Prolonged exposure to sugar causes baby bottle tooth decay, meaning that when your child consumes sugar over a period of time or frequently consumes sugar, tooth decay can happen.

Unfortunately, your child is at risk for tooth decay as soon as they have teeth, and baby bottle tooth decay is common. So how can you prevent tooth decay from affecting your little one’s smile? Here are your top tips for preventing baby bottle tooth decay!

Don’t Give Your Baby a Bottle Filled With Sugary Drinks

Filling a bottle with a sweet liquid such as juice can encourage your child to continue to drink until all the liquid is gone. This overexposes their teeth to sugar, leading to enamel damage that can cause tooth decay.

If using a bottle for your baby, be sure to only use breastmilk, formula, or milk in the bottle. Your child should be able to drink from a cup by their first birthday, so continue to encourage this practice as your child gets older.

Bottles should never be given in place of a pacifier. If giving your baby a pacifier, don’t dip it in a sugary substance such as honey, as this can also contribute to tooth decay. It’s also important to never put your baby to bed with a bottle or any kind of food, as it can encourage cavity formation due to reduced saliva production while sleeping [1].

Clean Your Child’s Mouth

You may think you don’t need to clean your child’s mouth if their baby teeth haven’t come in yet. But the truth is that you should clean your child’s mouth at least once a day even if they don’t have teeth.

Take a clean cloth or piece of gauze and gently wipe their mouth after each feeding. Even though you can’t see them, your child’s teeth are forming underneath their gums and will soon make their way in. Keeping your child’s mouth clean is not only a good habit, but can help prevent the buildup of bacteria when their teeth emerge.

As soon as your child has teeth you can begin to gently brush them, and as soon as they have two teeth that touch together, you can begin flossing [2]!

Refrain From Sharing Utensils With Your Child

Did you know that the bacteria in your mouth can spread to your baby’s mouth through shared utensils [3]? Whether or not you have tooth decay or gum disease, it’s a good idea to limit sharing utensils or straws with your child as their teeth are coming in.

Bacteria that exist in your oral cavity can spread to your baby’s mouth and influence their risk for tooth decay. Get a clean spoon for feedings instead of sharing, and refrain from “cleaning” their pacifier by putting it in your own mouth before giving it to your child.

Remember to Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Child

While it may seem like your child doesn’t need to see the dentist, current guidelines suggest scheduling a visit for your baby around the time of their first birthday. This is when their first teeth should begin to emerge, and your dentist can help ensure the teeth are healthy and developing properly for a bright smile!

Sources:

1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-
2. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay

The post Top Tips for Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While there’s no one best age for your child to have braces, there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind when it comes to seeking orthodontic care. The best age will vary for each child, and your little one is unique! Here’s what you need to know about the best age for your child to have braces.

Get an Orthodontic Evaluation By Age 7

Children should be evaluated for braces as their permanent teeth are coming in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist no later than age 7 [1]. Why does your child need to be seen at such a young age?

At this age, your child will still have some of their baby teeth, but also some of their permanent teeth as well. An orthodontist will be able to see bite and alignment problems forming at this age, if they are present, and recommend treatment as early as possible to prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.

No Two Cases or Treatment Times Will Be the Same

The best age to begin orthodontic treatment will vary, as no two kids are the same in their orthodontic issues, tooth development, and jaw development. However, the most common ages to begin orthodontia are between the ages of 8 and 14 [2].

The average treatment time for orthodontia will range anywhere from one year to over two years. In general, however, the average time for treatment is just under two years. It’s important to remember that every child is different and treatment times can vary greatly!

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Seek Orthodontic Care for Your Child

As kids’ teeth are generally still developing during their first orthodontist consultation, this is a good age to consider treatment. Some children will need orthodontic intervention earlier based on their issues, while others can wait until their teenage years. Some interventions are easier to do at earlier ages than they are as your child gets older.

The first orthodontist visit is usually simple and painless for children, and will involve an exam and some questions, including x-rays [3]. Based on your orthodontist’s findings, he or she may discuss treatment options with you at this time.

Is It Time to See the Orthodontist?

Your dentist can usually tell if your child requires orthodontic work, and can recommend an
experienced orthodontist to you for treatment. Some dental practices handle orthodontics as well to make treatment even more convenient. Is it time to schedule an appointment for your child to be evaluated for braces? Don’t put off this important appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/first-visit/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/braces/expert-answers/dental-
3. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html

The post What Is the Best Age for Your Child to Have Braces? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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.

These unique braces are made with the same surgical steel as traditional orthodontic brackets, and so are considered safe and effective to wear [1]. They provide fun bracket designs for your child to choose from!

What’s Different About WildSmiles Braces?

WildSmiles are designer braces that allow children and teens to get creative with their orthodontia. These special brackets give patients the freedom to choose from different bracket shapes, including stars, hearts, flowers, footballs, sports balls, and diamonds.

While WildSmiles braces allow kids to be expressive, they are first considered a form of professional orthodontic treatment. WildSmiles are just like traditional braces but with the ability to help patients choose their bracket style and get excited about braces!

Get a Custom Look with the Benefits of Regular Braces

While some kids dislike wearing braces, WildSmiles give children and teens a fresh take on orthodontia. In the past, braces have focused exclusively on correcting smiles, but with WildSmiles, kids can have the confidence of a custom look while still straightening their teeth.

WildSmiles doesn’t change the length of time or quality of treatment, and it won’t affect comfort either. Remember, the length of your child’s orthodontic treatment will depend on their unique smile as determined by a professional orthodontist.

The average treatment time for braces is approximately 24 months, but every case is different. Some patients will only need to wear braces for a few months while others will need them for a few years [2].

What Cases Can WildSmiles Braces Treat?

Since WildSmiles brackets work just like regular braces, they can treat all cases that traditional braces with standard brackets can treat. The only difference is that WildSmiles brackets extend beyond the “wings” on the bracket—the metal above the slot where the wire goes through—so you can see the shape, and doesn’t affect the cleaning of your child’s braces.

Regular braces are an excellent treatment option for all types of issues with your child or teen’s smile, including misaligned teeth, an irregular bite, gapped teeth, and crowded teeth. This means WildSmiles can work for nearly all orthodontic cases!

Contact Your Orthodontist to Learn More!

While not every orthodontist is a WildSmiles provider, you can ask your orthodontist if WildSmiles brackets are an option for your child. There’s typically no additional charge for these fun shapes, and they can make your child’s treatment time feel more fun and personalized than standard brackets. Ask your orthodontist about WildSmiles today!

The post Make Your Child’s Orthodontic Treatment Fun with WildSmiles Braces appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Your kids aren’t limited to choosing just one type of treatment anymore. Where traditional braces were the only choice years ago, your children have more orthodontic options than ever. What types of treatment are available today?

Damon Braces

Damon braces are effective at correcting crowded teeth among other issues, and some studies even show that damon braces result in a faster treatment time than traditional braces [1]. But why is this, exactly?

Damon bracesare self-litigating, which means they adjust themselves as the teeth move into their proper positions. What this means for you is fewer orthodontic visits and a sustainable orthodontic treatment that requires fewer adjustments.

Another benefit to damon braces is that they feature clear brackets, which means they are less noticeable on the teeth than traditional braces, making them a popular alternative.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but with a twist—the brackets go on the backsides of teeth. So while your child will be getting effective orthodontic treatment, these braces will be invisible from the outside of their mouth!

Not everyone will qualify for lingual braces, as the backsides of the teeth need to be large enough to accommodate the brackets, but studies have shown lingual braces to be an effective form of orthodontic treatment [2].

Invisalign

Invisalignis a form of orthodontic treatment that uses various sets of clear aligners that are swapped out as your treatment progresses and your teeth shift into place.

Treatment with Invisalign can tackle a wide range of orthodontic issues. Children, teens, and adults all love Invisalign because the treatment is virtually invisible when you’re wearing the aligners, which need to be worn for at least 20 hours every day.

Although Invisalign has some limitations with what issues it can treat, it’s easy to use, comfortable to wear, and allows patients to remove the aligners to clean their teeth—resulting in “superior” oral hygiene compared to traditional metal braces [3].

What Treatment Is Best for Your Child?

Your professional orthodontist can evaluate your child’s smile to determine which form of treatment would be best for them. Whether you love the idea of being able to remove the Invisalign aligners for cleaning or want a more traditional form of treatment like damon or lingual braces, your orthodontist can help you make the best choice!

Sources:
1. http://www.tmj.eg.net/article.asp?issn=1687-
8574;year=2016;volume=13;issue=1;spage=18;epage=27;aulast=Sayed
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26359019
3. https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-73/issue-3/263.pdf

The post Your Children Have More Orthodontic Options Than Ever appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

So how can you properly care for your infant’s teeth to ensure they have a healthy smile? Here’s what you can do throughout each stage of their teething process!

Before Teeth Emerge

Your baby won’t have teeth for about the first six months of his or her life. However, you can still clean your baby’s mouth after every feeding by wiping their gums with a clean cloth, or, alternatively, a piece of gauze.

Some parents choose to wait until the first tooth appears to begin cleaning their infant’s mouth [1]. However, cleaning your child’s oral cavity after feedings now will get you in the habit of taking care of their teeth later on!

Once Baby Teeth Emerge

Your child will get their first tooth around the age of six months, although every baby is different. Some children will get their first tooth as early as the age of two to four months, while others will get their first tooth later, around the age of one year.

Once your child’s first tooth appears, you should begin brushing it, using a very small amount of toothpaste, no bigger than a smear or a grain of rice [2]. Use a toothbrush with softer bristles and be gentle when brushing your baby’s tiny tooth!

When Your Baby Has Two Teeth That Touch

When that second tooth emerges and your child now has two teeth that touch together, you can begin flossing. The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors, which come in at the center of the front lower jaw.

Gently floss between your baby’s teeth forming floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, and be careful not to force floss in between the teeth at risk of hurting the gumline. Flossing will help remove plaque from between the teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease!

When Should Your Baby Have Their First Checkup?

Don’t wait until your child is older to take them to the dentist. When they get their first tooth, around the age of six months or one year old, you should schedule a dental appointment for your baby.

Some parents choose to wait a few months after the first tooth erupts [3]. As long as you get your child in to see the dentist around the age of one year, you can ensure your baby’s teeth are coming in properly and that they’re healthy.

Your child’s baby teeth are going to be important not just for their adult teeth, but also for their self-confidence as they grow up. By caring for your infant’s teeth now, you can help them have a healthy smile later on!

Sources:
1. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-
center/Pages/Baby-Tooth-Care.aspx
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-teeth
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10965-your-childs-first-dental-visit

The post How to Care for Your Infant’s Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But where did the idea of the Tooth Fairy actually come from in the first place? Here we uncover the story behind one of our most popular and iconic fantasy figures from our childhood!

A Tradition with Deep Roots

The Tooth Fairy comes from a myth that, like cultures, has evolved over time. In Early European tradition, a child’s lost tooth was burned or buried as people believed it would prevent the child from experiencing suffering in the next life.

In some cultures, a child’s first lost tooth was taken by their father to battle because they thought it brought them good luck. Every human culture ever recorded has some tradition or ritual for disposing of their children’s lost baby teeth [1]!

Developing into our Modern Version

In 18 th century French culture, the Tooth Fairy myth was actually about a mouse that would go into children’s rooms and remove the baby teeth at night, based on a fairy tale called La Bonne Petite Souris [2].

A unique fact about rodents’ teeth—they continue to grow their whole lives. This is because these animals are constantly chewing and biting in the wild, so their teeth are continually growing to provide them with strong teeth throughout their lives.

The idea behind this mouse Tooth Fairy was that the strong teeth the rodent had would bring the children strong healthy teeth when they came to collect human baby teeth at night.

The Tooth Fairy Today

While the idea of the Tooth Fairy has ancient origins, our modern Tooth Fairy concept has a rather recent origin.

The American Tooth Fairy as we know her today was inspired by the mouse legend from Europe, but it’s been changed a bit for our culture. In 1927, a short American play was published by Esther Watkins Arnold called The Tooth Fairy that modernized the Tooth Fairy as what most kids and adults know today [3].

The Tooth Fairy is, of course, more than a myth or a story we tell our children. The Tooth Fairy brings comfort to kids as they grow up. It can be scary for kids to experience changes as their body grows, and losing teeth can certainly be distressing. The Tooth Fairy, as well as dentists and parents, can play an integral role in comforting children and encouraging them to take care of their teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2016/09/14/where-did-the-tooth-fairy-come-from/#4a36762059d4
2. https://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/La_Bonne_Petite_Souris
3. https://www.worldcat.org/title/tooth-fairy-three-act-playlet-for-children/oclc/20177704

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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

The post 5 Tips for Getting Your Child to Love the Dentist appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While periodontal disease can be mild or severe, it’s important to know that nearly everyone is susceptible to this condition, including children. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s risk of periodontal disease.

Chronic Gingivitis Is Common

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease which involves inflammation of the gum tissue. Unfortunately, chronic gingivitis is common in children [1].

Children who have a poor diet consisting of a lot of sugars and refined carbohydrates as well as those that neglect their oral care are most at risk to get gum disease.

It’s essential to know that just because gum disease is more common in adults doesn’t mean it can’t happen in children as well, so doing your part to help prevent gum disease is important!

Risk Factors for Gum Disease in Children

Children may be more at risk for gum disease if they:

•  Have a family history of gum disease
• Eat a poor diet lacking in nutrients
• Have an autoimmune disorder
• Breathe through their mouth
• Grind their teeth

Having one or more of these factors can mean your child may be more at risk for periodontal disease than the average child [2].

Gum tissue is also sensitive to changes in hormones, so while teenagers are going through puberty and experiencing hormones change, they may be more at risk for gingivitis. Teenage girls are typically more susceptible to gum disease than teenage boys [3].

In addition, kids or teens who have braces may not be able to clean their teeth as well. If your child has braces, it’s imperative that you provide them with the tools necessary to clean under their oral appliances to remove plaque and bacteria, such as interdental cleaners.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of gum disease in children are the same as gum disease in adults and may include gums that bleed when brushing, a receding gumline, loose teeth, constant bad breath, or red gum tissue [4].

If your child is complaining that their gums are sore or that they’re seeing blood when brushing, it’s time to get a checkup with your local dentist.

Treatment for gum disease will depend on how severe the condition is. For gingivitis, a deep cleaning may suffice. For more advanced cases, antibiotic therapy along with a deep cleaning or even surgery may be necessary.

You Can Prevent Gum Disease!

To prevent gum disease in children and teens, the best you can do is encourage healthy eating and oral care habits as well as take your children to the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. The right habits combined with your dentist’s help can prevent gum disease in your children and set them up for healthy oral care habits for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-children
2. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&conte
ntid=p01865
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/hormones
4. https://www.chw.org/medical-care/dental-care/dental-and-oral-health/periodontal-
disease

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