Timeline: Toddler Oral Care

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you a great start to the Fall Season:)

Picking up where I left off last week, now that you know how to start good oral hygiene habits with your baby, lets chat about what to expect when their little pearly whites begin to break through.  As I mentioned before your baby will probably begin teething as early as 3 months so before I go on to Toddler Oral Care, I wanted to discuss some misconceptions about teething.  Your baby will be growing & developing quickly; creeping, crawling, walking, talking. You can also add teething to that list of memorable stages.

FEVER & DIARRHEA MISCONCEPTION:

Fever is not a symptom of teething.  It is probably attributed to illness.  There are conflicting opinions about this topic, but the American Dental Association, Mayo Clinic, as well as many other medical experts report that an elevated temperature is not a normal symptom.  They also disagree that diarrhea, another commonly listed symptom, is not normal.  Due to increased chewing & drooling, teething babies are often exposed to more viruses that can cause these symptoms.  So, if you find that your little one has a temperature, make sure to visit your pediatrician for the appropriate treatment.

TOO YOUNG TO BE TEETHING:

Although I think I have addressed the possible timeline of when to expect eruption of teeth, I will emphasize that it is possible for your baby to start teething as early as 3 months.  You can refer the to tooth chart in our previous post to get an idea of what teeth to expect.  Not all children are “typical”, nor do all children follow the same development, so don’t worry if your child is slightly ahead or behind, just always consult your Pediatrician & Dental Professional with any questions or concerns.

NO SOLID FOOD UNTIL TEETH ARRIVE:

Most children are capable of eating certain solid foods (that are soft or semi-soft) before his or her primary teeth erupt.

The American Academy of Pediatrics which recommends breastfeeding as a sole source of nutrition until 6 months of age, provides the following guidelines for determining your child’s developmental readiness for solid foods:

  • Can he hold his head up?  Your baby should be able to sit in a high chair, feeding seat, or infant seat with good head control.
  • Can he open his mouth when food comes his way?  Babies may be ready if they watch you eating, reach for your food, & seem eager to be fed.
  • Can he move food from a spoon into his throat?  If you offer a spoon of rice cereal & he pushes it out of his mouth & it dribbles onto his chin, he may not have the ability to move it to the back of his mouth to swallow it.  It’s normal.  Remember, he’s never had anything thicker than breast milk or formula before, & this may take some getting used to.  Try diluting it the first few times, then gradually thicken the texture.  You many also want to wait a week or two & try again.
  • Is he big enough? Generally, when infants double their weight (typically at about 4 months) & weigh about 13 pounds or more, they may be ready for solid foods.

NO CAVITIES CAN FORM IN NEWLY ERUPTED TEETH:

Good oral health should be a priority from the onset.  The truth is that tooth decay & cavities can develop in newly erupted teeth.  Before teeth emerge, the Academy of General Dentistry suggests rubbing infant gums.  They should be rubbed 2x daily with a clean, damp cloth.  Once teeth start coming in, you should gently brush them with a moistened children’s toothbrush & start the regular visits to the Dentist.

HELLO TEETH-GOODBYE NURSING (not true!):

If you’ve chosen to nurse your baby, teething DOES NOT mean you have to stop nursing.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk as a child’s exclusive source of nutrition for the first 6 months.  Once solid foods are introduced, mothers who breastfeed may continue to do so.

La Leche League International, an international organization that helps breastfeeding mothers, offers tips for making breastfeeding more comfortable while teeth are erupting.

Healthy teeth are crucial for chewing solid food & speaking.  Therefore, as soon as you see teeth in your little one’s mouth, it’s time to plan your first dental visit.  Brushing should begin & as soon as two teeth are touching, flossing should also begin.  Below are the first steps to take & keep in mind as you embark in establishing good oral habits from the start.  Each child has different skills & needs that can guide parents in helping him or her brush.

MAKE IT A GOOD, CLEAN, & FUN EXPERIENCE

  • Choose a toothbrush-It can be fun for your little guy or girl to choose their favorite character toothbrush.  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for brushing an infant’s or child’s teeth.
  • Holding a toothbrush-If the child has trouble holding a toothbrush, try making the handle thicker by putting it inside a tennis ball.  The toothbrush handle can also be strapped to the child’s hand with a wider rubber hand, a hair band, or Velcro.  Toothbrushes with thick handles can also be found in retail & discount stores (stay tuned & I will dig up some cool finds for fun toothbrush choices for kids).
  • Teaching the child how to brush-Break the process into small steps that the child can understand & practice.  Use hand over hand to guide the toothbrush as the child brushes (put music on or sing a song to make it fun).
  • Do not share toothbrushes-The exchange of body fluids that such sharing would put toothbrush sharers at an increased risk for infections, a particularly important consideration for persons with compromised immune systems for infectious diseases.
  • Toothbrush storage-It’s a fact that bacteria can grow on toothbrushes after they’ve been used, especially if wet toothbrushes are kept in closed, dark places.  Wet toothbrush bristles should not be covered.  They should air dry.
  • Keeping it clean-The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends:  After brushing, it’s best to rinse toothbrushes with water to clean off remaining toothpaste & small pieces of food.  Then the toothbrushes should be stored in an upright position to air dry.  If several toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, make sure there is enough space between the toothbrushes so that they do not touch each other.  Remember to label each toothbrush with your child’s name if they have the same one.  Do not soak toothbrushes in bleach water or other disinfecting solutions.  And toothbrushes do not need to be placed in dishwashers, microwaves, or ultraviolet devices to disinfect them.  Theses methods may damage the toothbrushes.

I truly hope you are enjoying this collection of reports about Oral Care-as a timeline!  The fun will continue next week when I share fun options for toothbrushes & how to prepare for your dental visits.

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news!  You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

smileteeth

http://www.freelargeimages.com/smile-quotes-tumblr-5451/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timeline: Infant Oral Care

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, hoping you are having a lovely day:)

After last week’s discussion about how many teeth we have & if we actually have teeth as newborns, I thought it would be a good idea to start a series of reports about Oral Care within a developmental timeline.  Today we will begin with Infant Oral Care.

Tooth development actually begins during the sixth week of pregnancy.  As mentioned in last week’s post, at the time of birth, the crowns of the primary teeth are already finished.

Teething can start as early as 3 months.  Teething may make your child irritable or fussy & may cause restlessness, drooling, or loss of appetite.  Most babies do not start getting teeth until they are about 6 months old.  Infant dental care is important from the very beginning. Oral hygiene begins at birth.  Now a days there are many useful products out there to help with being proactive about starting Infant Oral Care.   You may want to check out MAM for their oral care products & teethers.  You can use a soft microfiber cloth (e.g. MAM Oral Care Rabbit) to clean the baby’s gums & get the child used to daily dental care.  As soon as the first tooth is visible, things really get started.  It is recommended that a child’s first visit to the dentist be either by the child’s first birthday or when he or she starts to get their first few teeth.  This first visit is very important to make sure that the baby’s teeth & gums are being cleaned & cared for properly.

For babies, clean their gums and teeth (if any) every evening & after eating.  This is imperative especially because of the risk of baby bottle tooth decay.  Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when acid formed by bacteria on the teeth, from sugars in foods & beverages, damages the tooth enamel.  This causes demineralization, & eventually can lead to a cavity.

Brushing Technique & position for Babies:

Lying down: The baby lies on the changing table or in bed for brushing.  Brushing goes easier when the parent gently lifts up the baby’s lip.  Start with the chewing surfaces, then the outer & lastly the inner.  Brush from “red to white”, that is from gum to tooth.

Sitting or High Chair:  If the baby is sitting in a high chair or your lap, it’s time for the “Hearbeat Position”.  The parent is behind the baby & gently caresses the baby’s head with the left hand.  It now rests against the chest & can hear the parent’s reassuring heartbeat.  With the left index finger, the adult pulls the baby’s lips up & cleans with the right hand.

To avoid tooth decay, never let a child fall asleep with a bottle in his or her mouth or to nurse continuously as he snoozes.  If your baby needs something to suck on to fall asleep, offer a bottle filled with water or a pacifier.

Pacifiers:

If your child uses a pacifier, make sure it is always used safely.  Never fasten a pacifier on a string or necklace around your child’s neck to avoid a serious accident.  Choose a pacifier that:

  • Is one piece rather than several parts.
  • Has ventilating holes on the sides.
  • Is large enough so that your child can’t swallow it.
  • Is made of flexible, nontoxic material.
  • Has a handle that is easy to grasp.
  • Always check the pacifier before giving it to your child.  Make sure there are no rips or tears.  If there are, replace it.  Never dip a pacifier in honey or any other sweet substance before giving it to your baby.  Cavities are transferable, so do not clean your baby’s paci by putting it in your mouth & then giving it to him or her.

I hope today’s Part 1 Oral Care report has been helpful to you or to someone you can share it with:)  Stay tuned for next week’s Part 2 Oral Care Report:  Toddlers.

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news!  You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

froggy

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337347828314200025/

 

 

 

 

How many teeth do we have?

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well:)

happy

We are always chatting about taking care of our teeth from an early age, but how many do we have?  Do newborns have teeth?  Do we have more after we loose our baby teeth?  These are questions you will have answers to by the end of this post.  So here we go!

DO NEWBORNS HAVE TEETH?

When we think of newborns, we really never associate teeth with their cute little mouths, however, at birth the crowns of 20 “baby” or primary teeth are almost completely formed & are hidden from view in their tiny jawbones.

The four front teeth-2 upper & 2 lower- usually make an appearance (erupts), as early as 6 months after birth.  Most children have a full set of primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old.  A child’s jaw continues to grow, making room for the permanent (adult) teeth that will begin to erupt at about age 6.  Although I may sound like a broken record about this, primary teeth may be temporary, but they deserve the best care from the very beginning.  Children need strong, healthy primary teeth not only to chew, but to pronounce words properly.

The first set of teeth also holds a place in the jaw for the permanent teeth, which moves into place as the primary teeth are shed.  Primary teeth should be kept clean & healthy so that your child can remain mouth monster clean & free from cavities & pain.  Infections from decayed primary teeth can damage the permanent teeth developing under them.  Similar to building a strong home, a good foundation is very important.  So, children have 20 baby teeth- 10 on the top & 10 on the bottom.  Feel free to refer to one of our previous posts for Tooth Fairy ideas.

Below is a printable chart that will help you document your little one’s development:

TurtleSoup_BabyToothChart

Around age 6, most children begin to lose their baby teeth.  The process will continue into their early teens.  As adults, we have more teeth than children.  Most adults end up with 32 teeth.  Among these are 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, & 12 molars (including wisdom teeth).  Most people have a complete set of adult teeth by the time they reach their teenage years.  It is common for adults to have their wisdom teeth removed because there is not always enough room for them to grow in comfortably or without causing misalignment of other teeth.

Capture

Well, now that you know how many teeth your kids have or will have, just know that they ALL need your special love & care!!!  If they make an appearance in your mouth, Good Oral Hygiene is imperative to a healthy mouth, a beautiful smile, & a healthy body:)

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news!  You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

healthy

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Be THANKFUL !:)

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, thanking you all for chiming in & being a part of the Casa Smiles Blog audience.

thank you

Often times we forget to go out of our way & step out of our comfort zone by reminding ourselves to say “Thank You” more often.  Saying nice things to others can start a chain reaction.  Happiness & Kindness are contagious:)  Children, especially, learn through example.  Lets be good role models for our children & say Please & Thank You often.

In today’s Special Report, I would like to say Please to all of you.  Please allow me to show you how you can say Thank You to your teeth & your smile.  Your mouth is a gateway to overall good health.  One’s smile is the first thing most people will notice when they meet you & a healthy set of teeth will keep you looking good.  Your teeth are the first stage in eating & digestion, so it’s important to show your gratitude.

Here are just a few ways to say ‘THANK YOU”  to your teeth:

OUT WITH THE OLD

Replace your brush & give your mouth a fresh start.  As soon as you see signs of wear & bending bristles, be nice to your teeth & gums & get a new toothbrush.  If you are seeing that your toothbrush is wearing way too often, you may be brushing too hard.  Be gentle with your teeth & gums & gently use a soft bristled toothbrush.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY, WHILE YOU BRUSH AWAY

Listening to a song while you brush is a great way to ensure you are brushing long enough.  The bonus is that music is a chance to dance & fills your soul.  It’s important to brush at least for 2 mins twice a day.  Check out 2min2x.com; this website has great videos & songs that last exactly 2 mins & are a great way to encourage longer brushing times.

JUST ADD WATER

One of the easiest & most effective ways to care for your teeth & say Thank You is to drink more water.  Staying hydrated not only helps your overall health, but water can wash away food trapped in your teeth after meals, it can help balance the acidity of your mouth & reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Additionally, because bad breath is often caused by having a dry mouth, drinking plenty of water can help your breath smell better too!

TAKE A TRIP

Take your teeth on a fun trip to the dentist (Casa Smiles)!  The best way to say Thank You to your teeth & keep a healthy & beautiful looking smile is to be consistent with your preventative care.  Make sure to visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning & exam.  This will avoid potential problems from arising.  Regular dental visits will help keep those difficult to reach areas clean.  If a problem should arise, you will also be in time to take action with the recommended treatment.  Taking your child(ren) on a trip to the dentist will make dental care a familiar & comfortable experience that your kiddos will look forward to, especially if you are creating good oral hygiene habits & maintaining a healthy mouth & smile.  And, of course, if you are visiting Casa Smiles, it will always be a fun trip to remember!

So parents, Please take my advice & use these simple ways for you & your kids to say Thank You to your teeth!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news!  You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

thank you!

 

 

 

More about Oral Rinses

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well on this fine day:)

Today’s special report & a continuation of last week’s mouth monster fighting post.  Most pediatric dentists (Casa Smiles) recommend oral rinses for children as a supplement to regular dental care.  The regular use of post-brush, anti-cavity, & fluoride oral rinses has been clinically proven to help reduce cavities up to 40% more than brushing alone.  Alcohol & sugar-free formulations make pre-brush & post-brush oral rinses a safe & healthy means of introducing younger children to the idea & practice of gargling & spitting.

As a mouth monster fighting Super Agent, I want to stress the additional  benefits of children’s oral rinses:

  • The beneficial properties of some oral rinses are delivered throughout the mouth, which compensates for a child’s lack of dexterity or inability to reach all areas of their mouth via brushing alone.
  • Oral rinses are especially good for children who wear braces, because the rinse can treat hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that a toothbrush or floss can’t.
  • Some post-brush oral rinses for children have a magnetizing effect, attracting & tinting the food particles & germs that brushing alone may leave behind.  When your child spits the particles out, there is visual proof left in the sink of a thorough cleaning.
  • An anti-cavity fluoride post-brush rinse will help fortify & protect against enamel wear & spots (decalcification spots) on teeth, which are common in children who wear braces.
  • Some oral rinses soothe mouth irritations.

Some oral rinses for children feature pre-measured dispensers to ensure that children are using the recommended amount .  Others also have child safety caps & tamper-resistant bands on the caps.  Many manufacturers of children’s pre-brush & post-brush oral rinses offer educational tools such as interactive, child-friendly websites with fun facts, games & trivia quizzes, as well as parent incentives that include product coupons & college savings fund programs. Oral rinses for children come in child-friendly flavors such as bubble gum, cinnamon, berry, peppermint, & orange twist.

Children’s oral rinse products are sold at your neighborhood supermarkets, drug stores, Target, Walmart, etc. & the average cost is about $4-$5.  The most popular kinds of children’s oral rinses can contain fluoride for cavity prevention. Among the most common are Oral-B Anti-Cavity Rinse, ACT for Kids; all of these have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Before you implement rinsing into your child’s oral hygiene routine, please consult your dentist.  When teaching your child how to rinse for the first time, explain the oral rinsing process so your child will know what to expect.  For example, when first using a pre-brush tint rinse, tell your child that it alters the color of the teeth & not to get worried or scared.  Explain that it’s only a temporary change to show where the plaque is “hidden” for easy removal.  Rinse right alongside your child the first few times for reassurance.

With children, it’s important to keep them motivated!  So, below you will find free printables to help you keep your kiddos interested in brushing, flossing & rinsing (if they are ready for rinse).

chart1

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337347828314200013/

chart 2

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337347828314200007/

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news!  You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

effort

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/192740059025008783/

TO RINSE OR NOT TO RINSE

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well & hoping your back to school routine is settling in!

As a Mouth Monster Fighting Special Agent, I like to help parents instill & maintain good & consistent oral hygiene habits for healthy teeth from an early age.  As with most children, if it isn’t fun or if it does not taste good, it will become a task they will try to avoid or get out of doing.  In the past, I have stressed the importance of brushing & flossing, but “rinsing” is also an important & helpful component to add to your oral hygiene regiment.

Oral rinses are usually not recommended for children under the age of six because oral rinses are not meant to be swallowed & with some small children there is a risk that they will swallow the rinse instead of spitting it out.  If your child is under the age of six & you as their parent feel they may be ready to use a rinse, consult with your dentist before giving your child any kind of oral rinse.

Now that I have outlined the age perameters & safety concerns, there are some general categories I’d like to go over with respect to oral rinses:

  • Pre-brush
  • Post-brush
  • Anti-cavity fluoride

PRE-BRUSH CHILDREN’S ORAL RINSES

Pre-brush oral rinses for children tint the teeth (usually a blue color) so that the child can pay special attention to the areas that need to be brushed more thoroughly.  This type of oral rinse is gentle enough for daily use, but is recommended for use immediately before brushing in the morning & evening.  Pre-brush oral rinses are not formulated to prevent or reduce plaque or gingivitis.  The purpose of this type of rinse is mainly for awareness & to help children clean their teeth better & for the right amount of time.  This type of rinse is a great tool to reinforce positive behavior & good oral habits by giving the child a sense of accomplishment for brushing their teeth well.  Once the child establishes a healthy & consistent brushing routine it may not be necessary to continue a Pre-brush rinse.

POST-BRUSH CHILDREN’S ORAL RINSES

The purpose of post-brush oral rinses for children is to prevent cavities, kill germs that cause bad breath & to protect teeth against plaque formation & stains.  The recommended use is twice a day after brushing & flossing.

ANTI-CAVITY CHILDREN’S ORAL RINSES

Anti-cavity fluoride rinses are recommended for children six & older who are still perfecting proper oral hygiene habits.  Most post-brush rinses are anti-cavity fluoride formulas to help protect teeth & gums.

The regular use of post-brush anti-cavity fluoride oral rinses has been clinically proven to help reduce cavities up to 40% more than brushing alone.  Alcohol & sugar free formulas make pre-brush & post-brush oral rinses a safe & healthy way of introducing younger children to the idea & practice of gargling & spitting.

Unlike many adult therapeutic oral rinses, oral rinses for children DO NOT contain prescription ingredients or concentrations.  Antimicrobial rinses with ingredients such as chlorhexidine gluconate are NOT RECOMMENDED for children under the age of 18, since their clinical effectiveness & safety  have not been determined for this age group.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my Oral Rinse report next “Tooth-Day” where I will be discussing additional benefits , special features, actual product information for children’s oral rinses.

As with most of my special reports, I would like to highlight the importance of Regular Dental Checkups.  Children’s pre-brush & post-brush rinses are intended for ages six & older to COMPLIMENT, not replace brushing & flossing.  Visiting your dentist every 6 months & brushing & flossing at least twice daily is imperative for maintaining a healthy smile:)

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news!  You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

brush

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/45528646209935316/