Caries and Sugar—A Sticky Subject

Caries and Sugar—A Sticky Subject

Most of us know that allowing children to snack on sugary foods all day long isn’t the best choice for their overall health. But when it comes to dental health, even foods that have some nutrition can be detrimental. Gummy candies and vitamins, dried fruit snacks and chewy protein bars may seem like smart snacking choices, but they can easily get stuck in between young teeth—and since children typically aren’t the best flossers, this can be a recipe for dental disaster.

Sugar doesn't actually cause cavities; rather, the sugar acts as “food” for bacteria that cause decay. When carbohydrate-heavy foods become stuck to the teeth, they produce an acid that eats away at the enamel of your child’s pearly whites, allowing bacteria to make a nice, comfy home in the dentin, or center, of the tooth. Once the dentin begins to decay, cavities are the next step down the road to the dentist’s drill and fillings.

Interestingly, eating a massive amount of sugar in one sitting is less harmful than sucking on sugary candies or sipping juice all day long. This is because the more time the mouth spends in that sugary, acidic state, the longer the bacteria can do their dirty, decaying work. After eating a sugary snack, the negative effects can be mitigated if children rinse their mouths with water, brush their teeth or floss.

So while it might be a losing battle to try to remove all sugar and sticky carbohydrates from your children’s diets, you can teach them good dental habits such as

• chewing sugarless gum with xylitol
• carrying a toothbrush in their backpack to brush after meals and snacks
• eating fresh fruit instead of fruit leather or juice
• choosing chocolate—if you do allow candy—rather than gummy candy (just as it easily melts in your hand, chocolate can easily melt off your child’s back teeth)

And if all else fails, remind your children that swishing some water around in their mouths after snacks is a lot easier than getting a cavity filled!

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

Bulimia’s Impact on Dental Health

Bulimia’s Impact on Dental Health

Eating disorders pose a serious problem in the United States. More than 10 million Americans, especially teen and young adult women, suffer from eating disorders, one of which is bulimia—a cycle of bingeing on food and purging by the use of laxatives or vomiting. Bulimia can wreak havoc on a young person’s health, including causing serious dental problems. In fact, dentists are often the first medical professionals to suspect bulimia in their patients, making us a key part of the recovery process.

Throwing up frequently can affect the mouth in several ways:

It destroys the enamel. When you vomit, your mouth is bathed in digestive acids, along with the foods being regurgitated. These acids can erode the enamel, or top layer, of your teeth. This is a problem because the enamel protects the more fragile layers of your teeth from sensitivity and decay. Studies show that 89% of people who are bulimic suffer from enamel erosion.

It ruins appearance. As the enamel of your teeth is worn away, the teeth take on a yellowish or grayish appearance. If the erosion process continues, teeth can even change in size, appearing longer. Frequent vomiting may cause problems with the salivary glands, and swollen glands can widen your jaw, giving it a “square” appearance.

It can make a person with bulimia feel uncomfortable. Dry, cracked lips; chronic dry mouth; severely sensitive teeth; and a sore throat and tongue are painful conditions common in bulimics.

Dr. Jared can help manage the effects of bulimia on your child’s mouth. He may suggest avoiding brushing the teeth directly after vomiting, because this can make erosion worse. Instead, encourage your child to use a baking soda rinse to wash acid from the mouth. Saliva replacements and fluoride treatments can also help counteract the negative effects of the disease, as is making frequent visits to our office to treat cavities and perform root canals on damaged teeth.

Despite being able to help with the side effects, we at KiDDS Dental can’t help your child recover from bulimia. It is vitally important to get the help your child needs—not only for the sake of his or her mouth, but also for health, happiness and the future.

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

2016 Elf on a Shelf Photo Contest

KiDDS Dental's 2016 Elf on a Shelf Photo Contest

Facebook in no way endorses or promotes this contest. It is solely promoted by KiDDS Dental.

The Rules: 

KiDDS Dental's Elf on a Shelf photo contest begins Dec 21, 2016 and ends Dec 28, 2016.  By submitting a photo, each entrant agrees to the rules and states that they are 18 years or older. 

Who may enter: Adults 18 years or older are eligible to submit a photo.  KiDDS Dental will determine the eligibility of each photo submitted at its sole discretion.

What to enter: A picture of an Elf on a Shelf shot by the entrant.  If a child is in the picture, only a parent or guardian of the child may submit the picture.  
Photos that violate or infringe upon another person's rights, including to but not limited to copyright, are not eligible. 
By entering the contest, entrants grant KiDDS Dental license to display, distribute, reproduce photographs. 

How to enter: Photo must be emailed to elf@growupsmiling.com to be considered. All entries will be included in a Facebook album on the KiDDS Dental Facebook page starting December 21, 2016. Voting will take place in that album only. 

Judging:  Winner will be chosen by a popular vote.  Each "like" constitutes one vote. Voting begins on Dec 21, 2016 and closes on Dec 28, 2016 at 5:00 PM .  Winner will be notified on or before Jan 6, 2017.

Prize:  The entrant with the most votes wins a Kindle Fire HD 8.  Winner must be available to pick up prize at KiDDS Dental by 4 PM on Jan 19, 2017 or prize will be forfeit.
Winners must sign a media release and will be responsible for paying any taxes they may owe on a prize.

Giving Tree 2016

The KiDDS Dental 2016 Giving Tree Photo Contest Rules


 

Facebook in no way endorses or promotes this contest. It is solely promoted by KiDDS Dental. 

How to participate
1. Choose a local non-profit organization.
2. Decorate a mini tree and display at your location.
3. Take a digital picture of your Giving Tree.
4. Email the picture to Brandie@GrowUpSmiling.com, making sure to note the charity you've chosen. 
5. Get votes! Each "like" your picture gets in our "Giving Tree" album will earn your charity $1, up to $250.

Some ideas to get votes:

• Make a small sign to display with your tree explaining the contest and directing your patrons to "like" the picture on the KiDDS Dental Facebook page.
• Post a link to the contest picture, from the KiDDS Dental Facebook page, to your company's Facebook page and ask your fans to vote.
• Include a link to the picture of your Giving Tree in your company's e-newsletter.
• Contact your charity to see if they'll share the contest with their fans.

KiDDS Dental's "Giving Tree" photo contest begins December 1, 2016 and ends at 5:00 pm, December 21, 2016.  By submitting a photo, each entrant agrees to the rules and states that they are 18 years or older. 

Who may enter: An authorized representative of the participating organization may enter.  KiDDS Dental will determine the eligibility of each photo submitted at its sole discretion.

What to enter: A picture of the decorated tree along with the name of the charity being supported.  
Photos that violate or infringe upon another person's rights, including to but not limited to copyright, are not eligible. 

By entering the contest, entrants grant KiDDS Dental license to display, distribute, reproduce photographs. 

Judging:  Winner will be chosen by a popular vote of likes on Facebook. 
Prize:  The chosen charity for each picture will be given $1 per vote, up to $250 per picture/charity.

Bruxism Bites!

Bruxism Bites!

Do you ever find your child clenching his or her teeth or waking up with a sore jaw? He or she may have bruxism—a condition that causes people to unconsciously grind or clench their teeth.

Bruxism affects about 20% of children under the age of 11 years, many of whom do not even realize they are doing it. Many people do the bulk of their grinding at night, when they are fast asleep. If your child shares a room with a sibling or attends a lot of sleepovers or sleep-away camp in the summer, somebody may have mentioned that your child gnashed his or her teeth together while asleep. But most people with bruxism do not realize they are grinding or clenching their teeth until the dentist notices certain problems that show up years after the condition first appears.

Most children don’t have any serious side effects from bruxism. But over time, grinding can wear down the enamel of their teeth and, in severe cases, damage or even fracture them. And long before this type of problem occurs, your child might experience annoying issues like headaches, sensitive teeth, jaw pain or even earaches (caused by pain in the jaw that feels like it is coming from the ear). Bruxism can interrupt your child’s sleep, too, which can lead to feelings of fatigue, grumpiness and hyperactivity or distraction during the day.

So what can you do about something you are not even aware your child is doing? First of all, talk to Dr. Jared at KiDDS Dental. He can examine your child’s mouth for signs of bruxism and figure out how severely he or she has been grinding or clenching. He might prescribe a night guard—a type of mouthguard similar to the kind worn when playing hockey or other contact sports, but much thinner and more form-fitting to the mouth—or splints that will keep the teeth from gnashing as your child sleeps.

Stress and anxiety can cause bruxism, too, so if your child is feeling worried or anxious about something, have your child talk to someone who can help find healthy ways to release stress. Even simple things, such as taking a warm bath before bed or learning some breathing techniques, can make a difference and keep the tension out of your child’s life—and out of his or her jaw! 

If you have any further questions regarding bruxism, give us a call at (509)-891-7070.  

KiDDS Dental Takes You to the Movies! - Fantastic Beasts

Fantastic Beasts and How to Find Tickets to See Them

KiDDS Dental's Fantastic Beasts Movie Event

Official 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 during the time period specified or through November 15th 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 drawing will be held for each post after the deadline but before November 15, 2016.  The winner will receive two tickets to our group screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on November 17th at 7:00 PM. This prize package is valued at $21.50. 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.

All entries will be included in last-chance drawings to be held after the contest deadline.

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 November 15, 2016.

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.

Brush Away the Plaque, Not the Enamel

Brush Away the Plaque, Not the Enamel

Consistent brushing is an essential part of dental health, along with flossing and regular dental visits. But wait—did you know that there is a danger in brushing too hard? Overbrushing, also known as toothbrush abrasion, can damage tooth enamel and cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots. Not only can this lead to increased sensitivity to heat and cold and the potential for developing cavities on the roots but it may raise your child’s risk for periodontal disease.

Toothbrush abrasion can happen to anyone who brushes too hard, but some people are at higher risk, including those who

• use medium- or hard-bristled brushes
• grind or clench their teeth
• have other risk factors for gum disease

Abrasion can also result from habits such as biting nails or chewing on pencils, or even from just using an overly abrasive toothpaste.

Once your child has toothbrush abrasion, there are several options for treatment. We at KiDDS Dental can sometimes use fluoride treatments to reduce sensitivity. If parts of the teeth are already worn away, dental bonding or fillings might be necessary.

Better Than Treatment: Prevention

Because most people don’t know they are brushing too hard until they see the first visible signs of abrasion—a V-shaped indentation on the part of the tooth near the gumline—it’s better to prevent it altogether. Help your child understand that brushing better doesn’t mean brushing harder. Plaque actually comes off fairly easily, so there’s no need to scrub or scrape the teeth to prevent cavities. Have your child use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and gently brush each tooth with short strokes while avoiding the tendency to squash or push the bristles against the teeth and gums.

If you feel as if you’re sending mixed messages—“Brush your teeth! But don’t brush too hard!”―enlisting our help might help get the message across. Dr. Jared and his clinical team can go over brushing techniques with your child at your next appointment.

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.

KiDDS Dental wants to take YOU to the movies!

KiDDS Dental Introduces
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

November 17
Regal Cinemas

Spokane Valley Mall

To qualify for tickets you may:

• Show us your family's jack-o-lantern. Post a picture of it to KiDDS Dental on Facebook, or bring a picture to our office by November 4th at noon. The KiDDS Dental team will be voting for the winning entry. The winner will receive two tickets to the movie.
• Let's see your children's Halloween costumes! Email your picture to Halloween@GrowUpSmiling.com by November 4th at noon. We'll be posting the picture to our Facebook page. The picture with the most votes earns two tickets to the movie.
• Guess how much weight we'll bring in at our 9th Annual Great Candy Buy Back. Click here to be taken directly to the post where you can leave your response.
• Bring us a hand-written letter of appreciation for our troops by November 4th at noon. We will mail the letters to Operation Gratitude, where they will be placed in holiday care packages for troops and first responders. Write as many heartfelt letters as you want (no photo copies). Each hand-written letter will earn you one entry for the drawing.
• Bring your children to our 9th Annual Great Candy Buy Back underwritten by Banner Bank where you can enter to win tickets.
• All non-winning entries for all contests will be included in our last chance drawings. Enter as many contests as you can! We have over 200 tickets to give away.
• "Like" the KiDDS Dental Facebook page for more opportunities to win.

Winners will be notified by phone, e-mail or FB messenger on or before November 10th. Tickets will be available to pick up on November 11th between 9 am and 4 pm and November 14th and November 15th between 8 am and 5 pm. Tickets not picked up by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 15th will be considered forfeited by the winner and distributed to others.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit our 9th Annual Great Candy Buy Back!

KiDDS Dental's Top 10
reasons to join us on
November 1st between 4 and 8 PM . . .

 

10. $1 per pound for children's leftover Halloween candy 

Event underwritten by Banner Bank. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Candy must be factory wrapped. No pixy stix, please. 

9. Opportunities to win tickets to our upcoming movie event
You could be one of the first in Spokane to see "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" with the KiDDS Dental Team!

8. Dr. Scott Ralph's team in SUPER SECRET costumes

7. The KiDDS Dental team in SUPER SECRET costumes

6. Telling soldiers "Thank You!" with a handmade card

5. Fire Fly toothbrushes
They are like light-sabers for your mouth.

4. Goody bags
Participants will receive coupons and promotional products from participating and local businesses.

Follow us on Facebook for specific details about the fun stuff we'll have in the goody bags.

3. Photo booth 

Tanya Smith will be joining us again for a fun photo booth. All pictures from the event will be posted to WorkStory Photography's Facebook Page.

2. Support the troops!All candy will be shipped to members of the armed services stationed overseas.
All money collected at the photo booth will be send to Operation Gratitude to help them ship our donated candy in holiday care packages.

We'll also be making cards to include in the care packages.

1. No more cavity-causing, hyperactivity-inducing candy in the house!

Breathe Easy and Avoid Tooth Decay

Breathe Easy and Avoid Tooth Decay

Asthma medications play a critical role in helping children manage their symptoms. But, as a parent, you should also realize that the same medications that help open your child’s airways—so he or she can breathe more freely—can also increase the chance your child will develop tooth decay.

Several studies examining children’s use of asthma medications have found an increased risk of caries (tooth decay). A study conducted in Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2011 found that children with more severe asthma, those who used their medications more frequently (three or more times per day) and those who used combination therapy were more likely to have decreased levels of saliva and increased levels of bacteria associated with decay. A 2012 Slovenian study of 220 children between 2 and 17 years of age returned similar results, with medicated asthmatic children having significantly more decay in both baby teeth and permanent teeth, as well as decreased saliva production. More decay was seen in children who used higher doses of medication.

Saliva plays a key role in helping prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles that can feed harmful bacteria. In addition, many inhaled asthma medications contain lactose or other sugars that can promote bacterial growth.

Fortunately, there are easy solutions. If your child uses asthma medication, here are some things you can do to help lower his or her risk of decay:

• Have your child chew sugarless gum, drink water or rinse after using an inhaler; avoid brushing after each inhaler use since that can damage enamel.
• Ask us about using mouthwash if your child is old enough to use mouthwash without the risk of swallowing it.
• Ask your child’s physician about alternative medications that may be less harmful to teeth, including medications without lactose or other sugars.
• Let us know about your child’s asthma.
• Make sure your child sees us regularly.

If your child suffers from asthma, you already have lots of concerns about his or her health. Let Dr. Jared at KiDDS Dental know about your child’s asthma and we can evaluate the risk of tooth decay so you and your child have one less thing to worry about.

We'd love to meet you and your family! Give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

“Magical” Protection from Cavities

“Magical” Protection from Cavities

Wouldn’t it be nice if a magic shield could help protect your children from cavities? Well, think of Dr. Jared as a magician: By using a process called sealants, he can help your kids avoid decay in the back molars, the teeth most prone to cavities in young mouths.

The back molars have a few things working against them. They are full of deep grooves, making it easy for food particles and germs to become trapped. They are also difficult to clean, particularly when you’re dealing with small mouths and the impatient little people attached to them. Dental sealants provide a protective coating, made out of a thin plastic substance that covers the grooves on the back teeth. Since food and bacteria can’t get through the plastic, the teeth are protected from decay.

Better still, sealants are virtually invisible, and quick and painless to apply. We clean the tooth using a special gel before painting on the sealant itself. Sometimes, a special light is used to harden the sealant. The process only takes a few minutes to complete, and the sealant can protect the teeth for up to 10 years.

Dentists recommend applying sealants as soon as the permanent molars erupt, before any decay occurs. That way the sealant will be most powerful during the prime cavity-prone years (ages six to 14 years). Sealants can be put on both permanent molars and pre-molars, and are often covered by dental insurance.

Keep in mind, though, that it is still important for children to maintain good oral hygiene. With good brushing, fluoride and regular dental care, sealants can be an almost magical way to keep your children’s mouths healthy and cavity-free!

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

Break the Pacifier Habit—Gently and Creatively

Break the Pacifier Habit—Gently and Creatively

The Latin root for pacifier is “pax,” or peace—and any parent who has been brought relief from an infant’s screams by that bit of plastic knows why. But when the infant has become a toddler, or even preschooler, getting him or her to forgo the binky for good may feel like a war.

On the one hand—no pun intended—it can be easier to break a child of a pacifier habit than a thumb-sucking habit (you can’t take away a thumb!), so the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you provide your baby with a safe pacifier in infancy to satisfy her natural need to suck.

But, according to the AAPD, the pacifier habit should be strongly discouraged after age 3. In fact, there’s evidence that the longer a child uses a pacifier after age 2, the greater the chances that his or her jaw and tooth development will be adversely affected and correctable only by orthodontics years later.

If your child is very attached to the pacifier, you may have to employ a creative strategy (or two) in the detachment process. Experienced parents have made the following suggestions:

• Enlist your dentist’s help. Arrange in advance for your dentist to give your child a special gift in return for her bag of collected binkies.
• Visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop. Along with the stuffing, fill the bear with the pacifiers. This way, your child still has the binkies, but they won’t be ruining his or her bite.
• Create a sticker chart. Every binky-free day earns a sticker for your child. A certain number of stickers earn her a special toy.
• Conduct a visit from the Tooth Fairy’s cousin, the Paci-Fairy. Pacifiers placed under your child’s pillow at night are “miraculously” replaced with something very special by the next morning.

Even if one of these strategies works initially, there is no guarantee that a follow-up tantrum or two won’t erupt. Be sympathetic but staunch, suggests Mark L. Brenner, author of the book Pacifiers, Blankets, Bottles, and Thumbs: What Every Parent Should Know About Starting and Stopping. Most kids, he says, will accept their binky-free state in a couple of days.

Dr. Jared would love to answer any further questions regarding pacifier habits. Click here to schedule an appointment at KiDDS Dental today! Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Brace Yourself: Early Orthodontic Treatment

Brace Yourself: Early Orthodontic Treatment

When today’s generation of parents was growing up, a metal mouth was an adolescent rite of passage. Now, braces might be associated with elementary school. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be evaluated at age 7 and, in some cases, treatment be started shortly thereafter. There are pros and cons to early orthodontic care, most of which depend on the problem being treated.

Some conditions, such as narrow upper arches, anterior crossbites or underbites, are better treated while the jaw is still growing. Early treatment may save a child from oral surgery later, and even if further treatment is required in the teen years, it will be less extensive.

Some parents opt for earlier orthodontics out of concern for their child’s self-esteem. Having a prominent underbite or protruding upper teeth can lead to teasing; other issues, such as problems with the palate, can cause speech impediments. In these cases, even if getting braces at age 8 won’t keep a child from needing them at age 14, it might be worth pursuing early orthodontic treatment. Parents should weigh the cost and discomfort of these treatments with the benefits of a better-looking smile or clearer speech.

However, some studies suggest that certain problems are best left untreated until adolescence. It’s not really a matter of the orthodontics’ damaging a child in any way, but more because the treatment is simply ineffective. For example, several randomized clinical trials since the 1990s have shown that class II malocclusions treated early lead to more treatment time (and more money spent) than those treated in adolescence. In other words, having braces applied for this problem at age 8 will be no more effective and more costly than getting them at age 13.

Your best bet? Have your child evaluated around the age of 7, and discuss the benefits and risks of early treatment with Dr. Jared at KiDDS Dental and an orthodontist. This dental specialist will have a good grasp on the best course of action, to ensure that your child’s smile is healthy—and beautiful—for years to come.

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

Dental Hygiene: A Bone of Contention

Dental Hygiene: A Bone of Contention

When people think about their dentists, they tend to think only about their teeth and gums. Most people don’t think about their bones. It’s very easy to think of your teeth as little bones that grow out of your gums, but when we talk about bone loss, we aren’t just talking about tooth decay. We are talking about your child’s jawbone and skull.

Every part of the body is connected. Just as the leg bone is connected to the hipbone, the jawbone and skull are connected to the teeth and gums. Poor dental hygiene can cause harmful acids and bacteria to build up not just on your children’s teeth and gums but in the jawbone and skull, causing them to wear away. Your children’s teeth live in little holes in those bones. If those holes get eaten away and become too big, your children’s teeth can loosen or even fall out.

Another preventable cause of bone loss is osteoporosis, a weakness of the bones caused by a lack of calcium. While this condition is uncommon in children, childhood diet may influence osteoporosis later in life. The best way to prevent osteoporosis and a good piece of health advice in general, is to ensure that your child has a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. It’s never too early to reduce the risk of developing this very serious condition later in life.

Certain conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases can cause bone loss; so can certain medical treatments. It’s important to let us know at KiDDS Dental when your children have significant changes in their health or if they are taking new medications. Dr. Jared knows the best ways to mitigate the effect of these changes on their teeth.

Bone loss is a serious problem, but one that can be effectively fought.

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

Bonding Over Bonding: Straight Talk About Tooth Bonding for Children

Bonding Over Bonding: Straight Talk About Tooth Bonding for Children

Teeth that come in crooked. Wide gaps between teeth. Teeth that are cracked or chipped during sports or play. Childhood can be rough on those pearly whites. Your child’s imperfect smile is still beautiful, of course, and a bit of an imperfection can certainly add to one’s character. But to improve the look of imperfect teeth, dental bonding is a safe, relatively inexpensive way to fix problems such as gaps or chips. Best of all, bonding can usually be completed in one painless visit at KiDDS Dental.

Dental bonding gets its name because that’s exactly what happens during the process―the material used bonds to the tooth. We use composite resin, a combination of a special type of glass and either plastic or resin, to fill in spaces and cracks. Your child may actually have some composite resin in his or her mouth already because it is often used to fill cavities. As an added benefit, composite resin actually adds strength to a tooth without damaging the structure underneath.

If you and your child decide that dental bonding is a good idea, Dr. Jared will choose a shade of composite resin that closely matches your child’s natural teeth. We prepare the tooth for bonding by applying a liquid that roughens its surface. After the solution is applied, we will clean and dry the tooth, then brush on the bonding liquid. The tooth is now ready for the composite resin, which needs to be applied a little bit at a time. A special light is used to harden the resin between applications.

The final step in dental bonding is to shape, smooth and polish the composite resin to make it look as natural as possible. And here’s the best part: The entire process takes only about an hour.

Your child will need to take care of the bonded teeth, because they can easily stain and chip. Although bonding doesn’t last forever, that’s actually what makes it a good choice for children, whose mouths are constantly changing and growing. Talk to us to see if your child is a good candidate for this process―it might be a great “bonding” experience.

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

Battle Bacteria with Brushing

Battle Bacteria with Brushing

Your child’s mouth contains billions of bacteria—some helpful and some harmful. There are more than 700 different types of microbes that call the mouth their home, and just one tooth can host as many as 500 million bacteria. While some bacteria actually help control the development of cavity-causing plaque, others can cause tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease if the teeth and gums are not cleaned regularly and properly.

The best way to keep your child from developing cavities and infected gums is to make sure he or she brushes twice a day (the best times are after breakfast and before bedtime). This will keep bacteria populations in check and minimize the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Passing up snacks and brushing after having one are obvious preventive measures. Here are a few other important guidelines your child should follow to make sure the risks of tooth decay and periodontal disease are minimized:

• Have your child brush all of his or her teeth, not just the front ones, spending some time on the side and back teeth and brushing for two to three minutes. Use a timer or a song to keep track of the time.
• Your child should use a soft-bristled brush. Replace it every three to four months—earlier if bristles show signs of wear. If your child becomes ill, replace the brush when your child recovers.
• After brushing, have your child rinse his or her toothbrush with warm water and dry it in the open air—not in a closed container, which can enable bacteria to multiply. And don’t clean toothbrushes in a dishwasher or in the microwave, both of which can damage bristles.
• Talk to us about swishing with an antiplaque mouth rinse and mild pediatric mouthwash, which can help reduce harmful bacteria that can cause decay and gum disease.
• Although gum disease is not contagious, harmful bacteria can be spread from one person to another. Thus, not sharing toothbrushes, lip balm or gloss, water bottles, musical instruments or any personal item that comes in contact with the mouth is important.

Of course, one of the best ways to make sure your child’s teeth remain healthy is to schedule—and keep—regular dental checkups at KiDDS Dental. Pediatric dental care is essential to help your child avoid dental problems in adulthood. Establishing good oral health habits saves time, money and headaches in the short and long run, so it is never too early to start your child on the road to optimum oral health.

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.