Getting Ready for Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

There are a lot of milestones to experience during a child’s first few years of life. Heading to the dentist isn’t one most parents think much about until the day arrives.

When Is the Right Time?

Most dental professionals agree that a child should make their first trip to the dentist around age 1, or around the time his or her first tooth erupts. This helps the dentist check things out early to avoid problems in the future, create a relationship with the young patient and help establish dental visits as part of a child’s normal routine.

What Dentist Should I Choose?

You may love your dentist, but think about what his/her office may look like to a small child. Most adult dentists are not equipped to handle small children or their dental needs. Their equipment is too big, the atmosphere is too adult-like and the staff isn’t properly trained for dealing with young ones.
Instead, choose a dental office that caters to the young and growing patient. Look for a kid-friendly office (one that is bright and cheery) that offers specialized services for children and who knows how to build a friendly rapport with young patients.

Preparing Your Child for the Big Day

Kids tend to feel anxious when they think their parents are anxious, so don’t make a big deal about your child’s first dental visit. Sure, talk about it with them, but don’t get too excited and be careful about the words you use when describing the visit. Never say “it won’t hurt.” That will only set an expectation that it will.
Here are some tips for getting ready for the big day:

• Take small children to the office with older siblings. That way the environment will be more familiar to them. 
• Practice opening wide in front of a mirror. Kids love to show off, so explain that the dentist wants to see their beautiful teeth.
• Read a book once or twice that explains a dental visit with your child a few days (or weeks, or both!) before the visit.

Once You Arrive

Be calm and nonchalant when driving to the office for your appointment. Be on time, but don’t be too early to avoid having to wait too long.
Most children’s dentists have waiting rooms filled with toys, books, video games, etc. Allow your child to explore. This will help alleviate any stress and make the appointment more fun.

At Playtime Dental, we understand that preparing yourself and your child for such a big milestone can seem stressful. By catering to young and growing patients, we know exactly how to make your first (and subsequent) visits as easy and enjoyable as possible. Be sure to talk with our staff about what you can do to make your child’s first dental visit as smooth as possible.

Basic FAQs About Fluoride for Children

Only a handful of people have issues with fluoride. There's no question that it reduces the risk of tooth decay with children, though. In this blog post, we'll try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get about fluoride use. 

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride isn't manufactured by some chemical process in an industrial laboratory setting. It's a mineral. It's found in our soil, water and even in some of our foods. Fluoride doesn't just prevent tooth decay either, in some cases it can even reverse it.

How Do We Get Fluoride to Protect Our Teeth?

In most cities in the United States, fluoride is used as a preventative public health measure in drinking water, so that's one way. Plus, nearly all toothpastes contain fluoride. It's also found in a variety of over-the-counter oral health products. Dentists also use fluoride in specific dental applications.

Why Would My Child Need Fluoride?

We know that kids love sugar, but even when they are careful to limit their sugar intake, our mouths are still littered with bacteria. When sugar and our natural bacteria combine, acid forms and tooth enamel is damaged. That begins the degradation of the teeth. Fluoride works to prevent a child's teeth from becoming damaged by acid. It can even reverse tooth decay in its early stages.

What if Our Town Doesn't Have Fluoridated Water?

If fluoridated water isn't available in your area, it's likely that your child will be at a higher risk of tooth decay. You'll want to talk with your family dentist, who can arrange for fluoride drops or treatments for your child.

When Should We Begin Using Fluoride With Our Child?

A little smear of toothpaste can be used on a toothbrush once the first tooth erupts. As other teeth begin erupting, there shouldn't be any issues with gently brushing. Don't use too much toothpaste, though. You don't want fluorosis to set in. If it does, and it’s on baby teeth it will be there until the adult teeth push the baby teeth out.

Fluoride is an important supplement in maintaining your child's dental health, but it must be carefully monitored. Your child should have his or her first dental visit when that first tooth erupts. That's one of the first steps in establishing proper oral hygiene and quality overall health. Contact us at Playtime Dental by calling 419-774-PLAY. We've treated children of all ages and would be happy to help your little one with his or her dental care. 

Keep Halloween Candy from Trashing Your Kids’ Teeth

Now that fall is in the air, your little ones are likely getting excited for Halloween. Eating mountains of candy all night is every child's dream, but it can be a nightmare for their pearly whites. Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay, which makes Halloween particularly dangerous for your children's oral health. This year, take steps to keep your kids' sugar intake in check and protect their teeth from icky cavities. Here are some ideas to help you manage the candy bucket.

Use a Smaller Treat Bag

Every child's plan for the night is to fill their goodie bag with as much candy as it will hold. So if you send your goblins and witches out with a giant pillowcase for trick-or-treating, they're going to come back with a ton of candy. Instead, opt for a smaller bag that will fill up much faster. Your kids might be a little disappointed with their haul, but their teeth will thank you.

Save Candy for After Meals

Your kids are going to want to start snacking on their candies right away. Go ahead and let them have a few pieces that night to let them celebrate, but save the rest of the candy for a post-dinner dessert. Saliva production increases during meals, helping to wash away any bacteria and food particles that got left behind. Having candy after dinner ensures that your children's teeth have a little more protection because of that extra saliva.

Swap Candy for Sugar-Free Rewards

Candy is great, but if your child has had his eye on a new video game or has been itching to go bowling, you might be able to make a trade. Consider offering to swap candy in exchange for a toy or activity. This maintains the fun of Halloween but limits the amount of candy your kids are indulging in.

Maintain Good Brushing Habits

The first thing your children should do after treating themselves to a sugary piece of candy is brush their teeth. Brushing is the best way to remove any candy or sugar residue from the teeth. Remind the kids how to brush properly — by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and moving it back and forth as well as circular motions and also short, soft strokes — and supervise them if they need a little extra help.

If your worried that this year's Halloween candy might have taken a toll on your children's teeth, schedule an appointment at Playtime dental for a cleaning and exam. Dr. Jackson Cockley, DDS, will take a closer look and make sure there aren't any cavities hiding out in your little one's teeth. Give us a call today to make an appointment.

How Much Sugar is in These Popular Drinks?

Taking care of your child’s teeth is another aspect of the love you provide as a parent. However, with so many options available on store shelves, it’s not always easy to know what foods and drinks are harmful to children’s developing teeth. Here’s a look at several common types of beverages and how much sugar they contain. High sugar drinks could be contributing to the cavities your child’s dentist finds during periodic examinations.

Soft Drinks

Cola drinks have been a staple of American snacking for decades, but these drinks are high in sugar content. A 20-ounce soda contains 65 grams of sugar. That’s enough sugar to do significant damage to teeth, as well as create problems with weight and blood sugar levels.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks have become a popular option for active people. However, these drinks contain high amounts of sugar, about 21 grams in a 12-ounce glass, which can contribute to weight problems and tooth decay.

Fruit Juices

A 16-ounce glass of fruit juice such as apple or orange juice contains 48 to 52 grams of sugar. Although fruit juices have other nutritional benefits, the amount of sugar can be damaging to teeth if children drink it throughout the day.

Iced Tea Drinks

Commercially sold iced tea drinks contain up to 51 grams of sugar, which can damage teeth and create weight problems when consumed throughout the day. Depending on the flavorings added to the tea, the amount of sugar could be even higher. 

Lemonades

The amount of sugar in lemonades can vary widely. Homemade lemonade can be adjusted to provide less sugar and a more tart flavor. Commercially sold lemonade can have up to 67 grams of sugar, which can inhibit appetite, add empty calories and damage tooth enamel.

Milk

Milk is one of the less damaging beverages for children’s teeth, generally containing about 11 grams of sugar. For those who avoid dairy products, soy milk contains 8 grams of sugar, while almond milk contains about 7 grams of sugar.
When children ask for something to drink, the best beverage you can offer them is water, which is free of sugar and additives and helps to flush debris and bacteria from their teeth. Avoid sugary drinks as much as possible! 

If you're concerned your child might have a cavity or if it's time to schedule his or her next cleaning, give Playtime Dental a call. 

Why Your Child's Baby Teeth Matter

Most people assume that baby teeth aren't as important as adult teeth since we lose them early in life. But the truth is that baby teeth really do matter for a variety of different reasons. 

Background on Baby Teeth

An infant's 20 primary teeth are already in place within the jaws at birth. They start to appear between 6 months and 1 year of age. The emergence of baby teeth often results in sore gums that can be alleviated with gentle rubbing. The average child will have all 20 primary teeth in place by the age of 3.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Primary teeth are critically important as they help our little ones chew food and form words. Baby teeth also hold space for permanent teeth that will soon emerge from beneath the gums. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth might drift into the empty space, making it challenging for adult teeth to find space when they finally come in. This is one of many reasons why taking your kid to a child’s dentist early in life is so important.

Don't Delay That First Dental Visit

According to the American Dental Association, the first dental appointment should be scheduled within six months after the child's first tooth comes in. Do not wait until beyond your child's first birthday to have him or her seen by a dentist. This visit will give your dentist a chance to check your kiddo’s teeth for decay and other issues.

How You can Care for Your Little One's Teeth

It is imperative that you take care of your child's baby teeth from the get-go. The first step is to wipe your baby's mouth in the first couple of days after birth. Use a washcloth or a moist gauze pad for this quick rub. 

If your child is under the age of 3, brush his or her teeth three times per day and floss where teeth touch, as soon as the teeth have entered the mouth. Use fluoride toothpaste the size of a lentil. If your child is between 3 and 6 years old, use a little bit more toothpaste, roughly the size of a small pea and brush three times per day and floss where the teeth touch. Continue brushing your child's teeth until you are confident that he or she can brush them on his or her own.  

Kids start to get sufficient hand-eye coordination around the age of 8.  If your child wants to brush and floss on his or her own, that’s great!  Let he or she brush and floss, then an adult should follow up behind.  An adult can brush and floss first, whichever method works best to get the job done. 

Once your child has two teeth that touch, you can teach him or her how to floss! Encourage your child to floss each time he or she brushes to maintain oral health into adulthood. And don't forget to schedule regular dental appointments at Playtime Dental. 

Is Dental Sedation Safe for Children?

When it comes to dental sedation and your child, safety should be everyone’s first concern. Something as important as sedating a child for a dental procedure should only be done by an expert in children’s health, such as a children’s dentist. 

Not only does a kid’s dentist have the expertise and knowledge of safe sedation methods for children, they are trained how to help a nervous child feel safe and comfortable during a dental procedure. This is vital in order to protect the child’s personal sense of well-being.

Laughing Gas for Nervous Children 

If a child feels overly stressed or frightened, dental sedation may be necessary to help the patient relax and feel calm. The most popular choice for this is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas as it is commonly called. Oxygen mixed with laughing gas is administered with a mask over the child’s nose. 

This type of dental sedation will start to take effect within minutes and the child will begin to feel happy and relaxed.  Immediately following the procedure, only oxygen will be given via the mask to make sure all laughing gas is removed from the child’s system.

Putting Safety First 

Before your children’s dentist performs a procedure, they will ask questions about your child. Any medical concerns, such as allergies, previous illness or a pre-existing health condition will be noted and taken into consideration. 

When speaking with your child’s dentist, be sure to answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. Also, provide the child’s general physician’s name and phone number for the dentist to contact for more information if necessary, especially if your child has a medical condition. 

You should also inform the dentist if your child receives any sort of medication, vitamin supplements, or over-the-counter health products. All of this information is important for the dentist to know in order to determine what type of dental sedation is suitable for your child.

Depending on the type of sedation a child may need, a kid-friendly dentist will give instructions to parents about eating and drinking prior to the procedure.  When using laughing gas for sedation, a light meal is recommended prior to the procedure.  A heavy meal or no meal can cause nausea when using laughing gas for sedation.  For IV sedation, an empty stomach is vital in order to prevent your child from vomiting and inhaling the stomach’s contents into their lungs.  


If you have any questions about dental sedation, do not hesitate to contact our office. We can discuss options for your child's dental procedures and talk further with you about the safety precautions we use. 

Is Your Child A Good Candidate for Dental Sealants?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 70 percent of children will experience cavities in their teeth by the age of 19. If left untreated, these cavities can lead to tooth loss and a lifetime of dental problems. Dental sealants are an option that protects the chewing grooves of the teeth from getting cavities.

Understanding Dental Sealants

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied to chewing surfaces to prevent the tiny grooves and fissures in young teeth from developing cavities. These sealants bond into the small depressions, protecting teeth from bacteria that cause dental caries (cavities). The sealant is applied on teeth after cleaning any food or plaque from it. 

The teeth are first roughened (etched) with an acid wash, and then, the sealant is painted onto them. It is then allowed to cure using a curing light. These sealants can last as long as 10 years and will protect the chewing, cheek or tongue surface of the teeth as children grow into young adulthood. 

Dental sealants are an underused resource that can help children who have difficulty cleaning back teeth or who are vulnerable to cavities.  The surfaces in between the teeth cannot be sealed so flossing is still the best way to protect the teeth from interproximal cavities.

Sealants Go Where Dental Caries Happens

Newly erupted teeth may have many very small grooves and indentations that catch food and may be difficult to clean properly. The teeth at the back of the mouth, in particular, can hold food debris that allows bacteria to thrive. 

Sealing the chewing, cheek or tongue surfaces of back teeth ensures that bacteria will not be trapped in these mini crevices. Sealants can be particularly important for children who have thin tooth enamel or a tendency toward developing cavities easily.

Ongoing Preventative Care for Children

Dental sealants should be applied on newly erupted permanent molars and pre-molars. This generally occurs between the ages of 6 and 14.  Sealants applied at this time can protect children’s teeth during these cavity-prone mid- childhood years. Dental sealants can be a useful part of preventative care for children’s oral health. They can provide that additional measure of protection against tooth decay that can lead to tooth loss.

Your child can enjoy oral health throughout his or her life if you form good habits early and visit your dentist regularly. Dental sealants can be part of the ongoing care your child needs to maintain an attractive and healthy smile. Call Playtime Dental today to schedule an appointment for your kiddo or if you have any questions!

How Can Space Maintainers Help My Child's Teeth?

If your child has had a tooth removed or lost a tooth earlier than the average, you should know of an oral appliance called a space maintainer. Space maintainers serve the purpose of holding space for a child's permanent teeth to erupt if your child has had a tooth removed or lost a tooth too early. Their use in the early years can prevent costly problems down the road.

Candidates for Space Maintainers

If your child loses a baby tooth too early (before the permanent tooth is ready to emerge) then a space maintainer might be an option to help. It will hold the space left open by the missing tooth so that there is enough room for the adult tooth to enter the mouth. Children might also require space maintainers if they have primary teeth pulled as a result of dental decay. Regardless of which scenario has unfolded for your child, you should understand that a space maintainer will support your little one's dental health.

Space Maintainer Details

Space maintainers are made by dentists and orthodontists with either a metal or acrylic material. It can be fabricated so it is a removable or a fixed appliance that will be placed in your child's mouth. The fixed variety comes in different kinds: unilateral band and loop, unilateral band and loop with a distal shoe if the tooth lost does not have a tooth behind it, or a bilateral space maintainer for the upper or lower arch which holds space for teeth on both sides of the mouth if teeth are lost on both sides.

The space maintainer will minimize crowding issues as baby teeth are lost. This way, future orthodontic treatment may not be required as your little one's teeth will have enough open space to shift into. It is worth noting that space maintainers are not necessary for every single child who prematurely loses a tooth. Be sure to discuss this option with your child’s dentist to determine if it is appropriate for your child.

Getting Accustomed to the Space Maintainer

It might take your child a few days to get used to wearing the new space maintainer. Both the fixed and removable varieties are foreign objects that the mouth will take some time to get used to. Be sure to clean the space maintainer to prevent negative impacts on the teeth and gum tissue health. 

You will need to bring your child back to your dentist's office regularly so that he can gauge the progress of treatment with the use of the new space maintainer. If you have any questions, feel free to give our office a call!

What Causes Bad Breath in Children?

When you think of baby breath you think of something delicate, airy and sweetly pleasant. But in reality, that's not always what you get. 

Even healthy children sometimes experience bad breath. But if your son or daughter has persistent bad breath, it could point to improper dental hygiene. 

Common Causes of Bad Breath

The first and most obvious cause of bad breath in children, as in anyone, is unhealthy oral habits. You should teach your child from a very young age to always brush their teeth and tongue so that bacteria does not build up and bad odors are prevented.  

Let your child know that brushing the tongue is just as important as brushing the teeth. Supervise the brushing to make sure they are doing a good job.  Make sure children know from early on that regular care of the mouth is a normal part of each day.

Eating foods that have strong odors can also cause bad breath. If children are brushing regularly after every meal, this will help with that problem, regardless of what is consumed.

If your child is sick, there are two possible sources of bad breath — the medicine he or she is taking, or the infection/condition itself.

Check your child's mouth regularly to make sure they don't have any cavities, sores in the mouth or plaque build-up, all of which can contribute to bad breath.

Preventing Bad Breath 

It is the saddest thing to see a very young child with stained or rotting teeth. This is something that might affect them for a lifetime and could have been prevented with proper care. 

Don't wait until your child has an obvious problem before acting. Take your children to the dentist now. Teach them that their dentist, just like Officer Friendly, is indeed their friend.  

You should encourage children to floss daily and take good care of their teeth so they can proudly brag when they visit their dentist and look forward to getting a new toothbrush.


The routine at Playtime Dental is designed to make your child's visit fun and entertaining. If your child needs a dentist appointment, give our office a call today. We are currently accepting new patients!

Should Children Floss Before or After they Brush?

To floss or not to floss is not the question. We all know children need to get on board with flossing.  If you are wondering why your kids should floss, when they should floss, and/or how often they should floss, here are some things your child's dentist wants you to know.

How Soon Should Children Start Flossing?

How soon should children start flossing?  As soon as they have two teeth touching each other, because that is when food particles start getting stuck between teeth.  

They will probably need your help until age 10 or 11 because children do not typically get good hand-eye coordination until around the ages of 8-10 and they might not get all the food particles.  When they're older, they'll also have the manual dexterity to do a good job.

Why Do Children Need to Floss? 

Simply put, our children need to floss to prevent cavity and gum disease.  Plaque that isn't removed by flossing and brushing can harden and cause problematic tartar also known as, calculus.

Is There an Ideal Time to Floss? 

Decisions, decisions, decisions.  You may have heard that old song, "The Night Time is the Right Time!"  That may be the "right time" to be with the one you love, as the song says, but is there a right time or a wrong time to floss?  

Should children floss before or after they brush their teeth? Surprisingly, more people floss before they brush than after. They're probably thinking if they get little food particles out by flossing, then they can brush and gargle them away. However, many dentists say it doesn't matter.  

The important thing is that your children do floss every time they brush. So how often should they brush? Twice daily is normally recommended. However, if your child wants to be fanatic about something, brushing and flossing more often won't hurt.

Just make sure that when you're teaching your child to floss that you teach him or her to throw the floss away after using it and don’t save it for later. They might be "saving" bacteria, which will get back on their teeth when they floss the next time.

Act Now 

If you haven't begun to educate your children on maintaining a healthy mouth, start now! If it's time for your child's next dental appointment, call our office today to schedule a visit with Playtime Dental. 

Five Things Parents Need to Know About Teething

Of all your baby's milestones, one of the most exciting is the arrival of the first baby tooth. Teething occurs when the first baby tooth begins breaking through the baby's gums. You may not know what to expect during this time in your baby's life, so we've put together a list of the five things you need to know when it comes to teething. 

1. When Teething Begins

The lower front baby teeth usually come in first. One to two months later, the upper front teeth make their appearance. This phase usually begins at about six months but it can be anytime between three and 12 months. All the primary teeth should come in by age 3.

2. Signs of Teething

Drooling is typical when baby teeth come. Keep a bib handy to wipe the chin to avoid chapping. Drooling may cause the development of a rash or redness. Have some Vaseline or skin cream handy. 

Your baby may be irritable and cranky, and may not want to eat because of sore gums. You might find your baby pulling his or her ears and rubbing his or her cheeks during the teething process. Because of the discomfort of teething, your baby's sleep pattern may be disrupted as well. 

Swollen gums during teething may cause a low-grade fever.  However, if a high fever or diarrhea does occur, contact your child’s physician for an appointment because these symptoms are probably caused by something else. 

3. Teething Pain Relief 

If your baby is getting fussy because of teething, these remedies might help: 

• Teething ring. This is a baby product used to soothe the gums, something a baby can gnaw and rub against the gums. Shop carefully for a safe product.
• Cold, wet wash cloth. Parents can cover their finger with the wash cloth and apply soft pressure to the baby's gums.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers. Ask your dentist for a recommendation.

4. Caring for New Teeth 

Once those teeth start coming in, it's time to buy your baby's first toothbrush. Take time to clean the teeth after each feeding. This is the first step in establishing lifelong good dental habits for your child.  This is also the time for your baby's first trip to the dentist to get recommendations for proper care. 

Encourage Children to Follow Bike Safety Tips

Now that spring has rolled around, it is time to turn our attention to outdoor activities. The warm April weather means our little ones will head outside with their bikes and engage in all sorts of activities with their friends.

April also represents National Facial Protection Month. Too many people think that facial injuries predominantly occur when engaging in contact sports. The truth is that your children are quite vulnerable on their bicycles as well.

The Importance of a Helmet

Bike helmets have become so important that the federal government has instituted safety standards for their design and function. Do not let your child use a bike helmet that does not have a sticker stating it complies with the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Demand that your kids wear their helmets at all times when riding their bikes. Do not let them get away with a helmet-less ride even if it is just down the street to their friend's place.

Furthermore, inspect the helmet as it rests on your child's head to ensure that it fits properly. If you and your child are not sure if it fits right, do not hesitate to consult with an expert at a bike store.

Choose the Right Size Bike

Too many parents think that a hand-me-down bike will suffice for their young one. Don't try to cut corners by forcing your child to ride a bike that is not the ideal size. A properly sized bike will help keep your child safe and sound.

Have your child stand so that he or she straddles the top bar of the bike with both feet flat on the ground. If there is not an inch to three inches of space between the top bar and your child, the bike is the wrong size. Also, check to make sure that the seat, wheels and handlebars all fit nice and snug.

Perform Regular Bike Maintenance

Bikes require maintenance just like automobiles. Check your child's bike chain on a regular basis to determine if it requires additional oil. Verify that the bike's brakes are functioning as designed. Sticking brakes can lead to a nasty accident that leaves your child bruised, bloodied or worse.

Also, be sure to inspect the tires on your child's bike on a regular basis. The tires should have ample air along with the proper tire pressure.

Playtime Dental is Here for Your Kids

The dental experts here at Playtime Dental are just as concerned about your child's teeth as you are. If Playtime Dental does not care for your little one’s dental needs and you have any interest in a new dentist, look no further. We provide a child-friendly dental environment that your little one will like. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment by dialing 419-774-PLAY.

Sports Drinks are Bad for Children's Teeth

It is common for kids playing outside in the heat to grab a sports drink to re-hydrate and stay cool, but these drinks may be the cause of more trips to the kid's dentist for oral health problems. Drinking too many of these sugar-filled sports drinks can be harmful to a child's oral health.  Sports drinks are everywhere, including school cafeterias, because they are thought to be a safe alternative for children to consume.  Although they may be a healthier alternative to sodas, these drinks are just as capable of causing tooth decay.

Acid and Teeth

Many people associate enamel erosion with the bacteria found in the mouth as a result of poor oral hygiene habits.  Unfortunately, highly acidic foods and drinks can cause significant damage to teeth without the help of bacteria.  Sports drinks contain high levels of citric acid or phosphoric acid, which may leave children's teeth more prone to cavities and tooth decay. Once acid erosion starts to attack the enamel on teeth, the teeth often become more sensitive to hot foods, cold foods, touch and pressure, which causes problems with eating, biting and brushing.

Sugar and Teeth

Just like soda, sports drinks contain a high concentration of sugar and although sugar itself doesn't rot the teeth, the acid that is produced from bacteria due to the sugar, does.  Sugar feeds the bacteria that live in our mouths. When children drink sports drinks and other beverages that contain a lot of sugar, the bacteria consumes the sugars, turning the sugars into a harmful acid that eventually causes erosion of the tooth enamel and causes cavities. The best way to remove the acid causing bacteria is to brush, but sports drinks are often sipped frequently throughout the day, which lengthens the amount of time the acids and sugars are on the teeth, leading to plaque and decay.  Enamel demineralization leads to cavities on the areas of teeth that have an accumulation of plaque, which is caused by sugars and the bacteria.
Not only can the excess sugars in these drinks cause tooth decay in children, but it may lead to obesity, diabetes and other health issues.  All of these can have a negative effect on oral health.  

If you are concerned your child may have cavities as a result of drinking sports drinks, contact his or her dentist to schedule an appointment for a cleaning and thorough examination.

How to Make Sure Teens are Practicing Good Oral Hygiene

Your teen's smile enhances their confidence and self-esteem. It's one of the first things that will attract people to them. That's why it's so important to take good care of the teeth starting as soon as possible. Teens lead very busy and active lifestyles, which unfortunately can translate into less time spent on dental hygiene. Following these recommendations will help your teen maintain and sustain quality oral health.

Set a Routine

It is recommended that a person brush at least two to three times per day with a fluoride toothpaste in addition to flossing at least once per day.  Over time they'll get used to the routine.  Doing so will help prevent tooth decay, plaque build-up and gum disease. 

Diet

Dental plaque loves sugar and carbohydrates.  Healthy snacks like fruits and veggies can actually help clean teeth, so encourage your teens to eat smart when it comes to snacking.  A diet that's rich in nutrients is also going to benefit dental health over many years.

Regular Dental Visits

We're aware that teens maintain an active lifestyle, but routinely seeing a general dentist during the teen years is important for the general development of their teeth and mouth.  Just because they saw a kid's dentist routinely and all of their permanent teeth have come in doesn't mean that the health of their teeth, gums and bone are optimal.  Ignored or untreated dental conditions are going to detract from their overall health and smile, so make sure they get a cleaning every six months. 

Piercings

Oral piercings might be popular with kids, but they can chip or break teeth.  If your teen is set on it, some piercings are safer than others.   We can make our recommendations if needed. 

Mouth Guards

Dental injuries occur every year in sports. If your teen is involved in sports, they can prevent dental injuries by wearing a mouth guard.  They're highly recommended and are custom fitted.

Can Cough Syrup Cause Cavities?

It's well established that both cough drops and cough syrup contain ingredients that can contribute to tooth decay and oral health issues. A child's teeth are most susceptible to cough syrup, particularly if they use cough medicine and then go to bed without brushing their teeth.  The purpose of cough syrup is to coat the throat, but it also coats the teeth.

Sugar, Alcohol and Cavities

Cough syrup usually has a sweet taste because of the sugar in it, but it also often contains citric acid and alcohol. Alcohol can make the mouth dry.  Bacteria in the mouth feed on that sugar, and the acid forms around the teeth from the bacteria. Saliva naturally cleans the acid away, but because of the drying effect of alcohol coupled with the naturally diminished production of saliva during sleep, sufficient saliva isn't produced to clean off the citric acid. That means the acid from the bacteria is left on the teeth for hours resulting in tooth decay.

Cavity Prevention During Cold and Flu Season

If you're going to give your child cough syrup during cold and flu season, give it to them well before they go to bed and make sure that they brush and floss their teeth before their head hits the pillow. If you have to wait until just before the child goes to bed before taking the cough syrup, have them brush and floss to remove the sugar from the surface of their teeth. Pills or capsules are the best alternatives to liquid cough medicine, and they work just as well so long as your child can swallow pills or capsules.

Tooth decay can cause pain and destroy teeth that you and your kid's dentist work so hard to maintain. Quality oral health for your kids helps keep your children healthy and reduces the costs of dental care. A little sugar, citric acid and alcohol in a dose of cough syrup might seem insignificant, but it can adversely affect their oral health over time, particularly before bedtime.  Follow our cough medication recommendations for the optimal dental care of your child.

Learn How to Protect Your Teeth this Winter

As the temperature drops throughout the fall, it reminds us that winter is on the way.  Along with fall and winter comes the holidays that bring lots of tasty treats that everybody loves to graze upon.  Not only do we eat more treats during the winter holidays, but there are more events and activities during the winter that can be dangerous for your oral health.  Along with avoiding the cold toes and achy bones of winter, it is also important to visit your general dentist for a winter check-up.  Here are a few tips to help you prevent some common oral health problems during the cold season.

Winter Sports

Winter sports, such as ice hockey, skiing, sledding and ice skating can be just as dangerous for your teeth as summer sports. You or the kids can easily chip or knock out a tooth (or two) from slipping on the ice or getting hit in the mouth with a hockey puck. One of the best ways to prevent damage to the teeth is to wear a mouth guard when playing winter sports. 

Tooth Sensitivity

The cold air may cause your teeth to become extra sensitive. Sensitivity in teeth usually causes a throbbing feeling and/or pain inside your mouth and the areas of your face around your mouth.  When you are cold, your teeth may chatter, which may weaken the enamel on your teeth.  Keeping warm is essential for your body to function properly and to help teeth feel less sensitivity from chattering. Wear the appropriate winter clothing for winter activities and sip a cup of warm sugar-free tea to help you stay warm.

Colds and Flu

It is almost impossible to avoid getting a cold or the flu during the winter. Unfortunately, getting sick not only makes you feel miserable, but it also affects your eating habits and your oral health habits. When you’re sick and tired, nothing may sound good at meal times.  This can cause you to avoid eating healthy meals and forgetting to brush afterwards.  Some cold medications may contain sugar and can cause your mouth to become dry, which increases the bacteria that causes tooth decay.  On the days when you don't feel like eating, avoid snacking and instead try to eat a bowl of vegetable soup, drink plenty of water and get your rest.


Whether you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or need an appointment with the kid's dentist to have them fitted for a mouth guard, contact us, so we can help keep your smile safe and beautiful this winter.