tongue to the bottom of your mouth.

For labial frenum (which connect your lips to your mouth), there may be problems when getting orthodontic treatment as your child gets older. If the labial frena extend too far, they can actually cause a gap between the front teeth. In some cases, the gap goes away once the permanent teeth come in; however, if it doesn’t, a frenectomy may be necessary to fully address spacing issues when your child is receiving orthodontic treatment.

Who Performs the Procedure?

An oral surgeon will usually perform the frenectomy. The procedure is simple—usually lasting only about 15 minutes—and recovery time is relatively short, approximately two weeks. Unless the frena are causing a problem such as hindering your infant from feeding or causing speech problems as your child gets older, typically noninvasive treatments are considered first.

However, a frenectomy may be necessary under certain circumstances. Any dentist, especially a good pediatric dentist, can evaluate your child for problems with any of their frena to determine if they could be affecting your child’s ability to eat, speak, or will create problems with teeth spacing later in life.

If you notice your child is having issues, you may be able to gently check their frena for elongation. However, scheduling an appointment with your child-friendly dentist is important to have a professional evaluation. For some children, frena don’t need to be noticeably elongated to cause problems. A frenectomy is a simple procedure that can help your child overcome these challenges and have a pain-free, functional smile for life!

The post Ask the Dentist: What is a Frenectomy? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Thumb sucking is usually harmful if it persists beyond the ages of 5-6 years. What long-term
impacts is your child at risk for if they continue sucking their thumb?

An Improper Bite

Perhaps the most obvious effect of prolonged thumb sucking is a misaligned bite, also called a
malocclusion. Thumb sucking has the potential to cause an overbite, underbite, or an open bite
due to shifting teeth from the presence of the thumb being in the mouth.

The pressure of the thumb can cause teeth to shift outward and upward, leading to protruding
teeth or teeth that don’t touch when the mouth is closed. An improper bite normally requires
orthodontics to fix and may cause discomfort to your child when they speak, chew, or even
when the jaw is at rest.

Speech Problems

Speech problems such as a lisp or trouble pronouncing certain words can happen as a result of
thumb sucking. This is because constant thumb sucking can affect the development of your
child’s jaw, leading to a problem that could even require surgery to fix.

Thumb sucking may also prolong tongue thrust, a condition that infants grow out of once they
begin eating solid foods. Tongue thrust occurs when the tongue protrudes through the front
teeth, and can cause crooked teeth or a malocclusion.

Increased Risk of Infections

Children who suck their thumbs well into and beyond their toddler years are at greater risk for
infections due to constantly exposing the mouth to bacteria. These children are typically
introduced to antibiotics earlier than children who cease the thumb sucking habit.

If your child is old enough, explain to them that sucking their thumb can put them at risk for getting sick, something that will make you both feel bad!

How Can You Get Your Child to Stop?

It’s important that your child eventually stops sucking his or her thumb, but perhaps even more
important is how you go about discouraging this bad habit.

Be gentle when encouraging your child not to suck their thumb. They should be old enough to
understand the reasons why this habit is harmful. You can also try distracting them when they
begin to suck their thumb to help break the habit.

Remember, this is a behavior typically done under stress, so minimizing stress in your child’s life
may help prevent them from feeling the need to suck their thumb.

Is your child still sucking their thumb? This habit has long-term consequences for children if it’s
allowed to continue past the age of 5. You can also talk with your dentist about clever ways to
get your child to stop sucking their thumb if the habit proves difficult to break. Consider these
long-term impacts of thumb sucking when trying to get your child to stop!

The post The Long-Term Impacts of Thumb Sucking appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Babies can get gum disease and even experience tooth decay. Here’s why your infant might be
experiencing symptoms of gum disease and what you can do about it.

Lack of Proper Oral Hygiene

If you aren’t regularly cleaning your baby’s mouth, your infant is more likely to get gingivitis, the
beginning stage of gum disease.

Although some health conditions such as type 1 diabetes and Down’s Syndrome make babies
more likely to get gum disease, the culprit is often a lack of oral hygiene. You should be cleaning
your baby’s mouth after every feeding whether or not their teeth have come in yet.

If you’re not cleaning your baby’s mouth regularly, you may see red and swollen gums in your
baby’s oral cavity. If your child is teething and you feel a tooth coming in beneath the gumline,
this may be normal discomfort from teething. If your child isn’t getting a tooth in, seek
professional care to see what the problem is.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Symptoms of gum disease in infants and toddlers are not much different than gum disease in
adults. Signs and symptoms include puffy, swollen gum tissue, red gums, bleeding, and
sensitivity. Your child may be more irritable or cry often as a result of their discomfort.

If you suspect your infant has gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with your
child-friendly dentist as soon as possible to determine what the problem is and to seek
treatment before your child’s mouth is further affected.

How to Prevent Gum Disease in Infants

In order to promote good oral health and prevent gum disease in infants, you must clean their
mouth regularly. Fortunately, cleaning your infant’s mouth after feedings is simple.
If your child doesn’t have teeth yet, a clean, damp washcloth can be used to gently wipe the
gums after feedings.

If your baby has teeth, use a tiny toothbrush with a tiny amount of toothpaste (the size of a
grain of rice) to gently brush their tooth or teeth. It’s not necessary to use toothpaste with
fluoride until your child is in their toddler years.

Once your baby has two teeth that touch together, you can use dental floss to gently floss in-
between the teeth in addition to their regular brushing routine.

Preventing gum disease in infants all comes back to proper oral hygiene. Your dentist can
further advise you on best practices when taking care of your baby’s mouth to stop gum
disease or to treat it once gingivitis has set in. In order to give your baby the healthiest mouth
possible, be diligent about their oral care!

The post Can Infants Suffer from Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although some children may grow out of their sleep apnea, the effects of this sleep disorder are
devastating, so getting treatment while it lasts is important. Here’s why your child may not
grow out of their sleep apnea and how treatment can make a difference.

Determine the Cause of Your Child’s Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea could be caused by different things, depending on your child’s specific
circumstances. Some of these causes include being overweight or obese, having cleft palate,
having chronic allergies, enlarged tonsils, or an under-developed respiratory system could all be
at the root of your child’s sleep apnea.

By discovering the cause, you can determine a solution with your child’s sleep specialist. If your
child has enlarged tonsils, they may need to have their tonsils removed, or if they’re
overweight, a weight management program may help alleviate their symptoms. Regardless,
getting treatment is important to stopping your child’s sleep apnea.

How Treatment Alleviates Symptoms

When your child receives the proper treatment for sleep apnea, their symptoms will lessen,
helping them to experience a better quality of life. Symptoms of sleep apnea for children could
include trouble sleeping, long pauses in breathing while sleeping, persistent mouth breathing,
snoring, and behavioral problems such as attention deficit disorder.

Due to its diverse range of symptoms, sleep apnea may be difficult to recognize for some
parents. When the core issue of your child’s sleep apnea is solved, they’ll sleep better at night
and get the rest they need to perform better during the day, therefore helping them overcome
sleep apnea.

Getting a Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis is the first step in determining whether or not your child has sleep apnea
and then finding out the cause of their sleep apnea. Don’t attempt to diagnose your child’s
sleep apnea or figure out the cause, as it could be more harmful than helpful to them. A sleep
specialist is the best person to diagnose your child’s sleep apnea.

If a specific cause isn’t found for your child’s sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be able to help
your child breathe normally and sleep peacefully at night. Oral appliances are fitted by your
dentist and are more comfortable alternatives to CPAP machines, which can be cumbersome
and frightening for some children. Once a diagnosis is made, you and your child’s doctor can
discuss an appropriate form of treatment that’ll work the best for your child.

Are you seeing symptoms of sleep apnea in your child? If so, consider scheduling an
appointment with their dentist or pediatrician to get a referral to a sleep specialist. A sleep
specialist can diagnose your child’s sleep apnea and work with you to determine the best
solution. Since childhood sleep apnea can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, getting
treatment is the best way to help your child feel better!

The post Can Children Grow Out of Their Sleep Apnea? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How else is your child’s dental health influential on their development? A strong smile has more
benefits than you think! Read on to find out more about the importance of oral health in your
child’s life.

Growing Confidence

Your child begins to develop confidence as they socialize with their peers and understand who
they are in the world. If children are self-conscious about their smile as the result of tooth
decay, staining, bad breath, or crooked teeth, they’re more likely to hold back with their
friends. They won’t feel they can reveal their true selves when their smile isn’t healthy enough
to the point that they’re proud to share it with others.

By encouraging effective brushing habits at home, you can help your child grow their
confidence in their smile. Even if crooked teeth haven’t been addressed through orthodontia
yet, your child can still get a boost of confidence through having a bright, clean smile!

Take Responsibility for Their Care

Helping your child master those brushing and flossing habits takes time and supervision, but it
can also instill self-reliance and a sense of responsibility in your child. Taking care of their teeth
and seeing the positive results can put a big smile on their face! When you go to the dentist,
your child-friendly dentist can let them know how good of a job they’re doing and encourage
them to improve.

Taking this type of responsibility can help your child grow up to not only care about brushing
and flossing in their adult years, but also give them the self-assurance they need to be happy
and successful in life.

Build Healthy Eating Habits

Emphasizing your child’s dental health is important because it helps you assert the significance
of self-care. The healthy habits you teach them—from brushing and flossing to eating healthy
foods—can lead to a positive relationship with food and self-care. Your child’s self-image can
develop strongly and positively, making them happy and healthy.

Visiting the dentist and encouraging healthy brushing habits begins early in life when your child
gets their first teeth. By the time your child begins to develop their confidence and grows into a
young person, their smile should be the thing that backs them up each time they take a step in
the world.

How healthy is your child’s smile? Dentist visits should happen every six months, especially if
your child has already experienced tooth decay in the past. You can help your child develop
properly and happily by helping them take the best care of their smile. Teach habits and visit
the dentist to help your child be their best every day!

The post Your Child’s Dental Health Could Impact Their Growth and Development appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although rare for children to develop gum disease, it can happen. Teenagers are more likely to show signs of gum disease than younger children. What can you do to prevent gum disease in your kids?

Teach Children Proper Dental Care

The best place to start with preventing gum disease is proper dental hygiene. This means
brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using fluoride if your dentist recommends it. You should start teaching your kids about how to properly care for their teeth as soon as they’re able to brush their own teeth!

Find a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child and teach them to brush gently and to brush the surface of every tooth. Have them floss once a day to remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria from the places they can’t reach. This can help reduce their chances for getting gum disease now and later in life!

Make the Dentist Part of Your Routine

The dentist is going to be an important part of your child’s oral care. It’s best to get your little one used to the dentist early—they should have their first appointment around the time that first baby tooth emerges! A good kid-friendly dentist can provide the necessary checkup and teeth cleaning your child needs to remain healthy.

You can also talk with your dentist about dental sealants, which may be a good idea to help
further protect your child’s teeth from plaque. Signs of gum disease include bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, loose permanent teeth, tooth sensitivity, and receding, sensitive, or bleeding gums.

Eat Healthy Snacks

Promoting good nutrition goes a long way towards protecting your child’s teeth. Not only will these habits help your child’s smile now, but they can set up future habits that will protect your child for life. This includes limiting sugar, eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and making water your main beverage.

Let your kids know that it’s ok to enjoy sugary snacks occasionally, just not all the time. Drinking water when consuming anything with sugar in it is a good idea, as it can act as a buffer for your teeth. Providing lots of healthy snacks at your home can help prevent childhood gum disease! Preventing gum disease is as easy as taking proper care of your smile. With children, they may need some extra supervision to ensure they’re doing a good job. You don’t have to do it alone. Regular checkups at the dentist can not only protect your child from gum disease, but from tooth decay as well. Encourage healthy brushing habits, visit your dentist, and eat healthy snacks. These tips will help you prevent gum disease for life!

The post Gum Disease Prevention Tips for Children appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.