Signs Your Child May Need Orthodontic Attention

There are several early indicators that your child could benefit from orthodontic care. Crowded or crooked teeth are often the most noticeable reasons to seek an evaluation, but other signs of potential orthodontic concerns may be more subtle. If your child has difficulty biting or chewing, often breathes through their mouth, or frequently bites the inside of their cheeks, they may have bite alignment or jaw issues. Speech difficulties and teeth that don’t come together properly when their mouth is closed are also important to watch for. Even if they still have baby teeth, these signs can indicate that their permanent teeth may not erupt correctly.

The Impact of Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers

Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can affect how your child’s teeth and jaw develop. These habits may lead to an open bite, where the front teeth don’t touch, or cause their upper teeth to protrude. The longer the habit continues, the more likely it is to influence their dental alignment. Addressing these behaviors early can reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later on.

When to Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, examining a mix of baby and permanent teeth allows the orthodontist to identify developing problems with tooth alignment and jaw growth. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean immediate treatment is necessary, but it does allow for careful monitoring and timely intervention if needed.

Early Treatment Can Make a Difference

Knowing when to seek an orthodontic assessment can help you stay ahead of potential concerns and support your child’s long-term oral health. By scheduling an evaluation at the right time, you can help ensure your child’s teeth grow into a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile. Talk to your child’s dentist today about whether they think your child would benefit from early orthodontic evaluation. 

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In some cities, fluoride has also been added to public drinking water to help protect teeth against decay. However, many parents wonder if fluoride is healthy for their little one’s developing smile. Is fluoride safe for your child’s dental health?

Yes, Fluoride Has Been Shown to Be Safe and Effective

Fluoride is a widely used mineral that’s considered to be safe and effective for your children’s teeth. Drinking water with fluoride as well as using toothpaste with fluoride are both considered safe [1]. Some children don’t get fluoride in their drinking water, and may need a supplemental form of fluoride such as a mouth rinse even if they brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste. There is such a thing as getting too much fluoride, so if you have concerns about your child’s fluoride consumption, talk with your child’s dentist to ensure they’re getting just the right amount to help their smile!

Fluoride Has Many Benefits for Your Child’s Dental Health

Using fluoride isn’t only safe for your child’s smile, but has benefits that are hard to beat. After decades of research, fluoride has been shown to [2]:

• Reduce tooth decay by 25% in both adults and children
• Strengthen tooth enamel
• Prevent the need for fillings later in life
• Make tooth loss less likely even in adulthood

Fluoride works with other minerals in your child’s saliva, including calcium and phosphate, to keep teeth strong and resistant to cavities [3]. Without fluoride as part of your child’s oral care routine, teeth aren’t as protected against damage from acids and bacteria, which can lead to an increased risk for cavities.

When Should You Start Using Fluoride for Your Child?

While fluoride is an excellent tool for protecting your child’s smile, like toothpaste and mouthwash, it shouldn’t be swallowed. So while you can start brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as they have teeth, it’s important to assist them with their teeth brushing until they’re old enough to be trusted to do the task on their own (usually around age seven or eight, but the exact number can be different for every child!).

Any fluoride mouth rinses shouldn’t be used until your child is at least six years of age [4]. Your dentist can let you know if your child needs a fluoride rinse and prescribe one if necessary. For some children, they may need topical application of fluoride at the dentist’s office to help protect against decay, especially if your child isn’t getting enough fluoride at home.

Is Your Child Getting Enough Fluoride?

Your child’s dentist can review your child’s fluoride use with you and let you know if they could need additional fluoride treatments. Fluoride isn’t just safe for your little one’s oral health—it offers protective benefits that can encourage a healthy smile for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/moms-guide-to-fluoride
2. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Files/Fluoridation_Facts.pdf?la=en
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fluoride-superhero
4. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=fluoride-and-children-90-
P01853

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In addition to having a fussy baby during the teething process, it can be difficult to see your child experiencing discomfort. How long can you expect your toddler’s teething pain to last, and what can you do about it in the meantime?

Teeth Erupt Over a Period of Three Years

Your baby’s gums will likely feel sensitive before their first tooth erupts, and the process could take a few days. Once the tooth appears through the gumline, you can expect them to start feeling better.

A total of about 20 primary teeth will eventually appear throughout a period of roughly three years [1]. By the age of three, most children have all their baby teeth in. So while you can expect the process to last a few days or so for each tooth, you can expect teeth to appear here and there until your child reaches their third birthday.

Symptoms Your Toddler May Be Teething

How can you know if your baby’s first teeth are about to appear? Common symptoms for children about to get their primary teeth include [2]:

 Sensitive or sore gums
 Frequent or excessive drooling
 Being picky about eating
 Trouble sleeping
 General irritability

While these symptoms are considered normal and will subside once your toddler’s teeth are in, you should be on the lookout for uncommon symptoms of teething, including a fever, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Don’t hesitate to contact your child-friendly dentist or pediatrician with questions!

How Can You Help?

While your baby’s teething discomfort won’t last for long, it helps to know a few ways you can help your child feel better during this time. Consider firm teething toys, such as wood or rubber, but avoid liquid-filled teething objects, as your baby can potentially puncture them and ingest the liquid [3].

Try gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger. The pressure can help alleviate discomfort for some children! You can also try chilled items such as fruit or a wet washcloth, but always give to your child under supervision, and never give completely frozen items, as they can be too harsh for your baby’s mouth.

Don’t Forget Your Baby’s Dental Checkup!

It’s a good idea to schedule a checkup for your baby around the time that he or she gets their first tooth in. Your child-friendly dentist can ensure that your baby’s teeth are on track and that they are healthy and free of decay. Your dentist can also provide you with more tips on dealing with your child’s teething pain to help you both get through this trying time!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ForthePatient_1114.pdf?la=en
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12415773
3. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/helping-your-baby-teething-pain

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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.

Functional orthodontics helps reposition your upper and lower jaw to support a better facial profile [1]. This field of orthodontics works to correct both your teeth and your facial structure for people that are concerned about both their teeth and their facial aesthetics.

How else is functional orthodontics different from traditional orthodontic treatment?

A Different Approach to Straightening Teeth

In traditional orthodontics, teeth are treated without looking at the original cause of the problem.

For example, crowded teeth are typically treated by extracting the teeth that don’t have room and positioning the remaining teeth accordingly. However, in functional orthodontics, your orthodontist will actually use a device to expand the jaw to make room for all the teeth, thereby addressing the root cause of the issue—that there was not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to begin with.

What are the benefits of such an approach?

By expanding the jaw, your orthodontist works to create a more even facial profile and can even influence airway development to prevent breathing issues. Functional orthodontics can also play a role in preventing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause chronic pain in the jaw [2].

Functional orthodontics operates under the philosophy that dental abnormalities are caused by environmental factors and can be corrected without extractions.

Who Qualifies for Functional Orthodontics?

Both adults and children can benefit from functional orthodontics. One of the benefits of functional orthodontics is that its approach can prevent teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment is complete.

There are a variety of functional orthodontic devices that can be used to stimulate growth of the jaw to correct alignment issues [3]. However, wearing the device as required by your orthodontist is essential to the success of your treatment.

Children may have trouble wearing the appliances as often as recommended, depending on their treatment plan. This is something you can discuss with your orthodontist during your child’s consultation!

Where to Find a Functional Orthodontist

Although all orthodontists are trained to improve aesthetics and function of the teeth, not every orthodontist practices functional orthodontics as a form of treatment. To find an orthodontist who works to address the root cause of the issue, you can ask whether they’ll be using an appliance to correct the jaw or if they’ll be extracting the teeth to make room.

Their approach to your orthodontic concerns will tell you whether or not the orthodontist practices a functional approach as opposed to a traditional one. Regardless of which form of orthodontic treatment you decide is for you, improving your smile will always have benefits!

Proper jaw position can support successful orthodontic treatment and provide the foundation patients need for a beautiful, problem-free smile. Consider functional orthodontics for your child or for your treatment as an adult for lasting results!

Sources:
1. http://www.aafo.org/
2. https://www.dentistryiq.com/clinical/occlusion-tmj-and-sleep-
medicine/article/16351120/functional-orthodontics-the-foundation-of-wholebody-
dentistry
3. https://www.jco-online.com/archive/2003/11/599-treatment-of-class-ii-division-2-
malocclusion-in-adults-biomechanical-considerations/

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Since pregnant women experience hormone changes that can affect their smile, getting a checkup from your dentist if you plan on becoming pregnant or if you are pregnant can help you enjoy pregnancy even more and have a beautiful smile during this time too!

The following are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t neglect to schedule your prenatal  care checkup with your dentist.

Prevent Bacteria from Being Transferred to Your Child

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, If your smile contains bacteria that cause tooth decay, you could pass these bacteria on to your child through kissing, sharing utensils, and otherwise transferring saliva once your baby is born [1].

By getting a checkup with your dentist, you can help ensure that your smile is free of tooth decay so that you won’t have to worry about passing on bacteria once your beautiful baby is here!

It’s Safe to Receive Treatment During Pregnancy

Even if you haven’t visited the dentist before your pregnancy, it’s a good time to make an
appointment while you’re pregnant. It’s safe to get treatment for gum disease, take x-rays, and even receive local anesthesia while you’re carrying your baby [2].

There’s no reason to put off treatment for tooth decay or gum disease during your pregnancy, so don’t wait to talk to your dentist about your oral health.

Help Prevent Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight

Gum disease in pregnant mothers has been linked to premature birth and babies with a low birth weight. Research suggest that bacteria that causes gum inflammation can enter the bloodstream and affect your developing baby, leading to premature labor and a lower than normal birth weight [3].

Getting gum disease under control prior to or during your pregnancy can help you carry your baby to term and deliver a healthy baby. With nearly half of all American adults having gum disease, preventive measures are important for those who plan to conceive!

Prevent and Address Oral Health Issues During Pregnancy

Bacteria aren’t the only things that can cause gum problems and other oral health issues during pregnancy. Pregnant women experience a fluctuation of hormones as their pregnancy progresses that can make gum tissue swell and become more tender and sensitive [4].

These symptoms usually peak in the second trimester and in most cases, diminish after your baby is born. However, given the fact that we know the risk gum disease poses for unborn babies, seeking advice from your professional dentist during this time is important to ensure you take care of your smile for your baby.

With all the things going on during your pregnancy, it’s understandable that you’d neglect to visit your dentist for your checkup. However, getting a prenatal care checkup from your oral health provider is just as important as keeping up with your other appointments. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this is a great time to schedule an appointment with your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Health-Care-for-Underserved-Women/Oral-Health-Care-During-Pregnancy-and-Through-the-Lifespan
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=84
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/
4. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy/

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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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If your child is grinding his or her teeth, what can you do? When you suspect your child may
have bruxism, it’s time to seek help from your dentist to prevent and treat this disorder. The
following are our top tips to stop bruxism for good in your child!

Manage Stress

Stress is one of the top causes of teeth grinding. If your child is experiencing stress at home or
at school, he or she may be grinding their teeth as a result.

Helping to manage your child’s stress can help you prevent bruxism. If your child is
overscheduled or is facing stress due to tension at school or home, it’s important to address
this issue in addition to seeking help for your child’s teeth grinding.

Prevent Anxiety and Hyperactivity

Hyperactive children are more likely to grind their teeth. If your child is hyperactive or has been
diagnosed with attention deficient disorder or attention deficient hyperactive disorder, teeth
grinding may be more likely.

Children who suffer from anxiety may also be more prone to teeth grinding. Helping to prevent
and manage anxiety and hyperactivity may help stop your child’s teeth grinding!

An Improper Bite

Children who have a misaligned bite may be more prone to grinding their teeth. For some
children, a misaligned bite can be painful, and teeth grinding can happen in response to pain.

Getting your child evaluated for braces by an orthodontist no later than the age of seven can
help you know if your child is suffering from an improper bite and what can be done about it.

Treat the Underlying Problem

Treating the underlying cause of your child’s bruxism is essential. Without knowing what’s
causing the problem, it can be difficult to implement a long-term solution. Your child’s dentist
or pediatrician can help you uncover the root cause of your child’s teeth grinding.

Whether it’s stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, or an improper bite, you can figure out what’s going
on with your child. You may need to address the issue from a holistic standpoint with your
child’s pediatrician and his or her dentist if not a psychiatrist.

Consider a Nightly Mouthguard

After working to determine what’s causing your child’s bruxism, you may need to consider a
nightly mouthguard while working to address the root cause.

Bruxism can quickly work to damage teeth and irritate gums, so protecting the teeth is crucial,
even if your child is receiving treatment for the cause of their bruxism.
Your dentist can create a custom mouthguard for your child so that his or her teeth will be
protected while you’re seeking treatment.

Are you worried that your child is grinding his or her teeth? Don’t ignore bruxism—it’s
incredibly harmful and may permanently damage your child’s smile. There is help and hope for
bruxism, so schedule an appointment with your dentist today to discuss treatment options!

The post How to Prevent and Treat Your Child’s Teeth Grinding appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here are a few signs and symptoms that might be trying to tell you that you have an improper
bite and need treatment to feel better!

Your Teeth Don’t Align

Sometimes detecting an improper bite is as simple as noticing that the teeth are crooked or do
not line up properly, or, are uncomfortable when smiling. In fact, seeing an improper bite may
be most apparent when you smile, although not everyone will have a noticeable misaligned
bite. Your dentist will be able to tell and help you with treatment or can refer you to an
orthodontist for treatment if necessary.

You Have Jaw Pain

When your upper and lower jaw don’t quite fit together, it can put more pressure on the joint
that connects your jaw to your skull. Most patients have heard of this joint, called the
temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Improper bites play a big role in TMJ pain and symptoms,
making it important to address the root cause of your discomfort rather than just living with the
problem.

An improper bite can cause the joint to become strained and can put pressure on the joint,
which can cause sore jaw muscles, jaw pain, and even headaches. If you’re experiencing any of
these symptoms, an improper bite may be to blame!

You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is an unfortunate common habit. It’s also one that’s
extremely dangerous to your smile and can cause irreversible wear on your natural teeth. If you
have a misaligned bite, you may be more likely to grind your teeth since your teeth won’t fit
together properly.

Since bruxism can cause premature wear of the teeth, tooth sensitivity, inflamed gum tissue,
and even tooth loss, you should never wait to seek help this worrying habit that could be a
symptom of an improper bite!

You Have Uneven Tooth Wear

Teeth that fit together in a proper bite should wear evenly as the years go by. Teeth that don’t
fit together will often experience uneven tooth wear, which can cause some teeth to wear
down more than others. Unfortunately, this premature wear can also cause tooth sensitivity
and decay. When the enamel is worn away, your tooth is no longer protected, which gives rise
to a host of dental problems. A misaligned bite is often to blame for uneven tooth wear.

Fortunately, many children receive orthodontic care which can correct their bite as they enter
adulthood. However, it’s never too late to receive the care you need to correct your bite even
as an adult. Schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist today to discover if the
symptoms you’re experiencing are resulting from an improper bite that can be treated!

The post How Do I Know If I Have an Improper Bite? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Whether you want to help your kids take better care of their oral health or if you just want to
enjoy some teeth-friendly snacks, the following options are sure to make your summer (and
your smile) shine all season long!

Fresh Fruit

Summer offers an array of fruits that are in season. The natural sugar in these fruits is different
from refined sugars—their high water content and fiber makes them a healthy snack for your
teeth as well as your body.

Get creative when eating fruit this summer, especially if you have kids in tow! Try making:

 Sorbet. From frozen strawberries and fresh lime juice to bananas and cherries, simply
blend and enjoy!

 Frozen fruit bars. These tasty bars are easy when you have a popsicle mold and some
fresh pureed fruit.

 A fruit salad. Try grapes, cherries, peaches, kiwis, pineapple, and strawberries.
Whatever your kids are crazy about!

 Fruit kabobs. Have your kids make their own fruit kabobs, or, you can try fruit and
cheese kabobs for an extra calcium boost.

 A fruit necklace. Your kids will love making these (and eating them too)!

 Fruit pizza. Use watermelon as a base for this “pizza” and have your kids top with their
favorite fruits!

Sundried Tomato Hummus and Veggies

Give your hummus a summer vibe with sundried tomatoes. Add about a quarter cup of
sundried tomatoes to your favorite hummus recipe and enjoy! The crunchy veggies you can
enjoy with hummus—including carrots, celery, cucumber, and green pepper—can actually help
clean your teeth and get rid of plaque.

Do you live with picky eaters? Try having kids make a cup filled with their favorite vegetables
that they can use to eat the hummus or make veggie “pictures” on a tray and then decorate
with hummus for a custom hummus plate!

Frozen Yogurt Bark

This twist on frozen yogurt adds nuts and seeds for extra protein, fruit, and fiber while you and
your kids enjoy the calcium and probiotics of yogurt. To make frozen yogurt bark, simply spread
yogurt onto a layer of parchment paper, have kids add their toppings (or add your favorites!)
and freeze.

Once firm, break apart and eat quickly—this snack will melt fast! If you or your kids are lactose
intolerant, you can try cashew milk yogurt, coconut milk yogurt, or soy milk yogurt for similar
results. For toppings, you can add almonds, blueberries, blackberries, or chia seeds for
something fun and different!

You can enjoy all summer has to offer with these fun and unique snacks you and your kids are
bound to love. Your teeth will reap the benefits of extra hydration from fruits, scrubbing action
from vegetables with hummus, and calcium from frozen yogurt. Enjoy them while they
last—soon summer will be gone!

The post Healthy Summer Snacks Your Teeth (And Your Kids) Will Love appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.