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

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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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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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A chipped tooth has the potential to cause your baby discomfort, so what can you do if this
happens? Here’s how you can treat your baby’s chipped tooth until you can get to your child-
friendly dentist.

Contact Your Dentist

If you’re able, contact your child’s dentist after you notice your baby’s tooth has been chipped.
Your dentist can provide you with more specific instructions about what to do, and may even
be able to squeeze you in for an appointment.

Your dentist may want to know if the tooth is bleeding, if the tooth fragment has been found,
or if your child appears to be in pain. It’s a good idea to keep contact information for your
child’s dentist and pediatrician on hand for events such as these.

Rinse and Store

If you’re able to find the fragment of your child’s tooth, you can rinse it gently with water and store in saliva, milk, or water until you can bring it to the dentist. In the meantime, you can gently rinse your baby’s mouth with warm water—this is especially important to do if you cannot locate the tooth fragment and there’s a chance it may still be in your child’s mouth.

Your dentist can provide you with further instructions about storing the tooth fragment until
you can get in for an appointment. In some cases, as long as the tooth fragment is kept moist,
your dentist may still be able to reattach it to your child’s tooth.

Utilize a Cold Compress

If your baby appears to be in pain, you can utilize a cold compress to reduce any discomfort or
swelling. Never give a baby any over-the-counter pain medication or numbing gel without first
consulting with your dentist or pediatrician.

Quick action after the accident can help prevent infection and discomfort, so never ignore your baby’s chipped tooth and always follow your dentist’s instructions for handling the problem to keep your baby safe and healthy.

Just because your baby’s primary tooth isn’t permanent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek
treatment for your child. A tooth chip can not only be painful, but can also allow bacteria to
enter the tooth root, which can cause an infection and even early tooth loss, which can disrupt
the alignment of the adult teeth that will come in in a few years.

By securing the tooth fragment if you’re able, rinsing your baby’s mouth, and keeping your baby comfortable, you can ensure your child is ready for their dentist appointment to repair the chipped tooth!

The post How Do I Treat My Baby’s Chipped Tooth? 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.

But is dental sedation actually safe for children? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to sedation at the dentist’s office for your child.

Dental Sedation Is Considered to Be Safe

Although dental sedation for children is considered to be safe, there is always a small risk when sedation or anesthesia is involved in a procedure. It’s important to ask any questions you have before the day of the procedure and for both you and your child to be clear about what’s going to happen during the appointment.

Dentists and their staff are required to be properly trained in order to sedate your child. This includes being equipped with monitoring equipment to keep a close eye on their heart and breathing rate as well as their oxygen level. Your dentist office should also have emergency resources on hand in the event that your child suffers a reaction.

The dentist of your choice should always have patient safety in mind, especially when it comes to your child!

Circumstances and Procedures When Used

Dental sedation isn’t taken lightly and is typically not used for procedures such as cleanings and fillings if your child is old enough.

However, if your child is anxious, has trouble sitting still, or suffers from dental phobia, dental sedation may need to be considered. Children who have developmental or physical disabilities may also benefit from dental sedation even during mild procedures such as cleanings.

Children who have strong gag reflexes or a low pain tolerance may also need some form of
sedation. Otherwise, dental sedation is typically only considered in procedures such as root
canals, extractions, and crowns or bridges.

Types of Dental Sedation for Children

There a few different types of dental sedation that your dentist can talk with you about. These include:

 Oral sedation, in which your child will be conscious but relaxed. In this form of sedation,
you’ll typically give your child the medication before leaving for the dentist’s office.

 Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, this won’t be administered until your child is
in the chair ready for their procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly.

 Intravenous sedation, which involves an IV in the arm and the effects tend to last a bit
longer. This is a deeper form of sedation that is usually only considered under certain
circumstances.

Dental sedation is considered to be safe and is used to protect children during their dental
procedures. The good news is that with proper oral hygiene, your child may never need dental sedation. When considering dental sedation, talk with your dentist about their experience with using dental sedation for certain procedures as well as the needs of your child!

The post Is Dental Sedation Safe for Children? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

At this age, your child is still shedding their primary teeth and getting their permanent teeth in.
Their mouths are growing and flexible. At this age, some orthodontic issues may be present,
such as a bad bite and crooked or crowded teeth.

Getting your child evaluated for orthodontia at a young age has numerous benefits that your
child will thank you for in the future!

Facilitate Good Oral Hygiene

If your child’s teeth are crowded or crooked, they can be difficult to clean. In addition, children
are still developing their brushing habits, so it’s likely that every area that needs to be cleaned
in the mouth isn’t getting cleaned. With the right orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist can
make room for all your child’s teeth to safely and healthily emerge.

For people who have overcrowded teeth, it can be impossible to get in-between all the tight
spaces where plaque, bacteria, and food particles accumulate. With orthodontic intervention at
the proper age, you can get those teeth into their proper positions and help prevent cavities
and gum disease as your child grows up!

Correct Serious Bite Problems

At the age of 7, your child’s jaw is still growing. Your orthodontist should be able to evaluate
your child’s bite and determine if early orthodontic treatment is necessary. Your child may
suffer from an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite. Bad bites do more than affect your
child’s appearance—they can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and trouble chewing and speaking.

Early orthodontic treatment catches your child’s jaw while it’s still growing and can fix a bad
bite before it becomes problematic or painful for your child. It can also save you and your child
future stress from dealing with the bite as the jaw becomes more mature and more difficult to
fix as they get older.

Save Time and Money

Since orthodontic treatment that’s facilitated early on in your child’s life can halt problems
before they have a chance to develop, this can save you time and money in the future. Your
child’s bones are still flexible, so their treatment can be faster and more effective. Consulting
with an orthodontist at the proper age is often cheaper than waiting to seek treatment.

In addition, your child will have a healthy foundation for all their permanent teeth to come in
properly, therefore potentially eliminating the need for future orthodontic work, and
sometimes even helping to halt the progression of tooth decay or gum disease, as your child
will be able to more easily clean teeth that are in the correct positions, and not crowded or
crooked.

Orthodontic treatment is necessary for many children to have a healthy smile for life. Have you
gotten your child evaluated by a professional orthodontist yet? It’s never too late to begin
correcting you or your child’s smile. Schedule a consultation today to discover how you can
create a healthy foundation for your child’s oral health for life!

The post What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Protect your child from tooth decay by knowing your child’s risk. Which children have the highest risk for developing tooth decay?

Those Without a Regular Brushing Routine

You can start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they have teeth! Similarly, you can also start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch together. As your child grows and is able to take over brushing and flossing, you should still supervise to ensure they’re doing a proper job.

Children without a regular brushing routine are putting their mouths at risk for development of plaque and tartar, overgrowth of bad bacteria that can cause enamel erosion and cavities, and even gum disease. It’s vital that your child brushes properly at least once a day, preferably twice a day for the most benefits. Flossing also helps to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay!

Children Who Eat Lots of Processed Food

It’s easy to have your child eat a prepackaged snack or to make dinners from packaged foods. However, children who eat lots of processed food—namely carbohydrates and sugars—are at an increased risk for tooth decay. Your child’s body needs an abundance of nutrients, most of which can be found in fresh, whole foods.

Making the switch from processed foods filled with simple carbohydrates and sugars to whole foods is easier than you think. Instead of snack bars, buy apples and bananas. Instead of soda, buy seltzer water. For dinner, make at least half of their plate with fresh, colorful vegetables. This can give their smiles the nutrients they need to be strong and resist tooth decay.

Kids Whose Parents Have Cavities

If you have several cavities, your children are more likely to have cavities. This is because the bacteria that’s in your mouth was likely passed to them during infancy, whether through kissing or sharing utensils. This allows their own unique oral bacteria to grow with your bacteria—if you have lots of cavities, it’s likely that your child will be at a higher risk for them as well.

What Can You Do?

There are many things you can do to protect your child from tooth decay! Firstly, visiting your pediatric dentist for checkups every six months is crucial. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants, which is a clear, protective barrier for your child’s back teeth, which are the hardest to clean.

You can also buy toothpaste with fluoride in it, which will help to strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent cavities. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment if your child needs it. Talk to your dentist about how much fluoride your child is getting, as too much or too little will be a problem.

What’s your child’s risk for tooth decay? Children who fail to brush and floss regularly, eat lots of simple carbohydrates and sweets, and have parents with cavities are at the highest risk for tooth decay. Visit your dentist to talk about your child’s risk and what you can do to minimize the chances that they’ll develop cavities. Your child’s teeth should be healthy for life—you can help make that happen!

The post Which Children Are at Highest Risk for Tooth Decay? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.