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. 

Ideas on How to Make Oral Hygiene Fun For Kids

For some kids, brushing and flossing is like a chore that they do once in the morning and once at night. However, it doesn't have to be this way! Making oral hygiene fun can have lasting effects and can even make kids take an interest in keeping their mouths clean and healthy.

There's an App For That

It's recommended that a child brushes his or her teeth for two minutes. A fun way to make sure they get the full two minutes in is to use a brushing app that plays a song for two minutes and have your child brush as long as the music is playing. Pick something they like and will make them want to stay there the entire time. A smile on their face while brushing will make the time pass faster. Also, if the song is something they really enjoy they might even look forward to the next time they get to brush.

Visits from the Tooth Fairy 

Every child is different when it comes to losing teeth.  Some kids love the idea of losing teeth because that means they are growing up!  Others don’t like losing teeth because eating can become uncomfortable until the tooth falls out.  A good way to make this fun is by using the story of the tooth fairy. Tell your child a new tooth will grow back soon but the tooth fairy will come and give some money in exchange for the tooth that has come out.  This is a great opportunity to talk about brushing and flossing.  Explain that the tooth fairy loves to see teeth in good shape so she knows that the child is doing a good job brushing and flossing.   I have had some parents say the tooth fairy does not bring money for teeth with cavities that come out!

Prize Winning Teeth 

A kids' dentist can show children what can happen to their teeth if they don't brush.  Some dentists even give prizes for good oral hygiene or a good visit.  If your child’s dentist doesn't give out toys, perhaps you could find a small way to reward them for their good oral report.  A reward system, such as a brushing and flossing chart with stickers, is a great way for children to get motivated.  Then on the chart, have a spot for the six month check-ups that has a special sticker or reward to be given for a good visit.  Oral hygiene doesn't have to be a difficult task every day.  Just by making brushing and flossing into something fun, you could see an improvement in the oral health.

School Lunches That Promote Healthy Teeth

With school in session, it is time to start packing lunches for the kids again. It can be easy to pack processed lunches or have children buy lunch at school rather than taking the time to prepare something healthy. But packing a healthy lunch can be critical to children's oral health. Find out what foods to include in children's school lunches to make sure their teeth stay strong.

Healthy Sandwiches

Most lunches will typically include a sandwich. To make it healthier, use whole grain wheat bread instead of white bread. If you're making them a turkey or ham sandwich, consider adding a piece of cheese. Cheese is a great source of calcium and a certain type of protein called casein. You can spice things up further by adding vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce if your child likes.
If your child isn't a fan of sandwiches or just wants to mix things up, hummus offers a healthy alternative.

Yogurt and Milk 

If your child does not like the food you pack, there is a chance he or she might not eat all of it or simply throw it away. A healthy snack your kids are sure to enjoy is a nice cup of yogurt. Yogurt is packed with nutrients and oftentimes fruit, making it a great choice. Plus, it's easy to eat.  Make sure to read the labels so you don’t buy yogurt filled with sugar!
Milk is always great for the teeth, but if your child is getting bored with traditional milk, try chocolate or strawberry milk. They will still get the added calcium and the added flavor will make it fun to drink. When you're buying milk, skip the whole milk varieties in favor of 1 percent or even skim if your children will drink it.

Fresh Veggies

For a side item, it's easy to pack some chips since it's already packed neatly. Eating a bag of chips every day, even the snack-size version, isn't good for your child's teeth. Instead, try vegetables such as carrots or celery. See what your child likes to dip with them in.  A small amount of ranch can go a long way in making veggies more appetizing for kids.
Packing a lunch can be fun for the parents and the children. Getting your child involved in the process can be a valuable experience. Talk to your child to see which healthy foods he or she likes or is willing to try. That way you know you're packing a healthy lunch that they will enjoy all while maintaining their oral health.

How Do I Care for My Toddler's Teeth?

Caring for toddler's teeth can be a challenge. Although a toddler's teeth are small, they are like the teeth of an adult and must be properly cared for in order to maintain good oral health and hygiene. These tips and guidelines will help you keep your toddler's teeth and overall oral health in the best condition possible.

Create a Routine

Your child's oral health starts with you. As a parent, you need to make sure you are doing your part in your child’s brushing and flossing routine because children do not develop adequate hand-eye coordination to do a good job brushing and flossing until about the ages of 8 to 10 years. The most important times a child should brush and floss his or her teeth are in the morning and before they go to bed. Creating a routine can be difficult but it's not impossible. You will have to help your toddler each time.  It is best to let the child brush and floss first, so that way he or she gets to practice and can develop the needed hand-eye coordination to do a good job. The best way to teach your toddler how to brush his or her teeth is to lead by example. Brush your teeth the same time your toddler is brushing his or her teeth. 

Locate a Dental Office

Finding a dental office you are comfortable with is in the best interest of you and your child. A children’s dentist is the ideal dentist for your child. A general dentist can be used, but a kids' dentist specializes in the comfort, care and health of children. When you are trying to find a dental office for your toddler, consider its location, how far it is from your home and the type of insurance that is accepted.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Scheduling regular check-ups is perfect preventative care for cavities, gum disease and other issues that can occur due to poor oral hygiene. By your toddler's first birthday, your child should be seen by a kid-friendly dentist.

Ration the Juice

While it is okay to give your toddler juice, do not let them sip it for an extended period of time.  The time it takes them to drink the juice is more critical than the amount of juice they drink.  Juice can be given to your toddler each day but it is only recommended with meals.   Water or a sugar free beverage should be used for between meals or for sipping.

Teach Good Habits

Teaching your toddler good habits is the best way to prepare for the future. Teach them how to properly use a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, and tell them why it's important to brush and floss their teeth at least twice each day.

Kids Using Tobacco: Why Kids Smoke and the Risk of Using Tobacco

There is a number of health risks associated with smoking, yet teenagers continue to smoke and/or use smokeless tobacco. Each day, there are approximately 3900 children between the ages 12-17 smoke their first cigarette. Over 950 of them will become regular smokers and about half of them will die from smoking in adulthood. For these reasons, it is essential that children understand the dangers associated with smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco.

Why Kids Begin Smoking

There are several reasons why children may start smoking. Some of the most common reasons children may be attracted to smoking and/or chewing tobacco include:

• To act older
• To lose weight
• To look cool
• To do something dangerous
• To satisfy curiosity
• To appear tough
• To feel independent
• To win tobacco related merchandise

Signs Your Child May Be Smoking

It is essential as a parent to establish good communication with children early to make tricky issues, like smoking, easier. Giving children information about the risks associated with smoking may help to protect them from this unhealthy habit. Ask your child’s dentist to talk with them about the risks to their oral health from smoking and if you suspect your child may be using tobacco products, make sure they see a kid’s dentist as soon as possible. Warning signs your child is smoking may include:

• Odor of smoke on their clothing
• Bad breath
• Frequent complaints of throat irritation
• Coughing
• Decrease in their athletic performance
• Shortness of breath
• Stained and/or yellow teeth

The Oral and Physical Health Risks of Tobacco Use

Smoking and/or using smokeless tobacco kills hundreds of people each year. Tobacco contains nicotine and several other poisonous chemicals that cause a range of diseases, including heart problems and cancer. Tobacco use can have a significant impact on the overall oral health of a child. Some of the effects of smoking and using smokeless tobacco may include:

• Throat cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Heart disease
• Bone loss
• Tooth loss
• Gum disease
• Stained teeth

To help prevent your children from using tobacco products, it is important to discuss the issue in a way that doesn't make kids fear a punishment or feel as though they are being judged. It is also important to continue talking to children about the dangers of tobacco use throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Discuss ways your child can respond to smoking and peer pressure and encourage their self-confidence, which will help protect them against peer pressure. Visit a kids' dentist with your child for more information on the dangers of smoking and oral health.

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!

Risk Assessment Tool

Your child's teeth are important, but it may be difficult for parents to determine if their child needs the attention of a dentist or not. While annual cleanings are easy to remember and schedule even if there is not an issue, it may be difficult to determine if your child needs further attention or if they are doing well with their teeth and oral care.

That is where the pediatric risk assessment tool comes in handy. We here at Playtime Dental use this tool at each cleaning to determine if your child needs further care and also to identify any issues or risk factors that may lead to a need for more dental work. The tool first looks at a wide range of factors that may affect the overall health of your child's teeth. Who takes care of the child's teeth, has there been decay in the past 12 months, do they use a bottle or a sippy cup, do they snack often, do they have special needs, etc.? These factors will let the doctor know what type of potential issues they may be looking for so that they can more accurately address any issues that are present.

The tool also looks at what type of preventative efforts you and your child are taking as part of their oral health:

• Does your child visit the dentist regularly?
• Do they brush?
• Do they floss?
• Do they use a fluoride rinse?
• Do they drink fluoridated water?
• Do they snack frequently?
• Do they sip on beverages or drink them quickly?

These factors will help the dentist determine how likely it is that there will be issues with your child’s teeth.
Your kids' dentist will then mark any findings that were present with the checkup. Did they find decay, broken teeth, white spots lesions (start of cavities), or excessive plaque, etc.? This is the chance for the dentist and staff to talk with the parent about everything that they found during the cleaning, which makes diagnosing and choosing a treatment plan option much easier.


The last aspect of the assessment tool is to consider what options are available for treating any issues found. Determining if the patient is a high or low caries risk guides treatment decisions. Some issues will not need dental intervention and can be taken care of at home by improving or increasing the frequency of, or by adding, brushing, flossing or a fluoride rinse to the patient’s routine. If further dental intervention needed, your dentist will suggest the solution that is going to be least difficult or traumatizing for the child and will help parents put a treatment method in place so that your child can have the healthy teeth that they need.

What Are Space Maintainers?

One of the first questions most parents ask after being told their child may need a space maintainer is, "What is a space maintainer, and why it is necessary?"

Sometimes a baby tooth may be lost too early due to accident, decay or medical conditions. When a tooth is lost too early, in most cases it is important to maintain that space so the other teeth do not drift in to this space and block the new adult tooth from coming in later.  Your kids' dentist will help you determine how early is too early and whether a lost baby tooth will require a space maintainer.  A space maintainer is a small metal band that goes around one of the teeth on either side of the space where the missing tooth is, which has loop wire that crosses over the space where a tooth is missing and touches the other tooth.  This holds the space open for the growing adult tooth.  It is important to note that baby teeth that are lost naturally usually do not require a space maintainer, as the permanent tooth is not far behind.  However, it is always best to check with your dentist to see if it is necessary.

Each tooth in your child's mouth serves several purposes:

• aids in digestion by biting or chewing food
• aids in speech
• holds the posture of the jaw
• guides permanent teeth into the correct position.

Losing a baby tooth can affect numerous aspects of your child's life, including comfort when eating, enunciation, health and comfort of the jaw, and the alignment of the permanent teeth. Misaligned permanent teeth can cause jaw pain and discomfort, decay where teeth are crowded, and poor self-esteem in a child.

Space maintainers have been developed to address the position in which permanent teeth come in. By maintaining the space that the lost baby tooth occupied, it allows room for the permanent tooth to come in naturally and correctly. Failing to maintain the space can cause more than misalignment; if teeth move forward into the position of the lost tooth and a permanent tooth starts to erupt, it can cause damage to the roots of other permanent teeth, resulting in significant expense, inconvenience, or even loss of healthy teeth.


Parents of children who have lost baby teeth due to accident, decay or medical conditions should seek the opinion of a qualified kids' dentist to determine if their child needs space maintainers. Be sure to explain your child's history thoroughly and honestly and ask any questions you may have during your time with the dentist. Playtime Dental would love to visit with you today to create a proactive treatment plan 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.

Dental X-Rays Help Keep Kids' Teeth Healthy

If you're like many parents, you may wonder whether or how often your children need dental X-rays. Here at Playtime Dental, we believe that children's dental X-rays are an important tool for finding hard-to-see cavities and diagnosing oral disease in its early stages, when it's easiest to treat. So make sure your kids' dentist gives your kids X-rays as needed.

What's the Purpose of Dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays, like other types of X-rays, use beams of X-ray radiation to take black-and-white photos that show your child's bones, teeth, and other oral structures including the roots of the teeth. There are several types of dental X-rays, including:

• Bitewings: used to take X-rays of the back teeth to show cavities between the teeth and bone levels
• Periapicals: used to take photos of the teeth & roots to look for cavities and/or other pathology (i.e. infection)
• Panoramic X-rays: used to take photos of the entire jaw and all of the teeth. Used to monitor growth and development as well as look for pathology (i.e. infection). This x-ray is not good for diagnosing cavities
• Cone beam CTs: used to take three-dimensional pictures of the jaw. Used for orthodontic, oral surgery and implant treatment planning

How Often Do Children Need Dental X-Rays?

It used to be the case that dentists recommended yearly dental X-rays for all children. But the LA Times reports that those guidelines have changed. Dental X-rays are no longer treated as a routine diagnostic procedure to be performed at every exam. They are administered based on each child's needs. Your kids' dentist may see no need to take dental X-rays if your children have no evidence of dental disease. Children with a higher risk of dental disease may need X-rays every six months, while low-risk kids may only need them every 12 to 18 months. These guidelines minimize kids' exposure to X-ray radiation.

Why Do Children Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays can help your kids' dentist find problems with the teeth and the jaw that aren't immediately apparent from the oral exam. They can also help dentists spot any cavities that might be growing between the teeth. X-rays help dentists diagnose oral disease reliably and quickly. This is important because keeping your kids' mouth healthy keeps their whole body healthy. Thanks to X-rays, kids today enjoy better oral and overall health than ever before.

Periodontal Disease in Kids

Periodontal disease is a growing problem among children, particularly those at the onset of puberty. Periodontal disease, sometimes referred to as gum disease, is a serious problem that can affect one's overall health and contribute to gum, bone, and tooth loss.  

What Types of Periodontal Disease Are Common in Children?

During puberty, abrupt hormonal changes cause increased circulation to the gums, which may cause them to become more sensitive to food particles or inadequate oral hygiene. Three types of periodontal disease are common:

• Chronic gingivitis is the most common gum disease in children. Easily avoided through brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, chronic gingivitis can cause red and swollen gums. Sometimes the gums may bleed, particularly when flossing. If left untreated, it can progress to more serious forms of periodontal disease.
• Aggressive periodontitis is most commonly found in teens and young adults. The condition generally affects the first molars and incisors and is characterized by a loss of alveolar bone.
• Generalized aggressive periodontitis usually begins around puberty and is characterized by heavy plaque and calculus (tartar) build-up. If not treated, tooth loss may result.

Advice for Parents

Parents are important role models when it comes to the importance of oral hygiene and care.  By taking excellent care of your own teeth, you show your children the importance of keeping a healthy mouth.  In addition, we recommend:

• Looking at your child's gums and teeth for evidence of bleeding and swelling. Gums that have a bright red appearance or are visibly pulling away from the teeth are evidence of periodontal disease 
• Encouraging an oral care routine that involves twice daily brushing and flossing early. This will pay off as your child becomes more independent and these practices remain habits
• Ensuring that your child visits a kids' dentist twice each year for a routine cleaning (or prophylaxis) and evaluation. This type of cleaning removes calculus (tartar) and plaque at the gum line, which can lead to gum irritation and gingivitis, thus preventing periodontal disease. 

Your kids' dentist is your partner in oral health. Make certain you contact the office right away if you suspect your child may have the beginning signs of gum disease. Caught early, gum disease is highly treatable and permanent damage can be avoided.

Should kids use mouthwash?

Parents should always be on the lookout for ways to help their children maintain and care for their teeth and gums. Sometimes, children want to add things to the oral health regimen like using mouthwash. But how effective is this for children? What are the implications of using it, and when is the appropriate time for children to begin using mouthwash? Flossing and brushing are the best methods for preventing tooth decay, but children may develop an interest in using mouthwash to help their oral hygiene. 

Young children are not advised to use mouthwash because mouthwashes may contain alcohol or fluoride components which can have harmful effects when swallowed in large amounts. It is less likely for older kids and teenagers to ingest the products---unlike younger children, particularly below the age of six. Children between six to twelve years should be supervised by adults if they have to use mouthwash for their daily oral hygiene routine. Those under the age six should avoid using fluoride mouth wash, because they could easily swallow the fluoride components.  Excess fluoride exposure for children whose permanent teeth are not fully developed can result in fluorosis, a harmless but unsightly condition that leaves spots or streaks on the teeth.

Teenagers can use mouthwash as a breath-freshening agent and, in the process, reap the benefits of a fluoride rinse. Children who have braces are good candidates for using fluoride rinses. The rinse protects their teeth from producing acid-producing plaque bacteria that builds up under the brackets. Numerous mouth rinses contain alcohol. If alcohol content is a concern as a parent, mouthwashes with no alcohol content exist and are just as efficient for freshening breath. Children should constantly be reminded that the use of mouth rinse does not replace daily flossing and tooth brushing.  Mouthwash is just one more thing that can be added to help the preservation of a healthy smile.

Another important thing to consider is the manufacturer’s label. Precautions are outlined affirming age recommendations for use of a particular fluoride mouthwash. It is usually advisable to speak to your kid's dentist for accurate and informed utility of any mouth rinse. Regular use of mouthwash provides additional protection against cavities as compared to those of using toothpaste alone. Such precautions will help prevent tooth decay in your children.

Tooth Brushing Basics Parents Should Know

Good dental habits start in our youngest years. Teaching our children how to brush properly gives them a lifelong health skill.  Not only does it help their independence and confidence, it really can help them stay healthier. In this article, we’d like to address some of the most common questions about childhood brushing, such as:

Why should my kids brush their baby teeth, if they are going to fall out anyway?

To some, it may seem counterintuitive to clean something that is temporary and will eventually fall out. However, getting your children to start brushing those baby teeth will help prepare them to care for their permanent adult teeth. Remember, practice makes perfect.  As we get older, it becomes more difficult to establish a new routine, even an important one like brushing teeth. Furthermore, deciduous teeth (a fancy word for baby teeth) can still be subject to decay, plaque, and other bacteria that can lead to pain, infection and/or illness. So brushing those tiny chompers is very important!

When should my child start brushing?

Believe it or not, you can start teaching your little one to brush with his or her very first tooth! Of course, you’ll want to be the one doing the brushing until your children are old enough to hold the brush themselves (around 2 or 3 years old). You’ll also want to supervise them and even brush and floss again after they are done, until they are old enough to handle the entire process of tooth care (using the correct amount of paste, flossing, rinsing, etc.). Your kid's dentist can help you decide when it’s appropriate to let your child do it independently.

How should my child brush?

Brushing isn’t just about swishing a brush around a few times; there really is a right way to do it. The brush should be held so the bristles are at an angle about 45 degrees, to the gums. The proper motion for tooth brushing is small circular motions on each tooth surface.  Make sure you and/or your child does it softly, with short strokes. Scrubbing too hard can actually damage the gums or cheeks. Do not forget to brush all surfaces of the teeth and the tongue, as well. And of course, be sure to thoroughly clean the brush and place it somewhere safe to dry.

How to Care for your Child's Mouth

Caring for your child’s teeth and gums is a very important daily habit that should not be overlooked. In fact, good oral hygiene starts at birth, long before your baby grows his or her first tooth – unless of course your child was born with teeth!  By practicing tooth care basics right from the start, you’re ensuring your child’s overall health by keeping their teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

How to care for a baby’s mouth

Once your baby is just a few days old, it is important to start caring for their gums after feedings. To do this, gently wipe their gums using a clean, wet washcloth or disposable gauze. This will help keep the bacteria and plaque from building up and causing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or other oral conditions. When your baby’s teeth do start to come in, you can begin using a baby-sized toothbrush. A light smear of fluoridated toothpaste can be used for children under the age of two.  You know you put the right amount of toothpaste on if you can still see the majority of the tips of the bristles.

How to care for your toddler’s mouth

Manual dexterity takes years to develop, which is why toddlers are not very coordinated with their hands.  Between the ages of 8 to 10 years is when a child finally has sufficient coordination to properly brush their own teeth. Until then, it is recommended that an adult do the brushing. If your child likes to brush his or her own teeth, then follow up and brush the teeth after your child does. A child size toothbrush and pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste is what should be used to brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. Don’t rush. Take your time.  It’s important that your child brushes a minimum of two minutes because the fluoride in toothpaste needs a full two minutes to help the teeth.

How to brush your child’s teeth

To effectively clean your child’s teeth and gums, hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle so that the bristles are aimed where the tooth and the gums meet. This will clean the area where plaque likes to build up. Also, be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth when doing so. That means brushing the cheek surfaces of the teeth, the tongue surfaces of the teeth, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget to brush the tongue as well to help with keeping the breath fresh.  The tongue is like a giant sponge that absorbs everything we eat as well the bacteria that live in the mouth.  Don’t brush too far back on the tongue so you don’t gag your child!
After brushing your child’s teeth and when they begin brushing on their own, be sure that you thoroughly wash the toothbrush after each use and replace the toothbrush every three months. Your child should also be spitting out any excess toothpaste from their mouths and not swallowing the toothpaste.

How to floss your child’s teeth

Once your child has grown enough teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. Be gentle by gliding the floss between the teeth until it reaches the gum line. Next, curve it around each tooth and gently rub the floss up and down on the tooth to remove plaque and food.  Flossing in a back and forth, or sawing motion, does not clean between the teeth and can damage the gums

Visit a kid's dentist

It is important for your child to begin visiting the dentist as soon as possible. This will help the child eliminate the fear of the dentist and continually encourage proper oral hygiene.

Dental Care Resources

Finding reliable, affordable kid dentistry is a task that requires gathering information from patients and reviews. A kid's dentist should be someone you can establish a relationship with and make your child feel comfortable.

Good hygiene practices for little children

Good oral care should begin as early as possible to stave off oral issues later on. Here are some tips that should be helpful:

·         Children under the age of two should use a light smear of fluoridated toothpaste.  You will be able to see most of the bristle tips on the brush.

·         Children age two to five, should brush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride. Carefully supervise them brushing so they don’t swallow the excess toothpaste.

·         It is important that your child brush his or her teeth two to three times per day so that way they form the habit of doing so, which will stick with them through life. If you feel your child cannot brush properly, you should still let them brush if they are interested in doing so, but an adult should brush for them when they are done.  Use the recommended amount of toothpaste mentioned above. When the child grows teeth that touch, you should start flossing every day.

Preparing your child for a dental visit

Prevention is the best method of avoiding dental issues later on. Prepare a list of any pain or issues your child experiences with their teeth or gums before you make the visit. Any minor issues should be treated before they become too severe. Below are some questions you can ask your child prior to seeing a dentist:

• Do you have any pain in your mouth or teeth and how bad is it?
• Do your gums bleed?
• Do you get a bad taste in your mouth ever?
• Can you breathe well when you sleep?
• Do you grind your teeth?
• Is your mouth very dry?

Older children may be able to answer these questions, but for younger children, as a parent, you will have to make some of these observations when you help care for your child’s teeth. Finding a trusted dentist that is dedicated to children’s oral hygiene is important to ensure the best experience possible for your child or children!

Making Tooth-brushing a Priority in Your Child's Bedtime Routine

The bedtime routine can be challenging when dealing with small children. It’s hard to get them to settle down and focus on the job at hand – especially when that job is brushing & flossing. 

So how can a parent make sure to make tooth-brushing a priority every single night?  

Develop a Regular Routine

Kids thrive on routine.  They like to know what’s coming next.  Make bedtime a relaxing time filled with quiet rituals.

First set a definite time for bed. Not 8 to 9 p.m., but 8 o’clock sharp (or whatever time you choose).  Don’t deviate from that time, unless it is necessary.  If your child must be in bed by 8 p.m., then you should begin nighttime rituals at 7.  Most experts agree that it takes a child about an hour to get in the mood for bed.
Be sure to do your set rituals in the same order every night. For instance, begin with a light snack, take a bath, get the pajamas on, brush the teeth and read a story together. Once a child knows that it’s time to brush their teeth every night after the PJ’s are put on, it will become an ingrained habit that happens automatically without even a reminder. 

Make Brushing Fun

Giving your child an electric toothbrush or a sparkly toothpaste is a good way to entice him or her to brush.  The most important thing is finding what gets your child to brush so the routine can be established and maintained.
Here are a few simple ways to make tooth brushing every night more memorable:

• Have a brushing contest. Stand next to your child and see who can brush the longest.  The goal is to brush for two minutes.  This ensures thorough cleaning of the teeth and gives the fluoride enough time to help remineralize the enamel.
• Use disclosing tablets or a disclosing mouth rinse. Kids love to see what a good job they’ve done. Disclosing mouth rinse or tablets color the plaque which shows areas where they may have missed while brushing.
• Award good behavior.  Brushing is a behavior that deserves reward. A sticker system is a great idea to motivate the little ones to brush and floss. Every time the child brushes without a hassle or without being told when it’s time to brush, place a sticker on the chart. You decide how many stickers it takes to earn a small reward.
•  Let them gargle.  If your children are old enough, purchase some children’s mouthwash and let them finish their evening brushing with a good rinse and gargle.

Offer Lots of Praise

If there is one thing every kid loves it is praise.  Be sure to give loads of praise for a job well done.
Bedtime brushing and flossing should never be an afterthought.  If you as the parent make it a priority, so will your children –and that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Is It Safe For My Child To Use Mouthwash?

Using mouthwash has numerous benefits: fresher breath, cleaner teeth, and to a small degree, plaque and tartar control.  But is it safe for children?

Small Children Should Steer Clear of Mouthwash and Oral Rinses

Most dental experts agree that mouthwash products should be avoided until the child reaches at least the age of six. This is about the time when they can control their swallowing reflex and spit out the wash after rinsing.  Even child-safe rinses aren’t really made to be ingested by young children.
Remember, the ingredients in these rinses can be harmful if swallowed.  

Elementary Aged Children Can Begin to Rinse

Around the age of 6, it is usually safe to begin introducing child-safe rinsing products.  Most are alcohol free and can help the child begin to establish a healthy oral care routine that will last a lifetime.  Here are some tips for helping your children use mouthwash safely:

• Give younger children small amounts of rinse at the beginning until they are used to the process. That way if they accidentally swallow some, it will be okay.
• Show children how to rinse and spit. Believe it or not, this isn’t always an easy concept.
• Never use oral rinses as a substitute for brushing.  Mouthwash cannot get rid of food debris or remove plaque like brushing and flossing do.  It should be used to rinse the mouth at the end of the tooth cleaning regimen, unless it is a disclosing solution that the child is using at the beginning of the brushing routine, to see the plaque for thorough removal.

Kids with Braces Should Always Rinse

Children with braces should use mouthwash and high fluoride rinses to help keep the teeth healthy.  One of the biggest pitfalls of wearing braces is that food gets stuck in them which can lead to tooth decay. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill bacteria that produce the acid that causes cavities.  This can save your child from dental treatment and possibly needing the braces removed until better hygiene habits are formed.

Teens Love Mouthwash

Of course, teenagers are very aware of bad breath and often turn to mouthwash to help freshen the breath. This is perfectly fine, as long as they are still brushing and flossing regularly.  Bad breath is a sign of bacterial buildup in the mouth, which is often the result of poor brushing and flossing habits.  Stress this fact to your teen. While mouthwash can help to give anyone a fresher feeling mouth, it is no substitute for good oral hygiene practices. 

Which Mouthwash is Best?

One trip down the oral care aisle and you will notice quite a few oral rinses available for both children and adults.  When choosing the right one, consider these important factors:

• How old is your child?  Younger children should only use child-approved, alcohol free rinses.
• Do you need extra fluoride?  Fluoride based rinses can be especially helpful in fighting cavities, especially for children who live in areas that do not fluoridate the water supply.
• Are you fighting bacteria?  If your child or teen is battling bad breath, it may be a sign that he or she has too much bacteria in his or her mouth. Using an antimicrobial rinse can help kill bacteria stuck between teeth, offering fresher breath and a healthier mouth.

Allowing children to use mouthwash rinses can be a big decision for parents.  Follow these simple suggestions to ensure that when you do make this important decision, it is the right one for your child. 

Kid’s Tooth Decay: Development and Prevention

When you become a parent, worry becomes a normal part of life. Whether it's sending the kids off to school or worrying about the latest virus in the media, every parent manages their fear of the unknown daily. One area where parents should not worry is their children's teeth. Teaching your young ones to make good choices about food and proper oral care goes a long way toward creating a healthy, happy human being.

Tooth decay remains a significant problem in dental care. Any kid's dentist will tell you that it is imperative to educate yourself and your young ones about making good choices. Tooth decay begins when food containing lots of sugar and starch (foods that make up a significant portion of the American diet today) is used by bacteria in our mouth to create acids. These acids begin to slowly eat away the enamel that makes up our teeth. The loss of minerals in teeth due to these acids (demineralization) will cause tooth decay over time as teeth begin to weaken and decay.

Young children and adolescents are especially susceptible to these dangers due to their diet. Schools, fast food restaurants, and the snack aisle contain lots of opportunities to choose foods that could cause tooth decay. Sugar laden foods, fruit juices, and snacks all begin problems that your kid's dentist finally sees during a visit to the office. Small choices every day about what we eat influences dental hygiene, good or bad.

Creating good dental hygiene habits in your children is especially important. Habits start early and can make the difference between strong teeth and tooth decay. Childhood tooth decay, also known as pediatric dental disease, remains the #1 chronic childhood illness. Early tooth decay often leads to greater problems such as pain and infections in the teeth and mouth. If tooth decay remains untreated, greater problems often occur as well. Difficulty eating or speaking due to pain may lead to malnourishment.

Making good choices about what your children are eating is the first and most important step in creating good, lifelong habits where food choices and tooth care are concerned. Any kid's dentist will share their experiences with the problems created by our diet and what is in our food. Foods that fight tooth decay and promote dental health are especially important.

Calcium rich foods, such as milk and other dairy products, help build tooth and general bone strength. Fiber rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help create natural defenses for our teeth. Whole grains, with their high amount of iron and B vitamins, help promote healthy gums. Combining these foods in your child's diet will help ensure that every visit to your kid's dentist is as pleasant as possible. Coupling good food choices with the recommended regimen of flossing, brushing, and regular visits to the dentist will ensure your young one's teeth are healthy and strong.


Taking care of your young and growing child is a big responsibility. A multitude of things exist to protect children from in this day and age. How to properly care for teeth shouldn't be a large source of worry. Consult your kid's dentist to talk about what you can do to help ensure that your young ones grow up with healthy teeth. They will thank you for it years later when the good practices you taught remain with them as adults.

Steps That Will Keep Your Kid's Dentist Happy During the Winter Holidays

The winter holidays can be a great time to be a kid. Children go from dressing up and enjoying candy during Halloween, to visiting family and eating delicious desserts for Thanksgiving, to opening presents and candy stocking stuffers at Christmas time. Winter is when kids have frequent opportunities to eat more sweet foods than they usually do. What does a kid's dentist advise to help a child who may not have a lot of impulse control to prevent cavities even at this sweetest time of the year?

One of the most important things a parent can do to assist their children is to ensure that the children brush their teeth twice a day and don’t eat sugary foods or carbohydrates or drink sugary or carbonated drinks after they brush in the evening. Parents should supervise the brushing of children’s teeth until they are at least 8 years old. Anytime a child has two teeth touching, the child should floss at least twice a day and should be supervised in this until they are 8 as well.

Parents should be active in monitoring what their children eat. Usually, it is best that children don’t snack more than three times a day. Although it is usually advisable to have children snack on foods other than just sweets, the winter holidays do bring out more opportunities to snack on less healthy foods. The most important thing is to not let children eat all through the day and to have them avoid sugary sweets after evening brushing and flossing.

Even milk has sugars that can get between the teeth and cause cavities if a child drinks it after the evening tooth-brushing. Also, sometimes parents will allow more carbonated drinks over the holidays. These can actually cause more damage than a normal sugary beverage, as the acidity of the carbonation can cause an erosion of the enamel as well as the sugar in it can increase the likelihood of a cavity. Often, juices have more sugar in them than parents realize, so reading labels is very important for a child’s tooth care.  Natural sugars are just as hard on our teeth as the refined sugars we use in cooking, baking, etc.

A healthy snack for a child’s teeth is cheese, such as aged cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and Monterrey jack. Not only are these cheeses healthier for teeth than sugary snacks, but they also work to clear the mouth of hidden food while neutralizing acids that can harm teeth.


Just because sugary snacks are not healthy for teeth doesn’t mean kids should never eat them.  Just make sure if they are eating sugary or less healthy snacks that they brush when they are done to avoid cavities.  Parents need to be involved and help ensure that their children’s teeth are healthy and their habits are good.