Dental Sealants for Kids

Dental sealants are an easy, pain-free way to help prevent cavities and are especially useful for kids. Kids can be prone to cavities if they do not form healthy brushing and flossing habits early on in childhood. A dental sealant is applied to the teeth that have grooves, mainly in the chewing or cheek surfaces of the teeth, to prevent food from getting stuck and bacteria from entering the grooves and forming cavities. Here are questions parents often have for their kids' dentist about sealants:

1. Why isn't brushing and flossing enough?

Sometimes the chewing grooves on a tooth are too tight for toothbrush bristles to get in to the grooves and clean out food and bacteria.  Placing a sealant to seal the grooves then makes the surfaces of the teeth that have grooves more cleanable so cavities are not as easily formed.  This benefits children since they are learning how to brush their teeth and still developing the hand-eye coordination to do a good job.  Sometimes cleaning the back molars can be difficult since they are hard to see and reach for the undeveloped hand muscles.  Most children have sufficient hand-eye coordination to clean teeth between the ages of 8-10 years old.

2. What are dental sealants made of? Are dental sealants safe?

Dental sealants are made of plastic that starts off as a liquid and flows in to the grooves of the teeth which is then hardened with a curing light. Dental sealants are very safe. The plastic materials are not made with BPA and there is no health or medical concerns associated with dental sealants according to the American Dental Association.

4. Are they expensive?

Dental insurance typically covers dental sealants. For many patients, sealants are affordable. Dental sealants save many patients money because they prevent cavities and can eliminate the need for fillings if properly cared for.

5. How are dental sealants applied?

Dental sealants are very easy to apply. The sealant is applied directly to the tooth, where it bonds to the enamel. The liquid plastic flows in to every groove in the tooth and essentially makes the surface smooth and cleanable. This boosts the effectiveness of brushing and flossing. It's quick and pain-free.

6. Do they last a long time?

A sealant can last for years. Depending on how children care for their teeth and what foods they eat, the sealants may stay in place for life.  Sticky, tacky foods can pull sealants off however. Your dentist may also apply touch-ups at every visit to ensure the sealant will last even longer.

7. Do they require special care?

A dental sealant does not require specific care or maintenance. Your child will be able to eat and drink normally and can eat his or her favorite foods with the exception of sticky foods like taffy or Tootsie rolls for example. Your child can brush and floss normally. There are no special mouth washes or rinses required. In fact, your child can eat the same day the sealant is applied.

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your children's permanent teeth from decay and cavities. Ask us today to see if they are the right option for your child!

Parents Play a Role in Kids' Dentist Appointments and Experience

When heading to your kids' dentist appointment, do you dread the process? Are you worried about the fit your child will have once he or she knows where you are headed? Don't be. As a parent, you play a big role in your children's perception of dental visits. In short, you can create a more positive experience for not only you but your child as well with a few simple steps.

1. Start dental care early.

Your child should start seeing the dentist as early as their first tooth, but no later than their first birthday. The earlier you introduce your child to the process of visiting the dentist, and making it a part of their regular routine, the better. As a result the child begins to get used to the process and knows it is nothing to fear. 

2. Be your child's role model.

Don't speak negatively about going to the dentist. Show your child that the process is a good thing with ample health benefits.

3. Decide if it should be a big deal.

For young children, reading a few books about going to the dentist, talking about it and making it a big deal is an excellent way to create positivity around this experience. Or if your child isn't likely to benefit from that, make it "not a big deal" but a routine process.

4. Teach your child the importance of dental care.

Good oral hygiene starts at home with brushing and flossing. At the same time, discuss the benefits of going to the dentist with your child. The dentist will check your child's teeth, clean them and make sure they are in tip-top shape! Be sure your child understands all of these benefits.

5. Do it together.

Don't expect your children, even those in middle school, to be able and willing to go on their own into the dental office. Be supportive. Keep conversations light and fun. When your child is around be sure to interact with the dentist, so that the dentist becomes more of a friend than a doctor.

All of these steps can help to improve your child's perception of going to the dentist. By establishing a strong connection to going to the dentist at a young age, you can help steer your child on the right path to good oral health. Be sure to act as a role model for your child's opinions and perception of dental care.

5 Ways to Make Brushing Teeth More Fun

Establishing good brushing habits and scheduling regular visits with a dentist are two important ways to help your kids achieve a lifetime of good dental health. Getting them excited for daily routines, however, can be a bit tricky. If you are having trouble convincing your kids that dentist visits and dental health are important, here are five ways to make brushing teeth more fun.

1. Get the Gear

The selection of electric toothbrushes for children is wide and it's easy to find just the right brush for every child. Some have flashing lights while others play songs from pop artists. No matter which you choose, having the right equipment will always make the job more entertaining.

2. Sing a Song

Many children sing their ABCs while washing their hands to make sure they are scrubbing long enough and the same idea can be applied to brushing. Finding a song that is two minutes long, playing a two-minute portion of a favorite song, or choosing a four-minute song that can be started in the morning and completed in the evening are all fun ways to make sure your kids are brushing long enough.

3. Cavity Crusaders

Help younger kids get in the right mood for cavity fighting by turning them into superheroes. Even something as simple as a small towel that becomes a "cape" during brushing can help transform your toddler into a Cavity Crusader who must not stop until all the cavity bugs are defeated.

4. Rewards

One way to encourage daily brushing is to give rewards after brushing. Every child is different so pick a reward system and the frequency of rewards that suits your child best. Create a chart and let your kids place a sticker on each day that they've brushed. When they reach their goals, they get a special prize.

5. Play Copycat

Keep older kids engaged in dental health by having them demonstrate the proper way to brush, floss, and rinse so the little ones can copy what they are doing. As a bonus, big kids are usually extra careful with their techniques to make sure they are teaching the little ones correctly.

A Lifetime of Rewards

By making dental heath fun, kids will not try to avoid brushing and flossing like other chores they have to complete. Instead, they will begin to establish great habits that will last a lifetime.

Starch, Sugar and Their Effect on Kid's Teeth

Tooth decay is the primary cause of tooth loss, and one of the most significant culprits in tooth decay is what we eat. If a child’s diet consists of too many starchy and sugary foods, it can cause cavities. Now that school is in session, it is sometimes easy to fill kids' diets with starchy and sugary foods. However, it is important to closely monitor snacking and to provide children with a well-balanced diet.

The Link between Diet and Tooth Decay

One of the best ways to help your child be cavity-free is by providing a healthy diet. Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in the mouth. The bacteria feed off of the starches and sugars, which produces an acid that sits on the teeth and dissolves the enamel (demineralizes) and starts the cavity process.

The Effects of Sugar

Sugar is one of the largest contributors to tooth decay. While in school, children are unable to brush their teeth immediately after eating sugary items, so the sugar is allowed to sit on the teeth for a longer period of time. Sticky sugars that are often included in school lunches and/or snacks will significantly increase the risk of cavities.

Starch and Tooth Decay

Starch is a type of carbohydrate that is typically found in foods such as bread, potatoes and rice. The leading culprits for starch in a child’s diet are foods such as pancakes and certain breakfast cereals. When these types of starchy foods are combined with sugars, such as syrup, it significantly increases the risk of tooth decay.

Eating a Balanced Diet

It is important to begin teaching children about healthy eating choices and good dental care, which includes visiting a kids' dentist, even before they begin their first year of school. Children do not have to give up all of their favorite foods that contain sugar or starch, but they do need to choose them wisely and it is best to brush after consumption. A balanced diet includes milk and dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, whole-grain breads, and fruits and vegetables. Many foods, such as fruits, taste sweet without any added sugars.

Foods that contain sugar and/or starches are safer for teeth when they are eaten with meals, because there is more saliva released when eating a meal. Saliva helps wash foods from the mouth, so it reduces the effect of acids on the teeth. Sticky foods, such as fruit roll ups, fruit snacks, and candies are more difficult to wash away with saliva because they get stuck on the tooth or in a tooth groove, so there is a greater risk of tooth decay. Encourage children to brush at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, drink plenty of water, and see a kids' dentist routinely.

Facts About Thumb and Pacifier Sucking

To continue from last week’s blog post regarding dental care for babies, we felt it is necessary to talk about other baby habits that can affect oral hygiene such as using a pacifier or the baby sucking on their thumb.

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, here is a list of quick facts regarding pacifier/thumb sucking:

• Babies suck on their thumb or pacifier for pleasure, comfort and security. This habit can start before they are even born.

• The AAPD recommends pacifiers over thumbs to comfort new babies. The pacifier habit is typically easier to break and could decrease the chance of orthodontic problems.

• Thumb or pacifier sucking is normal for infants and children. Usually children will stop on their own, however if the child doesn’t, the habit should be discouraged by the age of 3.

• Thumb or pacifier sucking can affect the teeth the same way. After a long period of time, there may be affects with the upper front teeth sticking outward. Other potential effects include problems with jaw alignment, tooth positioning or the bite.

It is very important that you visit a pediatric dentist or a dentist who devotes most of his or her time to children, by the age of one year.  As time goes on, support from your pediatric dentist, as well as family, can help children quit the pacifier or thumb sucking habit!

Easing Children's Dental Fear

When a child first learns that he is going to be going to the dentist, his first thought is typically formed around the vision of some cartoon mad scientist or evil doctor. This perception is due primarily to the number of children's television shows that portray doctors or dentists in a scary yet comical fashion. Let's face it—older siblings with a sense of humor don't help, either. Fortunately when it comes to kids' dentistry, there are a few tricks of the trade that can help your child look forward to visiting the dentist.

Easing a Child's Fears of the Dentist Starts with the Parent

Avoid using a few key words before going to the dentist. Words such as "hurt," "shot," "painful," or "scary" shouldn't be used. Instead, use a few details to tell your child about why going to the dentist is important. If your child has a favorite superhero or fictional character that has a sparkling smile, then be sure to use that character as a prime example of why going to the dentist can be fun and healthy. Try saying something like, "I bet Superman goes to the dentist every six months to keep his smile healthy."

One of the most important things that a parent can do to ease a child's fear of the dentist is to understand the child's fear. Sometimes, kids are afraid because they have heard horror stories from their older siblings or seen something scary on television. Other times, kids are simply afraid of the unknown. No matter the reason, try to understand your child's fear so that you can help show him or her why the dentist's office isn't a scary place to be.

General Dentist Tips for Easing a Child's Fear

The final person who can ease a child's fear of the dentist's office is a kids dentist with caring hands. Below are the top three tips for helping to eliminate a child's fear.

1. Speak in a calming and friendly voice. If children hear a friendly or happy tone, then they are less likely to be afraid.
2. Tell stories or anecdotes to distract the child. Stories are a fantastic distraction that can help to take a child's mind off of the scary dentist tools and instead help the child to think about something more pleasant.
3. Use simple words to describe a procedure or action. Remember that kids are often afraid of the unknown. This includes big, scary words that are hard to understand. Keep things simple, and the child is sure to be a little less afraid.

When it comes to kids and the dentist's office, remember that a healthy smile is well worth helping your child to overcome any fears. For more helpful dentist tips, visit us online.

Dental Care during Pregnancy

When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she often finds her appointment book filled to the brim with an onslaught of doctors' appointments. But often, women gloss over the importance of dental care during pregnancy. Read on to discover a few reasons why maintaining dental care during pregnancy is a good and healthy practice.

Avoid Pregnancy Complications Caused by Poor Dental Hygiene

Did you know that seeing a general dentist during your pregnancy can help you to avoid harmful birthing complications? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), there is new evidence that suggests that women with periodontal disease have an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. In order to avoid these risks, it is important that a pregnant woman continues to maintain good dental health throughout her entire pregnancy.

After pregnancy, it is equally important that a mother regularly visits a general dentist. Mothers with poor oral health are at a greater risk of passing on cavity-causing bacteria to their young children. To avoid this, mothers and pregnant women should practice the following good oral hygiene rules:

1. Maintain a proper diet. Dental health starts with a good, healthy diet that isn't too high in cavity-causing sugars.
2. Visit your dentist regularly. Seeing the dentist regularly will help your gums and teeth to stay in top-notch condition. A dentist will also help you to avoid and resolve oral diseases, such as cavities or the presence of harmful bacteria.
3. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash.
4. Don't forget to brush at least twice a day. While many dentists recommend brushing three times a day, sometimes that doesn't happen during the busy months of pregnancy. Using mouthwash after eating is a good substitute during the day. But remember, teeth should be thoroughly brushed morning and night.
5. Don't share utensils with your infant children. Sharing utensils and food is one of the easiest ways that bacteria are spread from one person to another.

For more helpful tips about kids dental health and family dentistry, check out our FAQs at Playtime Dental.

Kids Dental Emergencies

Dealing with children’s dental issues can sometimes create stress in a parent’s life. At a very early age, children learn that their teeth can hurt. Helping your children to not fear the dentist as a result of sometimes painful dental experiences is very important. If you can help your children establish at a young age good dental habits and healthy emotions toward their dental needs, you can help them create a lifelong experience of good dental health. Here are a few ways to handle some common dental emergencies that you and your kids may face.

Toothache

Do not overreact to your child’s toothache; however, it is also important not to ignore your child’s toothache. Sometimes a toothache can be caused by something as simple as food lodged between the teeth or beneath the gum line. Rinse your child’s teeth with warm water and thoroughly floss to make sure this isn’t the cause of the discomfort. If your child’s toothache will require a dental visit, be sure to comfort your child by providing reassurance that a visit to the dentist will be a pleasant experience and will help him or her feel better.

Chipped or Fractured Tooth

A chipped or fractured tooth is a common childhood dental injury due to most children’s high levels of activity. A chipped or fractured tooth can be very painful, so it is important to not underestimate your child’s level of pain following this type of injury. Your kid’s dentist should be contacted immediately, and you should follow the dentist's instructions precisely. Quick action can sometimes ensure that the tooth can be repaired. A chipped tooth should not be ignored, because a severely chipped tooth can become infected.

Knocked Out Tooth

If your child sustains a serious injury resulting in a tooth being knocked out, you should first make sure that your child has not sustained any other more serious injuries, such as a blow to the head. If your child’s tooth was knocked out as a result of a more serious injury, take your child to the emergency room. Recover the tooth and take it with you to the hospital. If your child is not otherwise injured, recover the tooth and visit your general dentist as soon as possible.

Why Wear a Mouth Guard for Playing Football

Photo | Torrey Wiley

The popularity of organized youth sports brings with it a sense of fun sportsmanship. However, with those team sports also comes the risk of dental injuries, which can really affect the dental development of kids and teens. Student athletes are 60 percent more likely to sustain these types of injuries than other kids.

According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, the best way to ensure that your child does not suffer from one of these injuries is to make sure your child or teen always uses a mouth guard. Mouth guards can greatly decrease the number of these injuries. It is important to make sure that your child’s mouth guard is fitted properly to their teeth shape and mouth size. This will increase the protection for your child.

Some of the injuries that can result from not using a mouth guard include dental fractures, which can be very painful and, in severe cases, can even cause fracture of the dental roots. If your child or teen does suffer this type of injury, it is important to recover the tooth fragments and to get to your dentist as soon as possible.

Avulsions are another severe type of injury that can be prevented with the use of a mouth guard. An avulsion is an injury resulting in the entire tooth, including root, being knocked out. This type of injury can be very painful as well as emotionally traumatizing for kids and teens who already have their adult teeth. This can result in extensive dental work, which is both expensive and stressful for your kids and for you.

Luxation is a severe dental injury that knocks a tooth loose and changes the position of the tooth in the mouth. This type of injury also creates the need for extensive dental work in order to reposition the tooth.

To provide your kids with the best protection, talk with your kids' dentist or your general dentist to find out the best type and size of mouth guard for your child’s mouth.

Caring for Baby Teeth: What You Need to Know

Teething is a difficult process for babies as well as for parents. When you have a baby who is teething, you want to make sure you know what needs to be done throughout the process to help with the overall development of your child’s teeth.

Signs that your baby is teething

There’s likely going to be some fussiness from your baby as he or she starts to teeth because of what’s going on. You may notice that your child is drooling more, becoming more irritable, or not sleeping normally. You can provide comfort with a cool spoon or a clean, cool teething ring.

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

Even before a tooth breaks through the gums, there are things that you can be doing. Your baby’s mouth and gums can be cleaned with a soft cloth or an infant toothbrush. This helps to remove plaque and prepare your baby for the brushing that will come.

As soon as the teeth have broken through, you should brush twice a day. The brush and the toothpaste should be designed especially for infants.

If your baby sleeps with a bottle, we recommend making sure that there is only water or a sugar free beverage inside it. Milk, juice or anything that has sugar can create bacterial acid and which breaks down tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

When should I take my child to the dentist?

The moment that you notice the first tooth, you should schedule a dental visit. This can help to prevent any cavities from forming down the road. You can learn about how to introduce fluoride, which can slow the process of cavities that have started, and sometimes stop the process, as well as to prevent tooth decay.

How to choose a kids’ dentist

When choosing a dentist, make sure you choose one that loves kids. There’s a big difference in the approaches of general dentists who enjoy children versus those who don’t. Many people in the world fear the dentist all because of an unsatisfactory first dental visit. At Playtime Dental, we make sure that it’s a positive experience for kids from day one.

Kids should enjoy going to the dentist. Playtime Dental fosters a nurturing environment where kids are going to learn that going to the dentist can actually be fun, especially when they remember to brush and floss daily. We cater to families and accept various HMO insurance plans for your convenience.

Remember this formula: One plus one = Zero. One baby tooth + one dental visit = Zero cavities for your kids! Make an appointment to learn more about baby teething and get your child’s teeth taken care of today. 

Nutrition Tips for Babies and Kids

As parents, we want our kids to be healthy and happy, but if your kids are picky eaters, you know that getting them to eat healthy foods can be challenging at best and downright frustrating at worst. What you probably aren't aware of is that nutrition not only affects your child's health but also has a major impact on dental health. It also isn't just about what your kids eat but how often they eat it and how. For example, if they have a sugary piece of candy, the longer it takes them to finish it, the worse it is for their dental health. When sugar sits in their mouth for long periods of time, it leads to a much a higher rate of tooth decay then if they eat the candy quickly. The same is true for soda and other sugary drinks; if they sip on the beverage for hours, it leads to more erosion of the enamel on the teeth.

The good news is that you have several ways to help your child avoid dental problems that arise from improper nutrition and eating habits. Here are a few tips to help keep your child's smile as perfect as possible.

·         Limit snacking: Children should have snacks no more than three times a day. Make these snacks nutritious; items such as yogurt, peanut butter, chocolate milk, and cheese are kid- and teeth-friendly.

·         Save sugars and starches for meal times: Sugars and foods with starch, including bread and pasta, take longer to clear the mouth, but if eaten with meals, they break down faster, reducing the chance of decay.

·         Don't send your child to bed with a bottle: Sending your kids to bed with milk, formula or juice means that they can potentially spend the entire night with sugars from these drinks lingering in the mouth, leading to much faster decay.

You don't have to deprive your children of fun snacks; just be aware of what they are eating and when. When in doubt, speak to a pediatric dentist, who can advise you on what you are doing right and where you can improve.

How to Protect Your Baby from Tooth Decay

Think you need to wait until your baby has a mouth full of teeth to begin dental care? Wrong! In fact, the American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that you take your baby to see the dentist when he or she gets that first tooth. The first visit is primarily informational, but it could mean that you and your baby are one step ahead on the road to healthy teeth.

Baby Tooth Care

You'll want to make sure that you are instilling good oral care habits in your baby from as early on as you can. Pediatric dentists recommend that you don't send your babies to bed with bottles, especially when those bottles contain milk, formula or juice. Once your baby gets his or her first tooth, you'll want to gently brush their teeth gently with just a light smear of toothpaste to begin building proper hygiene and brushing habits.

Thumb Sucking

Do you have a thumb sucker? Pediatric dentists agree that a pacifier is their preferred choice in the pacifier vs. thumb debate. Ideally, your child shouldn't use a pacifier or a thumb for sucking, but if it has to be one or the other, dentists recommend the pacifier over the thumb. Keep in mind that you should never dip the pacifier in any kind of sweet liquid before giving it to your baby, because the sugar in the liquid will simply remain in the mouth, potentially leading to future decay.

Using Bottles

Finally, wean your baby from bottles by the age of one. By this time, you will want to encourage your child to learn how to drink from a cup as you continue to encourage a healthy and nutritious diet for your child.

You can easily teach your kids how to prevent the possibility of future cavities and tooth decay by practicing proper brushing habits and instilling the idea of not having sugary drinks right before bedtime.

Encouraging Healthy Teeth for Kids

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit a dentist with the eruption of the first tooth, or at the latest, by age one. While some babies are born with one or two teeth, some won’t have their first tooth until after age one. The average age for the first tooth eruption is six months. The best way for us to prevent cavities in our children’s teeth is to address it at an early age.

Start Early

Children need to become comfortable with having their teeth and mouths inspected by parents and dentists. This can start in infancy, even before a tooth erupts. After meals, use a damp warm cloth to gently cleanse the gums. As your child grows, continue regular inspections.

As our children grow, we must be active and vigilant. We cannot simply ask our kids if they’ve brushed their teeth and hope they’re honest. Most kids don’t like to brush their teeth. Many lie about it! Some will run the toothbrush under water to “prove” they’ve brushed when they haven’t. Parents must actually inspect their children’s teeth. The best way to ensure our kids are brushing is for us to watch them brush.

Make Dental Hygiene Fun

Just by walking down the toothpaste and toothbrush aisle at the supermarket or drugstore, it’s obvious that marketers have figured out that fun products attract kids. Most general retailers carry a huge selection of kid-themed toothbrushes, toothpaste and mouthwash. Kids like to have fun. Commercial packaging is designed to be fun and appealing to children. Make it fun!

Purchasing dental products with popular animated characters is the simplest way to start the fun. Take it a step farther by finding tools available through various other outlets. Sesame Street, for example, has a wealth of tools on its site for parents, such as activities, games, and informational brochures. YouTube is a great source for kid-oriented dental hygiene videos. There’s no shortage of fun videos on YouTube instructing kids on dental hygiene!

Insurance Providers as a Resource

For families with health maintenance organization (HMO) dental insurance plans, check with your provider to see what resources are available regarding your child’s dental care. Many HMO plans offer resources on their websites that will help with caring for your child’s teeth.

Teaching your Kids to Floss

At Playtime Dental, we know that flossing is just as important for your child as it is for you, as it promotes healthy dental hygiene and prevents cavities and gum disease. Teaching your children how to floss will help them learn the importance of this habit as well as enjoy it. Here are a few steps to consider when teaching your little one how to floss.

1. Floss Length

Each time your child flosses, he or she should break off roughly 18 inches. A good trick to help you remember this is to make the floss the same length as the distance between your elbow and your fingertip. Once you have the floss in hand, you can either floss for your child, or if the child is old enough, you can teach him or her.

2. How to Hold Floss

Holding floss can be tricky at times, so it is important for your child to know the proper method. A best practice for this is to wind a good majority of the floss around one of the middle fingers. Then, the rest of the floss can go around the other middle finger on the opposite hand. After that, your child can firmly grasp the floss between his or her thumbs and first fingers to better control it and adapt it to the curves of the teeth.

3. Flossing Thoroughly

There are several steps involved when it comes to the actual flossing process. First, have your child gently guide the floss in between his or her teeth. After that, the child will need to make the floss into a C shape so that it can easily go into the spot between the tooth and the gum. Once the floss is in a good position, the child can hold it tightly against his or her tooth and then lightly rub the side of the tooth with the floss. This should be done in a slight up and down motion away from the gum. After this step is complete, the child can simply repeat the process until all of his or her gums are clean. It’s that simple!

Best Kid Books that Teach Oral Hygiene

When it comes to dental hygiene, teach kids often and start early. Parents and even teachers of young children who want to encourage proper dental hygiene, which includes brushing, rinsing, flossing and routine visits to the dentist, might rely on books to supplement their words. Here are some parents' and teachers' favorite books, many of which are recommended by dentists who know how important it is to get the word out to children.

Available on Amazon

Plenty of books exist featuring your child's favorite movie and TV characters. Spongebob and the Berenstein Bears know how important it is to brush and floss! Even Dr. Seuss has a book aptly titled The Tooth Book. We recommend the popup book Ready, Set, Brush, which features everyone’s favorite red muppet from Sesame Street. Elmo teaches kids all about brushing twice a day for two minutes each to keep their pearly whites, well, pearly and white! Elmo and friends also talk about visiting the dentist.

Kate Parkhurst is the author of The Invasion of The Cavity Creatures, which provides a fun look into what happens when you don't properly take care of your teeth. No one wants cavity creatures! And this book helps inspire children to keep on top of their brushing routine every day.

Available on Amazon

Brush, Rinse and Floss is a good book for children who are a little older and need motivation to take care of their teeth and mouth. Dads who want to teach their children how to brush correctly might like Pony Brushes His Teeth, which centers on a daddy horse teaching his little pony to brush for the first time. Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder is ideal for children who are losing teeth and worried by it.

If your little one is worried about visiting the dentist, which can seem scary to children, try Teddy Visits the Dentist. This book explains routine dental visits in a way that isn't scary.

Parents may receive other recommendations or activity sheets from teachers and dentists. Children will identity with different artwork, stories and characters, so having plenty of sources to teach about oral hygiene is key to making an impression.

The Best Dental Hygiene Products for Small Children

Many people wonder why anyone would teach children about brushing baby teeth since we get another set of teeth. Even though this first set will eventually fall out, it allows a parent to instill good dental hygiene habits in a youngster. We recommend starting a child on a daily brushing routine as soon as he or she has teeth, and flossing as soon as the teeth touch. Unfortunately, finding the ideal dental hygiene products for children can be challenging, but there are a few creative solutions available.

A Toothbrush Specifically Designed for Baby Teeth

Brush Baby Chewable Toothbrush

It's no secret that toddlers can be stubborn, so the ideal children's tooth brush has to make them want to use it. That's why the Brush Baby Chewable Toothbrush is garnering so much attention from medical professionals and parents. This is one of the most innovative dental hygiene products available for infants and toddlers. This teether features medical grade silicone bristles which clean the teeth as infants or toddlers chew on it. The Chewable Toothbrush is ideal for children with several teeth or infants who are teething. Like traditional teethers, this product can be kept in the freezer to provide relief from incoming teeth.

Tooth Paste for Toddlers

One of the dangers of allowing toddlers to brush their own teeth is the threat of swallowing too much toothpaste. For children under the age of 2 years, a smear of fluoridated toothpaste should be used on the bristles.  For children aged 2-5 years, a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used.  Non-fluoridated toothpastes like Weleda Mint Children's Toothpaste are available, but the cavity fighting effects of the fluoride do not exist to help remineralize tooth structure and buffer the pH of the saliva, which reduces cavities. A child should never be forced to use one particular product, because that can create a negative association with brushing if they do not like the product.  So find a product your child likes so they are receptive to brushing!

Prepare Kids for a Life of Good Oral Hygiene

While shopping for your children's toothpaste, your children may see specific products in which they are interested. Some toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes feature popular animated characters that your children prefer. It's important to instill the routine of brushing and flossing into your children by making it seem like a privilege instead of a chore. Since baby teeth will eventually fall out, they serve as practice for the permanent set. If a less effective product is getting your children to brush, then by default it's more effective. Keep this in mind when selecting your children's dental hygiene products and teaching them to brush should be a breeze. Be sure your children see a reputable children’s dentist when the first tooth grows. A cavity-free smile can last a lifetime.

Are Pacifiers a Kids’ Dental Problem?

Here at Playtime Dental, our number one goal is to make sure your child's mouth stays healthy. It's never too early to start taking proper care of your child's mouth, and if you have any questions about oral health, we are here to give you answers. One such question that you might have is, "are pacifiers a problem?" The answer to this concern is two-fold.

Problems with Long-Term Pacifier Use

For the first few years of your child's life, using a pacifier usually won't lead to any oral damage. On the other hand, if your child refuses to give up the pacifier, or if it is not taken away by the age of three, long-term suckling will definitely cause damage. This is especially true if your child is still suckling on a pacifier once he or she starts loosing baby teeth. Some of the negative effects endured from long-term pacifier use include:

·         The top front teeth will tip outward and/or not erupt correctly

·         The bottom front teeth will tip inward and/or not erupt correctly

·         The jaws can become misaligned causing bite problems

·         The permanent teeth will come in crooked.

Things to Remember

It's very common for infants and young children to suck on pacifiers. If your child does, you need to make sure that the pacifier is constructed of one piece only. If it's made of two or more parts, or the shield part of the pacifier is smaller than the mouth, it is a choking hazard.

Also, make sure that you don't fasten the pacifier to a string and attach it to your child's shirt. The string could get tangled or caught on something and injure your child.

Lastly, although you may have heard of dipping a pacifier into some type of sweet substance, such as honey, to calm your child when he or she is crying, you should avoid doing this because it can lead to tooth decay.

Contact Playtime Dental Today

Always do your best to provide positive reinforcement when trying to get your child to give up his or her pacifier. Also, make sure your child visits a general or kid’s dentist on a regular basis. The doctors here at Playtime Dental will be more than happy to evaluate your child's oral health.

Kids’ Dental Tips for Busy Parents

Keeping a child’s teeth in great shape is difficult for parents who have other children, jobs, and a home to maintain. There are tons of easy tips that can help keep your children’s teeth in great shape without taking too much time or effort. These quick tips can make a huge difference and can help make life as a busy parent that much easier.

1. Switch to Water: Switching your child’s drinks from soft drinks and juices to water and sugar free drinks is the best way to help keep your child’s teeth clean. Though you cannot always ensure that your child will make these choices in their adult lives, you can help them make good choices at a young age.
2. Offer Fewer Sugary Snacks: Though things like fruit snacks and candy may be a great way to make your child happy, they are often the cause of cavities, rotten teeth, and tooth pain. The average kids' dentist recommends limiting sugar at an early age to cultivate good habits. If your child does have a sugary treat, have the child brush his or her teeth afterwards to remove sugar that may cause decay.
3. Create a Bed-time Routine: Another great way to get your child’s teeth in great shape is to make up a bed time routine. This can help create consistency and can help get your child involved in their own dental health. This will make for a much easier process when it comes to getting your child’s teeth clean. Try encouraging them to brush their teeth while they sing their favorite song or while they watch a video. This can help make a great routine that they actually want to participate in.
4. Get the Kids Involved: The last thing you may want to do is to get your child involved in their own dental health. Let them know how to take care of their own teeth, and let them know why they are brushing and flossing. This will help you to get your child involved and ready to help keep their own teeth clean. Dentist visits are a great place to learn about dental health.

Any of these tips can help get your child ready to take care of his or her own teeth. These tips can help your child create habits that are going to stay with them for years. Though it may seem impossible to juggle life and take care of your child’s teeth, with some help you can get them off to a great start.

Water Only in Sippy Cups

Raising healthy kids these days is difficult, especially in a day and age when soft drinks, fast food, and fatty foods are the most common fare.  A few different ways exist to help get your kids off to a great start in both oral and overall health. One way is to put only water in sippy cups instead of juice. Switching to water in sippy cups with meals is the best way to ensure that baby teeth are healthy.

Though sippy cups are often filled with juice and sugary drinks, water is a great choice. Not only is water a better source of constant hydration, but it also protects the teeth from being continually coated in sugar and acid found in fruit juices. Fruit juice is high in natural sugar, which is just as hard on teeth as the refined sugars we use in baking.  Most children prefer sugary drinks due to the yummy flavors.  But when given nothing but water, it is far more likely that they will develop a taste for water and possibly a taste for healthier choices. Some parents claim that their children will not drink water. However, children are incredibly adaptive and when given water instead of sugary drinks, they will often choose what is easiest. Children are very versatile and will often drink whatever a parent gives them.  You may have a bit of fighting at first if your children are used to sugary drinks in their sippy cups.

Although switching their drinks to water is a great way to prevent cavities in baby teeth and adult teeth that are forming, dentist visits are still necessary for children. When it comes to the dental health of children, general dentist visits may be helpful but it is always better to go to a kids' dentist. Visiting a kids’ dentist has a few different benefits. The first is that they know how to work with children. Dealing with children is different than dealing with adults. An experienced kids’ dentist will be practiced in a kid-friendly approach. The second is that little mouths and baby teeth require slightly different care than adult teeth. A kids’ dentist, like a pediatrician, is accustomed to these differences.

Yearly cleanings and checkups can help prevent any damage that may occur from improper care. Making sure that baby teeth are brushed, kept clean, and maintained is the best way to insure that the health of the growing adult teeth is as good as possible. In order for adult teeth to remain healthy as they grow, it is important that baby teeth are cared for properly. Switching children to water instead of juice or sugary drinks can help maintain the health of baby teeth to ensure that adult teeth get a healthy start.

Oral Health Checklist for Teens

As your child ages, especially during his or her teenage years, it will be your job to hand over the responsibility of taking care of your child's teeth. This means it will be your child who has to make sure his or her teeth are brushed after every meal. Although there is quite a bit involved in properly taking care of one's mouth, your teenager should not feel overwhelmed with dental hygiene. To make sure your child is doing all that he or she can, make sure you hang up an oral health checklist in your child's bathroom as well as regularly visiting a kids' dentist. The checklist should outline the following tips and it should be written as if it is talking directly to your teen.

·         Skip the chips and chocolate and eat an apple. Eating unhealthy foods is not only bad for your teeth, but it can be detrimental to your overall health.  Childhood obesity and diabetes are becoming more prevalent, so make sure you're making healthy food choices.

·         Please buckle up in the car. Not only will wearing a seat belt help protect your mouth, it can also save your life if you're in an accident.

·         Brush and floss after every meal.  Also consider chewing sugarless gum after each meal; this will help make your breath fresh, and it also helps to prevent tooth decay.  Did you know Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used in sugarless gum, actually kills the bacteria that cause decay! 

·         Do you have a game tonight? If so, make sure you pack your mouth guard, and more importantly, make sure you wear it during your game. You don't want your permanent teeth getting knocked out do you? Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best things you can do to protect your teeth while playing sports.

·         Forget about getting your tongue pierced. You might think it looks cool, but as you age, you may come to realize it was just a phase you were going through.   Oral piercings can damage the teeth.  To have the best dental hygiene possible, you should skip over the oral piercings.