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Keeping Your Kids Teeth Healthy In The Summer

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Keeping Your Kids Teeth Healthy In The Summer

Introduction:

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it can only mean one thing: summer break is almost here!

We’ve put together this content that explains Keeping Your Kids Teeth Healthy In The Summer. Be aware and take care of your teeth.

[1]As parents, we understand the importance of good dental habits for a healthy, happy smile. While summer vacation sets the stage for fun, new experiences, it can also seriously disrupt your child’s dental health routine. To help protect your child’s overall well-being this summer, it’s important to encourage proper oral hygiene. Here are some tips for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy while they are enjoying summer vacation.

Schedule A Checkup

Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long. Parents often schedule dental checkups around August, right before school starts, which is a great way to start the school year off right. However, if you want to ensure that your summer isn’t interrupted with dental concerns, we recommend scheduling a dental appointment right after class ends. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of a toothache during summer camp or sporting activities.

Stay On Schedule

Summer vacation can seriously disrupt bedtime routines. No matter how eventful your summer gets, it’s important to make sure your kids continue to practice good dental hygiene. Resist the temptation to let your kids skip brushing before a late bedtime, and be sure to supervise to make sure they are brushing twice daily for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends that parents use brushing calendars to stay on top of kids’ brushing habits during the summer months. Also, don’t forget to clean between their teeth once a day. With consistent brushing and flossing habits, your kids will stay on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.

Stock Healthy Items

Great dental care goes beyond brushing and flossing. A balanced diet that is rich in low-sugar foods can promote good dental health! When kids are home during the summer, make sure your children are grazing on healthy items by stocking your refrigerator and pantry with fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grain foods. Good snack choices for healthy teeth include low-fat yogurt, celery sticks, cheddar cheese, apples, and unsalted almonds.

[2]Lend Fruits And Veggies Into Smoothies Or Popsicles

Another way to include teeth-friendly fruits and veggies into your kiddos’ summer diet is blending their favorites into smoothies. Add yogurt, coconut milk, or nut milk for protein. Then take your smoothie blends to the next level and freeze them into popsicles!

Double-Down On Your Kids’ Oral Hygiene Routine

In summer, kids get a break from the rush to get to school in the morning, or the excitement of after-school activities and homework, so there’s more time to slow down and practice diligent oral hygiene. Ensure your kids brush their teeth twice a day and floss once. Kids who don’t brush their teeth regularly are at risk of plaque build up, tooth decay or cavities, and even gum disease.

Let’s go through oral hygiene for kids step by step. Brushing teeth for kids starts by making sure their toothbrush is in good working order. If it’s looking a little worse for wear, toss it and pick out a new, soft-bristled one. Change your toothbrush every three to four months. That’s how long it typically takes for toothbrush bristles to start fraying and lose their effectiveness. As for toothpaste, make sure to use one with fluoride. You should also have dental floss or floss picks at the ready.

Floss first, then brush teeth at a 45 degree angle, brushing all surfaces as well as the tongue, palate, and inside the cheeks. Finish with a swish (and spit!) of alcohol-free mouthwash for kids and your youngster is good to go.

Conclusion:

Summer might be your child’s favorite time of year, but typical warm weather activities can be detrimental to their teeth. All the possible ways are explained but never bound yourself. Keep looking for best suggestions for your good oral health.

For Assistance, Visit Apple Tree Dental

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article Reference Links:

  1. https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/blog/keeping-your-kids-teeth-healthy-in-the-summer/ ↑

  2. https://www.kidsmilehigh.com/6-ways-to-keep-kids-teeth-healthy-summer-2021/ ↑

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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Toothache Symptoms & Causes”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

[1]What Is A Toothache?

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation that you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that won’t get better on their own and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Why Is My Toothache So Painful?

The pulp inside your tooth is soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain.

What Are Symptoms Of Toothache?

Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting down on something).

  • Swelling around the tooth.
  • Fever or headache.
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
  • A bad odor from the mouth.

If you experience trouble breathing and swallowing along with your pain, call a dental professional right away.

[2]Could It Be A Damaged Tooth?

Your teeth come under attack every time you eat. Bacteria cling to them until you brush them away. They produce acid, which makes the holes in your enamel called cavities.

Or you could have a crack in a tooth that’s exposed the sensitive inner layers. Maybe you bit down on a cherry pit or were hit in the face during softball.

A cavity or a crack can cause sharp pain and make your mouth sensitive when you bite down. The longer the pain lingers, the more serious the damage is likely to be.

If it’s deep enough, a cavity or crack can let bacteria into the inner layer, called pulp, of your tooth. The pulp can become infected, and that can lead to a buildup of pus called an abscess. The infection can spread to tissue and bone, too.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

This is a common problem brought on by stress, sleep disorders, or a bite issue. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it can wear away your enamel and even cause a crack.

Could It Be Your Wisdom Teeth?

Teething hurts whether you’re a baby or an adult. You’re likely to feel it when your wisdom teeth start to push through your gums. Food can get stuck under the gum and cause decay and infection.

[3]Toothache: Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of toothache include sharp pain or dull pain in or around a tooth. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay. Dental cavities and toothache can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. Another common cause of toothache is gum disease. Toothache can also be a result of an injury or an abscess of the tooth. Toothache symptoms can be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw. Symptoms of a toothache can be mimicked by sinus infection, shingles, and other diseases.

[4]What To Know About Throbbing Tooth Pain?

Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess.

A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist for throbbing tooth pain as soon as possible.

This article discusses the most likely causes of throbbing tooth pain and their treatments.

Causes

There are many possible causes of throbbing tooth pain, and the cause will determine the treatment options.

Dental Appliances

New or recently adjusted dental appliances, especially braces or orthodontic headgear, slowly move the teeth. This movement can cause pain and feelings of pressure. A person may feel throbbing throughout the mouth or in a specific area.

This pain is not dangerous, and it is not typically a sign that something is seriously wrong.

A person can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.

However, if the pain is unbearable or does not improve in a few days, a person should see an orthodontist.

Caries And Cavities

Dental caries refers to decay in the teeth. Significant decay can cause cavities, which are holes or pits in the teeth.

While some very severe cavities may cause visible holes, it is not always possible to see tooth decay. A throbbing tooth may be a sign that decay has damaged the tooth enough to injure the nerve and cause pain.

A dentist can treat caries and cavities, with the extent of the damage determining the precise treatment. Sometimes, a filling will suffice, but for more severe damage, a person may need a root canal, tooth extraction, or other procedure.

Dental Infections

An infection in the tooth or gums can cause throbbing pain, as well as other symptoms, including swelling in the face or mouth.

These infections usually appear when a person does not seek treatment for a severe cavity, but they can also happen following oral surgery or injuries to the mouth. Dental infections may grow or spread, so they require prompt treatment.

In most cases, a person will need antibiotics, as well as treatment for the underlying cause. They might require a root canal, tooth removal, oral surgery, or other treatment.

OTC pain relievers may help while a person awaits care. However, a person should see a dentist as quickly as they can — ideally, within a day or two.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache ↑
  2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache ↑
  3. https://www.medicinenet.com/toothache/symptoms.htm ↑
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/throbbing-tooth-pain#causes ↑

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Dental Hygiene for Toddlers

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Dental Hygiene for Toddlers

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Dental Hygiene for Toddlers.” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

Early practices of dental hygiene for babies and toddlers is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants see a pediatric dentist within 6 months of getting their first tooth or by their first birthday. After the first visit, the dentist will recommend a regular visits based on the oral care needs of the child.

Birth To 6 Months Of Age:

  • Practicing healthy oral habits can help in the prevention or reduction of tooth decay in infants and children.
  • Clean your infants gums after each feeding
  • Wrap a cool wet washcloth around the index finger and gently massage the gum tissues.
  • Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle or prop it in their mouth.
  • Teething may begin around 4-6 months of age.

6 To 12 Months Of Age:

  • The first tooth may appear between 6-9 months of age.
  • Once the first tooth erupts, start using a soft, rounded bristle child sized toothbrush with water only to clean the gums and teeth.
  • Brush the teeth twice a day- morning and night
  • Be familiar with the normal appearance of the teeth and gums. If you notice any white or brown spots on the teeth schedule an appointment with the dentist.

18 Months To Age 5:

At the age of 2, you may introduce fluoridated toothpaste. Apply a smear to pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush. There are special low –fluoride toothpaste specially developed for young children.

  • Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste after brushing
  • Store the toothpaste out of the child’s reach. Some children love the taste and if given the opportunity will eat the toothpaste
  • Begin to teach children how to brush their own teeth. Most children will need help because they will not have the hand coordination to brush effectively.
  • Use a circular motion to clean the front surfaces of the teeth and gums.
  • Brush the biting and grinding surfaces of the teeth with a gentle back and forth motion.
  • Aim to brush the teeth for a total on 2 minutes
  • Flossing can be started. Flossing can be done daily or at least twice a week.
  • Slide the floss between the teeth, and gently work it up and down against the surfaces of the teeth.
  • If you find flossing difficult at this age, ask your dentist to show you how to do it.
  • Consult with the dentist if your child is regularly sucks fingers, thumb or pacifier after the age of 3.

5 To 8 Years Of Age:

  • Your child should brush twice daily
  • Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
  • Daily flossing to prevent tooth decay between the teeth
  • Dental sealants are recommend around the age of five or six
  • Schedule dental check ups every 6 months

8 To 10 Years Of Age:

  • Brush twice daily
  • Floss daily
  • Ask your dentist if an evaluation by an orthodontist is needed. Some children experience crowding or irregularities with the way the permanent teeth are positioned in the mouth.

How To Clean Your Child’s Mouth

Before and after the teeth come in, clean your child’s mouth after each feeding or at least twice at day (Picture 2).

Before and after the teeth come in, clean your child’s mouth after each feeding or at least twice a day. Place your child in a position that is comfortable for both of you

Before teeth come in, use a clean gauze pad or soft cloth over your finger. Dip the gauze in water so it is damp, but not soaking wet. Wipe your child’s teeth and gums gently.

When your child’s teeth start coming in, begin to use a small, soft toothbrush. Place the head (bristles) of the toothbrush at an angle along a row of teeth and against the gum line. Brush gently in circular motions. Brushing back and forth can hurt the gums and teeth. Do all sides of the teeth.

Finish By Brushing The Tongue With The Toothbrush.

All children should use fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in. For children younger than 3, use about the size of a grain of rice. For children age 3 and older, use a pea-size amount (Picture 3). They should try to spit out the toothpaste, but it is safe to swallow these small amounts if your child does not spit yet.

Children can start to learn to can brush their own teeth at age 2. By age 10, they should be able to do it alone. You start to teach them by having them watch you brush your teeth first.

Other Things To Do To Prevent Tooth Decay

Be careful that your child is not eating or drinking frequently throughout the day. Each time your child drinks or eats something, within 20 minutes, the sugar in it is changed into an acid.

  • Use a bottle at feeding time only. Do not use a bottle or breastfeeding as a pacifier.
  • Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or breastmilk.
  • If your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, remove breast from their mouth.
  • Once the first tooth appears, avoid night feedings and frequent, on demand feedings.
  • Wean your baby from a bottle to a cup by 12 months of age.
  • After your child turns one, if thirsty, they can sip water at any time during the day. Do not give them other things to drink, except at meals.

Fluoride

Fluoride makes teeth stronger and helps protect them from tooth decay. After your child’s first tooth appears, the dentist or dental hygienist may put a coat of fluoride on their teeth.

Diet

Do not give a child under age one sugary drinks, juice or water. Give only breastmilk or formula. Do not add sugars, like honey, to drinks.

After 12 months, offer water between meals. Do not give other things to drink except at meals. Rinse the mouth with water after eating anything sugary. Children can occasionally have 4 ounces of 100% juice at a meal. Be sure that you are not giving juice drinks.

Avoid giving gummy snacks and foods that can stick and stay on teeth for a long time.

As your child gets older, offer more raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese and yogurt for snacks. Limit starchy soft foods that can stick to teeth.

Teething

To help make your child feel better, sometimes it helps to gently rub their gums with a clean finger or give them a clean, cold object to chew on, like a teething ring.

Your child may drool more, be fussy and have a low fever for one to two days.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article Compiled by Apple Tree Dental.

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