How Heartache Leads to Toothache

How Heartache Leads to Toothache

Children are sensitive beings. Stress in their environment may trigger behavioral changes such as “acting out.” But stress can also lead to physical responses, including changes in their oral health.

In addition, an emotionally stressed child may not feel like keeping to his or her normal oral hygiene routine; he or she may even go back, consciously or unconsciously, to thumb-sucking or tooth grinding, which can have negative effects on the developing mouth and teeth. If such problems last more than a couple of days, it’s best to gently address them in an age-appropriate way.

Financial troubles can lead to lapses in dental care—with serious negative effects. Do your best to keep up with regular dental checkups, professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. If your financial situation has changed, or you find yourself without dental insurance, please discuss your concerns with us. We will do our best to work with you, perhaps coming up with a payment plan that will work with your budget.

Finally, in times of stress, all of us—adults and children—often turn to less-healthy food choices—because they are quick (fast food) or comforting (sweet and salty snacks, such as doughnuts and chips). Try to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, and have them on hand at home, so they can become “fast food” choices, too.

Even when everyone is stressed and cranky, make sure your child brushes after every meal or snack, especially after sugary and starchy ones. This will help prevent decay and problems that can occur long after the current problems have resolved.

Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule today!

How Eating Disorders Affect Oral Health

How Eating Disorders Affect Oral Health

Eating disorders—including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating—affect as many as 30 million Americans of all ages and genders. A full 95% of individuals with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. Contrary to popular misconception, young men are not immune; in fact, an estimated 10% of individuals with anorexia or bulimia are male.

While these disorders have a significant impact on a person’s overall mental and physical health, they can be detrimental to a person’s oral health, as well. All eating disorders can lead to malnourishment, which can result in anemia, vitamin deficiencies and periodontal disease.

Bulimia is the eating disorder that most affects oral health. If your child suffers from bulimia, the effects on his or her dental health will likely be noticeable early on. Frequent vomiting brings stomach acids into the mouth and leads to erosion of the tooth enamel, especially on the back of the front teeth. Severe erosion can also affect a person’s bite. In addition, frequent vomiting can cause a person’s salivary glands to swell and the inside of the mouth to become red and sore.

If your child suffers from an eating disorder, you need to seek professional help. Even with treatment, it may take time to control episodes of induced vomiting. If your child continues to induce vomiting, we recommend that he or she rinse with a solution of baking soda and water afterward. We may also recommend a mouthwash containing fluoride. However, your child should not brush immediately after vomiting; stomach acids can weaken tooth enamel, which means that brushing too soon afterward can lead to further erosion.

Because changes in your child’s mouth are often the first signs of an eating disorder, we may notice its effects when your child comes in for his or her regular examination. As your child undergoes treatment, we can work with you to minimize the effects of the eating disorder on your child’s oral health.

If you have further questions regarding eating disorders, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

How Cough Syrup Can Cause Cavities

How Cough Syrup Can Cause Cavities

As parents, there are few things that cause us more worry than when our children are ill. We want to treat them in the most effective way possible. But while illness can be an emergency, you need to remain on guard to protect your children’s teeth. For instance, cough syrup can do a wonderful job of treating a child’s cold. Unfortunately, cough syrups filled with acids and sugars pose as much danger to teeth as any other acidic and sugary substance. By all means, give your children cough syrup to help them feel better. But follow this advice to make sure you don’t cause harm while you’re trying to help.

Because cough syrup is not tooth-friendly, it’s important to know more about our mouth’s best built-in tool for countering its harmful properties: saliva. Saliva protects teeth and gums by washing away harmful chemicals, food debris and germs. Whatever doesn’t go down your child’s throat to help with his or her symptoms will be washed away with saliva eventually once the mouth is properly lubricated. So, how do you ensure that your child’s saliva levels will be sufficient when you give him or her the medicine?

The best method: Give the cough syrup during a meal. People’s mouths naturally fill with saliva when they know a meal is imminent. By having your child take the cough syrup during the meal, you can ensure that its harmful impact is minimized.

What if your child is unable to eat or has just finished a meal? If that’s the case, your best bet is to get your child to brush his or her teeth and rinse his or her mouth immediately after taking the cough syrup.

Finally, if you have the option and your child is able, use a pill form of the cough medicine instead of the syrup version. If your child has problems swallowing pills or you have other concerns about how caring for an illness can interfere with dental care, don’t hesitate to ask us during your next visit at KiDDS Dental. We can give you some tips that will help your child shake the illness without damaging his or her growing teeth.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  509-891-7070. We'd love to meet you and your family.

Help Your Child’s Tooth Enamel Last a Lifetime

Help Your Child’s Tooth Enamel Last a Lifetime

Tooth enamel, the hardest tissue in the human body, protects teeth from daily wear and tear. If properly cared for, the enamel that covers your child’s teeth is designed to last a lifetime. Although enamel will become worn with normal use, establishing good habits in childhood can go a long way toward keeping the hard covering stable and healthy. Here are a few tips for protecting enamel:

• Limit sugar-laden foods and drinks. Sugar triggers the production of acid in your child’s mouth. Foods that are both sweet and sticky are especially bad for enamel. Beverages like soda pop frequently contain other ingredients such as citric or phosphoric acid that can be harmful to enamel.
• Focus on foods that protect enamel. Dairy products help strengthen and protect dental enamel while neutralizing acids in the mouth that can erode enamel over time. If your child likes orange juice, choose a juice with calcium added to help neutralize the juice’s natural acid.
• Brush thoroughly but gently. Make sure your child uses a soft brush and does not scrub teeth too vigorously. It’s also a good idea to wait about an hour after eating before brushing because some foods can soften enamel, making it more prone to brush-related damage.
• Look out for chlorine. If your child swims, make sure the gym or pool he or she uses checks and maintains the proper water pH level. Improperly chlorinated pools can become acidic. Tell your child to keep his or her mouth closed when swimming to avoid having his or her teeth come into contact with the water.
• Drink lots of water. Especially after periods of strenuous play or exercise, drinking water helps keep teeth and gums clean and moist, and reduces levels of harmful bacteria.
• Avoid the daily grind. Many children grind their teeth at night, a habit that can erode enamel significantly over time. If your child is a grinder, ask us about tooth guards to prevent damage.
• Visit the dentist regularly. The best way to monitor your child’s tooth enamel for signs of damage is to make sure he or she sees the dentist every six months. Other ways to protect enamel include the use of oral care products containing fluoride.

Start early and monitor your child’s oral health to ensure that the tooth’s enamel will remain intact throughout his or her entire lifetime.

If you have questions about your child's tooth enamel, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070. 

Help! My Teen Wants an Oral Piercing

As your children grow up, they start to look for ways to express themselves as individuals. Some methods of expression can be healthy, some can be neutral and some can be harmful. You can help your child make smart and safe choices while allowing him or her the opportunity for individuality.

One of the most common issues of self-expression we hear from parents concerns oral piercings. That includes the tongue, lips, cheeks and even uvula. We generally recommend against these procedures, for several reasons:

• Harm to basic oral functions. Studs, rings and barbells make it harder to chew, swallow and even speak.
• Damage to teeth, gums and dental work. Biting or orally manipulating oral piercings can cause scratches, cuts and chipped teeth; it can also puncture and dislodge fillings.
• Drooling. The presence of foreign bodies in the mouth stimulates excess saliva production.
• Allergic reactions. Many people are allergic to the metals used in piercing jewelry, which can lead to harmful swelling.
• Infection. Punctures in the mouth can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, causing pain and swelling that can even lead to suffocation if the tongue swells enough to block the airways.
• Nerve damage. Tongue piercings can cause temporary or even permanent damage to the sense of taste.

We understand that you can’t talk your children out of everything they want to do, and they may insist on doing some things with or without your approval. If your child does get an oral piercing, proper dental care becomes that much more important. Use a mouth rinse after every meal to remove any harmful particles. Keep all mouth jewelry tight in order to prevent loose components from causing choking or infection.

Finally, schedule a visit at KiDDS Dental. We will make sure there are no harmful side effects from the piercing and teach your child the proper oral care.

Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule today!

Healthy Teeth: Always on Duty for Your Child

Healthy Teeth: Always on Duty for Your Child

Most parents know that teeth help a child bite, tear and chew food. But they do much, much more. Indeed, because they do so much, it is absolutely vital to keep your child’s teeth in good shape. While your child’s primary teeth fall out at around age 6, maintaining the health of these baby teeth is vital because they serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth that follow. Here are three of the less-well-known benefits of healthy teeth:

• Articulation and speech—Adults may take them for granted, but healthy teeth are especially important as children learn to speak. In fact, having teeth is essential for your child to pronounce many different sounds and speak the English language correctly. For instance, try saying the words “tooth” and “floss” without touching your tongue to your teeth. You can’t do either, can you? Well, neither can your child, and while it may sound cute when a toddler mispronounces words, it can be a hindrance in school or social situations.
• Facial expressions—Teeth provide structural support for your child’s face muscles and help them to form facial expressions that communicate to others what they are thinking. Without a mouth and its supporting teeth, a child would not be able to display emotions through facial expressions. The teeth also play an important role in facial fullness and esthetically pleasant facial shapes. Thus, absence of teeth, for any reason, not only hampers your child’s ability to chew but also impacts the facial features to great extent, affecting your child physiologically, emotionally and socially.
• Attractiveness—A six- or seven-year-old child with missing teeth might look adorable for a while, but their permanent teeth will soon fill the gaps. It is very important to protect the health of these permanent teeth, for your child will have them for a long time to come. A healthy smile full of bright, shining teeth is not only attractive but can engage other children and draw them toward your child. And the healthier those teeth, the happier your child looks.

So, teeth are a lot more versatile than you thought, aren’t they? That’s why it is so incredibly important to teach your children to take good care of them.

You can do this by instructing, helping and reminding your child to brush with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss at least once a day to keep their teeth healthy. Your child can also brush his or her tongue to help keep breath fresh. Furthermore, making sure that your child eats lots of fresh vegetables, fruits instead of sugary snacks and drinks water instead of soda or sugar-laden juices will prevent the creation of plaque, a substance on the tooth surface just waiting for sugar to arrive so decay can begin. Finally, scheduling regular visits with Dr. Jared to both examine and clean your child’s teeth is equally essential. When properly cared for, a set of healthy teeth will be your childen’s useful friends for the rest of their lives.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  509-891-7070. We'd love to meet you and your family.

Healthy Child, Healthy Mouth

Healthy Child, Healthy Mouth

We recommend that parents bring their children to KiDDS Dental as soon as that first baby tooth erupts. As dental professionals with special training to treat children, we know the importance of keeping up with dental care. Regular visits during childhood and adolescence help children form good dental care habits that ensure your children enter adulthood with healthy teeth and gums. But what happens if parents do not take their children to the dentist regularly?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 83% of children aged 2 to 17 years visited a dentist in 2014. Not surprisingly, it also estimated that 17.5% of children aged 5 to 19 years had untreated dental cavities. In fact, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood illness. For children who do not get treatment, the consequences can be long-term, irreversible and have an impact beyond just oral health. Those consequences include

·         pain in the teeth and gums, affecting your child’s ability to eat well, sleep well and function well at school

·         tooth and gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and compromised self-esteem and social development

·         malnourishment, bacterial infections and emergency surgeries

In addition, recent research has linked dental disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, poor pregnancy outcomes and dementia.

The impacts on society are measurable as well. Dental disease leads to the loss of more than 51 million school hours each year in the United States, numbers that can translate into educational disparities and decreased productivity.

The good news: Most dental disease is preventable. Regular dental visits, along with regular brushing and flossing at home, can stop cavities and gum disease before they start, giving your child not just a healthy mouth but helping to give him or her a healthy body and mind, too.

If you have fallen behind with your child’s dental visits and dental hygiene, now is the time to get back on track and see Dr. Jared. Make an appointment with our office. We can assess your child’s oral health and help you instill solid dental hygiene habits going forward.

If you have questions about your child's oral health, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Extreme Mouth Makeover: Express Route to a Beautiful Smile

Extreme Mouth Makeover: Express Route to a Beautiful Smile

Are you and your teen happy with his or her smile? One of the wonderful things about the teenage years is the ability to finally do something about the dental issues that have always bothered you and your teen.

Crooked or missing teeth, gummy smiles or discolored teeth can now be fixed permanently in ways that were not appropriate when your child was younger. If your teen has several problems that need correcting, you might want to consider a smile makeover—a full overhaul that corrects cosmetic dental concerns in a comprehensive way.

Instead of tackling one issue at a time (whitening teeth now at one dental office, seeing someone else in a year about a missing tooth), smile makeovers approach the mouth in a holistic way, looking at the big picture. Smile makeovers can fix alignment and spacing, discoloration, chipped or missing teeth, and even alter the smile line.

Dr. Jared assesses the entire mouth and determines what procedures your teen needs. These procedures may include veneers, implants, whitening or composite bonding. You’ll see a more consistent, natural result with this approach because we consider everything—your child’s tooth coloring, the shape of the teeth and gum line, and overall cosmetic goals—rather than treating each issue separately. Costs can be more easily contained this way, and because procedures can be performed simultaneously, time spent in the dentist’s chair can be minimized.

The teen years are a great time to embark on a smile-improving journey, and a smile makeover is a fabulous way to achieve the results you and your teen desire. Talk to us about options for your particular situation.

We'd love to meet you and your family! Call us to schedule an appointment today! (509)-891-7070.

Guard Your Child’s Teeth Against Injuries and Grinding

Guard Your Child’s Teeth Against Injuries and Grinding

If your child plays sports or grinds his or her teeth, Dr. Jared may recommend a mouth guard, a covering worn over the teeth to protect them from injury. Sports injuries can cause chipped, broken or lost teeth, or other damage to the mouth area. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, may result in fractures, cracks or worn-down teeth. A mouth guard can protect the teeth from injury and offer relief from the painful results of bruxism.

To be effective, a mouth guard should fit well, feel comfortable and stay in place. It should also allow your child to breathe freely and talk without sputtering or spitting. Comfort and ease are essential, since children often do not want to wear a guard and may even remove an uncomfortable one when no one is looking.

Over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards are inexpensive, but they have several disadvantages. The one-size-fits-all OTC guard does not provide an exact fit, so it may not be comfortable or effective. Teeth grinding could also cause it to loosen or fall out. Most OTC mouth guards require the child to clench his or her teeth to keep it in place—an inconvenience most children cannot manage.

The boil-and-bite mouth guard, another OTC style, is made from thermoplastic material that is placed in hot water to soften. Once it cools, the child bites down on it so that the mouth guard hardens to form around his or her teeth. This may give a better fit than the one-size model but is not recommended for children with braces.

The custom-fit guard is the option recommended by the American Dental Association. Molded according to exact measurements of the child’s mouth, the custom guard provides the best fit and function. Although they are more expensive, custom mouth guards may actually save money in the long run, because they prevent dental injuries and costly repairs more effectively.

If your child plays sports or grinds his or her teeth, make an appointment at KiDDS Dental. We can help you choose the best mouth guard for your child.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Good Sleep and Good Dental Health Go Together

Good Sleep and Good Dental Health Go Together

Every night, your child brushes and flosses, gives you a kiss and climbs into bed. This is an excellent routine to promote dental health—and not just because of the brushing and flossing. While we sleep, our bodies heal. Our blood sugar levels stabilize, our immune system reboots, and our blood vessels and heart can do their important maintenance work. For children, whose bodies are constantly growing and changing, sleep is critically important.

Considering the connection between general health and dental wellness, it makes sense that adequate sleep is essential to keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright. Given evidence in a Japanese study that suggested a correlation between inadequate sleep and periodontal disease, there may be more to the sleep–dental connection than previously thought.

Not only is poor sleep associated with dental problems, dental problems can cause poor sleep—especially in children, who can’t always express what’s causing them to toss and turn. Two common sleep disorders, sleep-related bruxism and sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux, can wreak havoc on the quality of your child’s sleep.

• Children with sleep-related bruxism grind their teeth at night, which can wear down teeth, alter the child’s bite, and cause pain in the face and jaw.
• Children with sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux regurgitate stomach acid while sleeping, which can chemically erode tooth enamel.

To be sure your child’s sleep isn’t being disturbed by these problems, Dr. Jared can check his or her mouth for signs of both disorders, especially if the child is complaining of a sour taste in the mouth, jaw pain or interrupted sleep. He may also recommend a thorough examination by a pediatrician or specialist to rule out other issues, such as thyroid disorders and ear/nose/throat problems, that can affect sleep.

To help children get a good night’s sleep that boosts dental health, have them wind down an hour or two before bed with a quiet activity, such as reading or relaxing with family; skip caffeine-containing drinks; and make sure they have a comfortable, quiet, cool sleep environment. And, of course, make sure they brush and floss before bed!

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  509-891-7070.

Good Oral Care Habits Last for Life

Good Oral Care Habits Last for Life

Many recent studies have focused on the important role played by healthy teeth and gums to maintain the body’s overall health. Gum disease is, after all, a form of inflammation, and the body’s so-called inflammatory cascade—the series of bodily processes caused or spurred on by inflammation—has been associated with many illnesses and health conditions.

One of the best ways to prevent gum disease as an adult is to establish healthy habits of good oral care during childhood. The earlier good habits are established—and the more frequently they are enforced—the harder they are to break.

As a parent, one of the best things you can do to promote your child’s dental health is to take the time to help them establish good oral care habits now that will help them stay healthy later. So, what does that entail?

1. Keep your baby’s gums clean using a soft cloth.
2. Once baby teeth emerge, use a soft-bristled brush designed for baby’s mouths to keep teeth clean.
3. Bring your child in to see us early—as early as six months of age. By introducing your child to us and familiarizing your child with the procedures involved in a dental appointment, you can significantly reduce the anxiety many people fear when visiting the dentist. Make dental visits a routine part of your child’s life.
4. Ask us for guidance on healthy snacks, the best way to brush and for guidance on when—and how—to begin flossing teeth. Also ask about the use of supplemental oral health products, such as plaque rinse or mouthwash.
5. Perhaps most importantly, practice what you preach: Demonstrate good oral care habits, including brushing and flossing and regular dental visits, in front of your children.
6. Finally, keep your own anxiety about the dentist to yourself—do not voice your fears in front of your children.

By instilling good oral care habits in your children early in life, you encourage your child to maintain them as he or she grows into an adult. And children trained to keep themselves healthy pass on these good habits to their own children. Make regular visits to KiDDS Dental a part of your child’s routine now.

If you have questions about good oral habits, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Give Your Child’s Teeth a Sporting Chance

Give Your Child’s Teeth a Sporting Chance

As much as we don’t like to think about them, injuries can happen to children and teens when they play a sport. The typical protective precautions are well known: helmets for football players, chest protectors for softball and baseball catchers, face masks for hockey goaltenders.

But you must think ahead about protecting your child’s teeth. Consider the mouth guard. Without one, your child can be up to 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury. And mouth protection matters as much at practice sessions as it does in actual games.

The mouth and teeth are most at risk in football, ice and field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, volleyball and gymnastics. But any activity that requires your child to make quick moves or has an object flying about can result in oral injuries. Some leagues and schools may mandate mouth guards for players.

Mouth guards protect not only the teeth but also the tongue, lips and cheeks, too. You and your young athlete can choose from three basic kinds of mouth guards:

• Stock: This type of mouth guard (also called “universal” or “off-the-shelf”) often includes gel in the surface closest to the teeth, to accomplish something like a custom fit. These provide the least protection.
• “Boil and bite”: The thermoplastic material of this guard softens in hot water. In that state, as your child bites down, the guard gets shaped to his individual “toothprint.”
• Custom-fitted: We offer completely customized mouth guards that will give your child exceptional protection. While a mouth guard made specifically for your child will cost more than will the other options, the individualized fit is more comfortable, offers better protection and is less likely to fall out.

Be vigilant in helping your child keep the mouth guard intact and clean, since, of course, it goes into the mouth. Store and carry it in a durable container that allows for air circulation. Before and after each use, rinse it well or, better yet, brush it, using a toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep it out of the sun and hot water—either can distort the guard’s shape—and when it inevitably does become distorted or overly worn, replace it.

If you and your child are unsure about which type of mouth guard is most suitable, consult Dr. Jared at KiDDS Dental. He’ll be happy to evaluate your options and guide you to the one that fits best—in every sense.

Give us a call at (509)-891-7070 to schedule today!

Give Your Child a New Toothbrush

Give Your Child a New Toothbrush

Did you ever wonder why we give your child a new toothbrush at every visit? We want to make sure that your child regularly gets a new toothbrush.

While we generally recommend that you schedule your child for two checkups a year, you should actually replace his or her toothbrush, or toothbrush head if you use an electric toothbrush, at least every three months. Here’s why:

• Wear and tear. The more you use your toothbrush, the more the bristles wear down and soften, losing their cleaning power. You may have noticed that some toothbrushes have little peaks and valleys in their shape when viewed from the side. That’s to help get the brush into the curved edges of your teeth and the gaps between them. As the bristles flatten out, they lose that ability.
• Harmful particles. Your toothbrush is designed to get rid of tiny particles of bacteria, plaque and fungi on your teeth. Even if you conscientiously and thoroughly clean your brush, you simply can’t remove all those microorganisms. Over time those particles build up on the bristles, and you end up putting them right back onto your teeth.

Since germs can also breed on toothbrushes, you might want to replace everyone’s toothbrush sooner rather than later if you or your child gets sick.

Some toothbrushes have indicators that let you know when it’s time to get a new one. Pay attention to those indicators (usually specially marked or colored bristles)―some people wear out their toothbrushes faster than others. Bring your child’s three-month-old toothbrush in with you at your next visit to KiDDS Dental, and we’ll be happy to replace it with a brand-new one.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  (509)-891-7070. We'd love to meet you and your family!

Getting the Most Out of Dental Checkups

Getting the Most Out of Dental Checkups

Dental checkups are essential to keep your child’s mouth healthy and free from disease. To best prepare your child for each trip to KiDDS Dental, you need to be aware of what happens during an oral examination.

Your child’s first dental checkup should come after his or her first tooth comes in or by the child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. Following that first visit, most children will need to visit us twice a year—more if they’re high risk.

Dental examinations for children typically last about 30 minutes and are pain-free. We will clean your child’s teeth, and then assess his or her risk of tooth decay. Dental x-rays might be taken to reveal any existing decay, and we will check to see how your child’s teeth fit together.

During the examination, we will discuss your child’s oral hygiene habits and diet—for instance, we may suggest alternatives to sugary drinks. We can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques for you and your child. For adolescents, we may discuss health risks associated with oral piercings and tobacco use.

If any problems become apparent, Dr. Jared will let you know whether special care is needed. We may suggest protective sealants to protect and fluoride treatments to help strengthen your child’s teeth.

Schedule an office visit during a time of day when your child is well rested and more likely to be cooperative. It’s important to explain the dental visit to your child in positive terms. Talk about the benefits of a dental visit, and remind your child that you get dental checkups too. Let us know about any fears your child may have about coming in to see us.

Regular dental checkups are important for good oral health and prevention of decay. Make sure you don’t neglect your child’s teeth—call our office to set up an appointment. And should any aspect of your child’s health change, let us know so we can make any necessary dental treatment changes.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Getting That Thumb Out of Your Child’s Mouth

Getting That Thumb Out of Your Child’s Mouth

When should you attempt to break your child’s thumb-sucking habit? How should you do it? Should you even worry about it? Most children who suck their thumbs (or fingers) as infants stop on their own by the time they turn 5 years old. Generally, thumb-sucking’s impact on mouth growth and tooth alignment—a child’s bite—arises only if the habit continues after permanent teeth have begun to come in.

If your child’s fifth birthday is approaching—or has passed—and he or she continues thumb-sucking, consider these strategies:

• Ask your child for ideas about how he or she can learn to stop thumb-sucking. If your child is not ready, explain that you’ll be there to help when the time is right.
• “Catch” your child when not sucking, and offer praise. Conversely, if your child seems at times to be unaware of sucking, gently point it out to promote self-awareness of the habit.
• If your child’s anxiety in particular situations fosters sucking, offer alternatives, such as a stuffed animal or blanket to snuggle with (not, of course, to suck).
• Compromise with your child by giving full permission to thumb-suck at bedtime or naptime, but asking him or her to try very hard to stop doing it during the course of the day.

Two products are marketed for breaking the thumb-sucking habit, but some doctors and psychologists have suggested that they may cause more harm than good:

• Nasty-tasting liquids. Sold over-the-counter just for this purpose, these bitter or sour preparations are applied to the favored thumb or finger. This method works in some children, but not in others.
• Plastic thumb guard. Used mostly at night and held in place with a wristband your child can’t remove, the thumb guard can be quite effective, although can create anxiety in the child.

As a last resort, we can fit your child with an intraoral appliance. This device physically prevents the sucking motion. It usually remains in place for three to six months, after which the habit should be broken.

Before you decide on a course of action, come see Dr. Jared and our clinical team. We can explain to your child—as we have to countless other children—why thumb-sucking can cause trouble for his or her future teeth. Then we can work together to develop an individualized plan to break the habit.

Give us a call at (509)-891-7070 to schedule today!

Front Teeth―First In, First Out

Front Teeth―First In, First Out

Children grow up too fast. So many milestones pass: crawling, walking, talking, getting his or her first tooth. Another milestone is losing his or her first tooth. As those baby teeth fall out and their adult counterparts come in, your child graduates to the next level of dental hygiene.

So what actually happens? In simple terms, your child’s permanent teeth slowly start growing below the primary teeth. As they do, the baby teeth’s roots begin to get absorbed into the gums. As the root recedes and the permanent teeth erupt, the primary teeth are pushed out―this is the “loosening” your child will be most preoccupied with. The permanent teeth take the place of the primary teeth, essentially following the same path previously followed by their predecessors.

The first baby teeth to go (absent any unforeseen trauma or deplorable hygiene habits) are usually the lower center incisors—the two bottom teeth in the middle. Why? Simple―these teeth are the first to come in and therefore the first to go. This pattern follows for all twenty of the primary teeth—for the most part, they will leave in the order they arrived.

Although there is no set time for this to happen, the first baby tooth typically will fall out when your child is between the ages of 4 and 7. As a general rule of thumb, the earlier your child gets a first tooth, the sooner he or she will lose the first tooth. If the front center teeth haven’t started loosening by ages 6 to 7, you should come see Dr. Jared, in case the permanent teeth are blocked by extra teeth present in the jaw. Once the front center teeth go, the rest will follow in a process that should last about six years from start to finish.

Be ready for when your child’s teeth start to fall out. Communicate with your child about why his or her tooth is falling out and why it is not something to worry about. You should also explain to your child why it’s not necessary to be overly ambitious and yank out any loose teeth. Don’t hesitate to call us with any concerns.

If you have questions about loose teeth, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Father's DAY? No way!

We'll be celebrating dads ALL WEEK on Facebook
and one lucky winner will get a Kindle Fire HD 8 just for playing along.

Look for a new way to enter to win each day

June 10th through June 16th.

Contest Rules:

By entering this promotion, participant agrees to a complete release of Facebook from any or all liability in connection with this contest. It is also acknowledgment that the contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

How to enter: Entries consist of following the directions (comment, "like," etc.) given in the official promotion posts on the KiDDS Dental Facebook page between June 10, 2018 at 9:00 AM and June 16, 2018 at 5:00 PM. One entry per promotion post per Facebook user is allowed. Multiple entries per promotion post will be disqualified.

Drawing: One random prize drawing will be held on or about June 19, 2018.  The winner will receive a Kindle Fire HD 8. This prize is valued at $89. Cash cannot be awarded in lieu of prize. Prize is not transferable. The winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying applicable state and federal taxes. If a winner is disqualified or if a prize is unclaimed, KiDDS Dental reserves the right to conduct another drawing to determine an alternate winner or to not award that winner's prize, at its sole discretion.

Odds: Actual odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries.

Eligibility: Legal residents of the United States are eligible to participate and win. Any person under the age of 18 must have a parent's or legal guardian's permission to participate and/or win.  Must be 13 years or older to enter. Employees of KiDDS Dental and their immediate families (spouse, parents, siblings, children, in-laws) are not eligible to enter. Winner must be available to pick up prize in person at KiDDS Dental in Liberty Lake, WA by June 28, 2018.

Decisions: By entering into the promotion, entrants and their parents or guardians (if the entrant is under the age of 18) agree to abide by and be bound by these official rules, and to accept the decision of KiDDS Dental as final.  Entrants and their parents or guardians (if entrant is under the age of 18) also agree to hold KiDDS Dental harmless from any liability arising from participation in this promotion. KiDDS Dental is not responsible for entries not received because of technical difficulties. KiDDS Dental reserves the right to disqualify any participant to a person who fails to follow these official rules or uses fraudulent means in participating. If for any reason this promotion is not able to be conducted as planned, KiDDS Dental reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this promotion and randomly draw from the entries received up to the cancellation/suspension date.

Liability Release: By participating, each participant and winner waives any and all claims against KiDDS Dental their employees and agents for any personal loss of any kind which may occur from the participation in the promotion.

Publicity: Each winner (and such winner's parent or guardian if any winner is under the age of 18) agrees to permit KiDDS Dental to use his/her name and likeness in promotional and other KiDDS Dental materials, without additional compensation or permission, except where prohibited by law.

This promotion is void where prohibited.

By entering the contest, entrants grant KiDDS Dental license to display, distribute, reproduce contest entries. Winners must sign a media release and will be responsible for paying any taxes they may owe on a prize.

Formula, Fluoride and Fluorosis

Formula, Fluoride and Fluorosis

Everyone agrees that the best source of nutrition for an infant is breast milk. The next best thing? Infant formula. However, despite its nutritional value, some types of infant formula have the potential to foster a condition known as dental fluorosis that involves changes in the appearance of the tooth’s surface. The tooth enamel is degraded due to an overexposure to fluoride before teeth erupt. Generally, fluorosis is not noticeable; it usually shows up as little white spots that are visible only to dental professionals. In its most severe form, fluorosis can cause brown stains on the permanent teeth.

Formula comes in three formulations: powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed. Major infant formula brands have very little if any fluoride. The problem is not with the formula—it is with the water used to mix the formula. Because fluoride helps prevent tooth decay in the general population, approximately 72% of all public water systems in the United States adjust the fluoride levels in the water to obtain the optimal dose for everyone age eight and older. But that means that if you are mixing powdered or concentrated formula with tap water, you will increase the fluoride in the formula to a level that may be too high for infants. Because formula can be the primary source of an infant’s nutrition, it is easy to see how this can contribute to the onset of fluorosis.

There are two easy ways to remedy this, but they take a concentrated effort by the parent. Use ready-made formula—that’s the best option because you won’t be adding any additional fluoride to your child’s diet. However, if you do use a powdered or concentrated formula, use bottled water labeled demineralized, distilled, purified or de-ionized to reconstitute or dilute the formula. That will reduce the level of fluoride your infant is being exposed to and help secure the development of his or her esthetically pleasing smile.

Call us to schedule an appointment today! (509)-891-7070. We'd love to meet you and your family!

Mother's DAY? No way!

We'll be celebrating mothers ALL WEEK on Facebook
and one lucky winner will get a Kindle Fire HD 8 just for playing along.

Look for a new way to enter to win each day

May 6th through May 12th.

Contest Rules:

By entering this promotion, participant agrees to a complete release of Facebook from any or all liability in connection with this contest. It is also acknowledgment that the contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

How to enter: Entries consist of following the directions (comment, "like," etc.) given in the official promotion posts on the KiDDS Dental Facebook page between May 6, 2018 at 9:00 AM and May 12, 2018 at 5:00 PM. One entry per promotion post per Facebook user is allowed. Multiple entries per promotion post will be disqualified.

Drawing: One random prize drawing will be held on or about May 14, 2018.  The winner will receive a Kindle Fire HD 8. This prize is valued at $89. Cash cannot be awarded in lieu of prize. Prize is not transferable. The winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying applicable state and federal taxes. If a winner is disqualified or if a prize is unclaimed, KiDDS Dental reserves the right to conduct another drawing to determine an alternate winner or to not award that winner's prize, at its sole discretion.

Odds: Actual odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries.

Eligibility: Legal residents of the United States are eligible to participate and win. Any person under the age of 18 must have a parent's or legal guardian's permission to participate and/or win.  Must be 13 years or older to enter. Employees of KiDDS Dental and their immediate families (spouse, parents, siblings, children, in-laws) are not eligible to enter. Winner must be available to pick up prize at KiDDS Dental in Liberty Lake, WA by May 18, 2018.

Decisions: By entering into the promotion, entrants and their parents or guardians (if the entrant is under the age of 18) agree to abide by and be bound by these official rules, and to accept the decision of KiDDS Dental as final.  Entrants and their parents or guardians (if entrant is under the age of 18) also agree to hold KiDDS Dental harmless from any liability arising from participation in this promotion. KiDDS Dental is not responsible for entries not received because of technical difficulties. KiDDS Dental reserves the right to disqualify any participant to a person who fails to follow these official rules or uses fraudulent means in participating. If for any reason this promotion is not able to be conducted as planned, KiDDS Dental reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend this promotion and randomly draw from the entries received up to the cancellation/suspension date.

Liability Release: By participating, each participant and winner waives any and all claims against KiDDS Dental their employees and agents for any personal loss of any kind which may occur from the participation in the promotion.

Publicity: Each winner (and such winner's parent or guardian if any winner is under the age of 18) agrees to permit KiDDS Dental to use his/her name and likeness in promotional and other KiDDS Dental materials, without additional compensation or permission, except where prohibited by law.

This promotion is void where prohibited.

By entering the contest, entrants grant KiDDS Dental license to display, distribute, reproduce contest entries. Winners must sign a media release and will be responsible for paying any taxes they may owe on a prize.