During this appointment, your kid-friendly dentist will gently but thoroughly examine your child’s smile and can even help determine if your child could be at higher risk for cavities. How can you prepare your child for their first dentist appointment, especially if they are older?

Stay Positive

Even if you yourself are not a fan of the dentist, it’s important to stay positive and not pass your fears onto your child. Children are perceptive and may pick up on your anxiety prior to their appointment. Do your best to be optimistic and confident about their appointment, both when talking about the visit beforehand and on the way to the dentist office to help your child stay relaxed and worry-free for their first appointment.

Educate Your Child

Let your child know why they’re going to the dentist as well as what will happen during the appointment. They don’t need to know every single detail, but you should give them a good general idea of what to expect [2]. Some things that will happen during your child’s first dental visit include:

• An exam of their teeth, jaws, bite, and gums
• A gentle cleaning (if needed)
• A review of proper oral care techniques for brushing and flossing
• Depending on your child’s age, x-rays may be recommended (typically only for older
  children)

The entire visit will take approximately 30-45 minutes. If your child is old enough, you can use books or videos to help explain what will happen during the appointment so that your child isn’t apprehensive and has a better idea about what to expect. You can also play dentist at home—act out the appointment or have your child play dentist using stuffed animals!

Consider the Appointment Time

It’s a good idea to make your child’s first dentist appointment during a time when they are generally more relaxed and comfortable. For example, making the appointment during naptime or lunchtime may make your child more tired or irritable during the visit.

Generally, morning times work better for children, as they are rested, alert, and have already eaten their first meal of the day. Ask your dentist what appointment times are available so you can better prepare your child!

Find a Great Pediatric Dentist

Your child’s dentist will be their partner in oral care as they grow and develop their permanent teeth. Working with a dentist you trust and whom you feel has a great rapport with your child is important. Research pediatric dentists in your area, or consider using the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s tool to find an accredited practice near you [3]. Your child’s smile will be strong and healthy for life with regular dentist visits!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/august/aapd-research-
2. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=a-childs-first-dental-visit-fact-
3. https://www.aapd.org/publications/find-a-pd/

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There are several factors to take into account when choosing a product. Are some pacifiers better than others for a child’s oral health? Here’s your guide to choosing the right pacifier for your baby!

Consider the Material

If you choose a plastic pacifier, consider a BPA-free version. Bisphenol A is a chemical used in plastics that has been linked to endocrine disorders in the body. If you’re looking for a plastic pacifier, check the label to see if it says “BPA-free”.

Medical-grade silicone and natural rubber are two excellent materials to consider for your child’s pacifier [1]. However, natural rubber or latex materials need to be replaced more often, and you should consider avoiding them if you have a family history of latex allergies.

Go With a One-Piece Pacifier

The more joints or crevices a pacifier has, the more places bacteria can accumulate. Look for a pacifier that’s a single unit rather than one that has detachable parts, which invariably create spaces for dirt and germs to hide.

In addition, avoid pacifiers that have a string attached such as a lanyard. These attachments could create a choking risk for your baby. Instead, choose a pacifier that has an attached handle for increased safety and easy cleaning [2].

Look for an Orthodontic Pacifier

An orthodontic pacifier is a pacifier that mimics the natural shape of a nipple. As such, it helps to support proper jaw and teeth development for your child [3]. Orthodontic pacifiers are also considered to be more comfortable for your baby as they support a more natural fit.

Although orthodontic pacifiers will be labeled as such, you can tell the difference in the shape: while a traditional pacifier has a more bulbous and rounded tip, an orthodontic pacifier tends to be smaller, with a flat bottom and a rounded top.

Best Practices for Using a Pacifier for Your Little One

If you choose to use a pacifier for your baby, here are a few best practices to support your child’s health and wellbeing:

• Never introduce a pacifier until your child has an established feeding routine, with the exception of premature babies in the hospital [4].
• Don’t offer a pacifier as the only form of comfort for your baby and don’t use one in place of feeding.
• Clean the pacifier with hot water and soap after each use, rinsing thoroughly and allowing it to cool fully before giving it to your child.
• Dispose of a pacifier that has cracks, tears, or is otherwise damaged.
• Do not dip the pacifier in a sweet substance such as sugar or honey, as these sweets can encourage tooth decay.
• Only give the pacifier when necessary, and consider discontinuing use after one year of age.

If you have any questions about pacifier use and your child’s oral health, follow up with your child-friendly dentist. Your little one should have their first dental visit around their first birthday, and this is an excellent opportunity to discuss pacifier use and any other questions you have with your oral healthcare professional!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3562927/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791559/
3. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspxcontenttypeid=1&contentid=981
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791560/

The post Are Some Pacifiers Better Than Others for a Child’s Oral Health? 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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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.

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

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

Pacifiers Could Affect Mouth Growth and Development

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

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

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

Pacifiers Have the Potential to Cause Teeth Alignment Issues

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

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

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

Guidelines to Follow When Using Pacifiers for Healthy Teeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post How Does a Pacifier Impact Your Child’s Oral Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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.

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.

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.

Start Early

The earlier you get your children used to oral care, the more readily they’ll accept this habit. You can begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they have teeth. Prior to this, wiping their mouth with a clean cloth will suffice. And you can begin flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch. These habits will get your little one used to care before they’re able to do it themselves!

Have them Teach a Sibling

Many kids love teaching other kids how to do things. After your oldest has learned how to properly brush their teeth, have them show their little brother or sister. This will encourage them both to brush their teeth, floss, and show their healthy smiles to mom and dad before school or bedtime!

Make Brushing Time Fun

If your child is resistant to brushing, you have lots of options for making this time more creative and fun. Here’s how you can teach your child that brushing doesn’t have to feel boring or unnecessary!

 Listen to a two-minute song. Encouraging kids to brush for at least two minutes can feel like an eternity, depending on how young your child is. To make the time go by, listen to a favorite song that’s about two minutes and brush together the entire time!

 Use a reward system. In the event that brushing is a really trying time in your house, try a reward system. Create a chart and give your kids stickers or tokens every time they brush their teeth and floss. When the tokens add up, they get a prize!

 Consider apps to track progress. There are many apps that can help your kids see just how well they’re doing with their oral care. There are even toothbrushes that you can sync with your phone that shows you where you’re missing spots!

Be Familiar with the Family Dentist

Trust your kids to brush well, but always check their progress. An important part of doing this is through regular checkups with your family dentist. The earlier your kids see the dentist, the more comfortable they’ll be when they go for checkups. They’ll learn the dentist is friendly and fun, not scary and painful. Your dentist can also assess your child’s oral health and tell you what needs to improve as well as what he or she is doing well.

Teaching your kids about how important oral health is can feel like a long process. Start early to help ease the transition into self care. Have them teach their little brother or sister how to brush their teeth. Make brushing time fun when things get tough and as always, visit your dentist to ensure your child’s smile is as healthy as possible!

The post How to Promote Healthy Dental Habits for Your Children appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

So, how does this happen? When the airway of a developing child is compromised because of allergies, tonsils and adenoids, the child must breath through his mouth to get oxygen. The nasal passages become inflamed. The exchange of gases on and off the red blood cells is impeded due to the lack of Nitric Oxygen, or NO, which is continually produced by the epithelium of the nasal passages. The tongue stays on the floor of the mouth. The buccinator, or cheek muscles, in the absence of the balancing forces created by the tongue resting on the anterior two thirds of the palate, allow the collapse of the upper, or maxillary arch and prevent it from growing laterally. The result is a narrow, forward-growing maxilla, bilateral cross bites, and a high, arched palate. Often the nasal septum responds to the upward forces, causing a deviated septum, further compromising nasal breathing. The lower jaw, or mandible, which is influenced by the growth of the maxilla, grows down instead of down and forward. The result is an obtuse mandibular angle, a long lower third of the face, and often an anterior open bite. The airway can be further compromised on opening because the mandible opens down and back, instead of in a more downward direction.

As a parent, what can you look for to determine whether your child has a breathing disorder? Does your infant have difficulty sucking or staying latched onto the nipple? Does he fuss and cry more than you expect when feeding? He may be having trouble getting air through his nose, so he sucks until he needs air, then unlatches and cries before reattaching. Do the nostrils appear small, inadequate, and unused? Look at his tongue. Is it discolored from mouth breathing, or is there a tongue tie, limiting its ability to reach the palate? Does he have constant bad breath? Is he a messy eater with food all over his mouth? Are the lips continuously open when he plays or sleeps? Does he or she have dark circles under watery eyes? Is the lower third of the face growing too long? Does he have difficulty concentrating in school? Is he hyperactive? These can be some of the signs of a compromised airway.

What can you do? Ask your pediatrician to evaluate if your child’s tongue is tied as well as whether your child’s tonsils obstruct the pharynx. They may say to wait until the tonsils and adenoids shrink, usually around the age of five. If you receive such advice, consider getting an opinion from a physician familiar with sleep disorders. Consult a doctor who specializes in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) conditions. You may also consult a pulmonologist, an expert in breathing disorders. Possibly the best screening medical professional is a dentist with knowledge about breathing disorders, particularly sleep breathing disorders. Dentist trained to recognize breathing disorders and associated malocclusion can point you in the right direction to have your child evaluated. There are procedures and techniques available to facilitate the normal growth and development of your child.

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