Keep Your Teen Cavity-Free

Keep Your Teen Cavity-Free

It’s true: Teenagers do know everything. Just ask one; he or she will assure you that it is adults who have their facts—about pretty much everything—wrong.

Sometimes facing off against teen attitude can feel poignant, in an “I remember being like that” way. But when your adolescent decides that he or she has outgrown worrying about cavities, there is no cause for smiles, wry or otherwise.

Just like children, adolescents must maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent cavities. To help your teen do an adequate job, suggest that your teen brush his or her teeth twice a day for the length (or half the length, depending) of a favorite song. Flossing is important, too. Because the hormonal shifts of adolescence can sometimes increase gum sensitivity, work with your teen to find a dental floss or tape that feels comfortable.

As for diet, it’s unrealistic to expect a teen to avoid carbohydrates and sugars totally. And as for brushing during the day after eating lunch—at school? in the bathroom?—that might also be an unpalatable proposition. Suggest in-a-pinch substitutes: rinsing with mouthwash or water or chewing sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol.

Save your strongest arguments for insisting on pre-bedtime toothbrushing. The lessened production of saliva during sleep makes food residue more likely to contribute to decay formation overnight—and increases the possibility that any mouth piercings your child may have can become infected. Infections at a piercing site can lead to systemic infections, such as hepatitis.

Schedule your teen for regular appointments at KiDDS Dental. Professional cleanings contribute to cavity prevention (or easier treatment if they’re caught early); we also offer sealants that contribute some protection against decay. This makes the occasional teenage dental hygiene slip-up less of a big deal.

We promise that your adolescent will be treated like a young adult—no baby stuff, no balloon animals, and no SpongeBob or Dora stickers will be foisted upon them. Alert us in advance that a sensitive teen is coming in, and we’ll be extra-conscientious about leaving childhood references at the door.

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

Keep Your Child’s Smile Beaming

Keep Your Child’s Smile Beaming

As adults, we know that few things in this world are as beautiful as a child’s smile. But if those pearly whites are not well taken care of, tooth decay and misaligned teeth can take their toll. By the time your child reaches adolescence, he or she may avoid smiling or laughing because of unsightly or misaligned teeth.

A smile communicates positive qualities. People who smile are perceived as more sociable, trustworthy and intelligent, not only in social situations but in job interviews as well. The good news is that most dental health problems are fully preventable with good oral hygiene. But it is important to start at an early age.

The following tips can help your child develop a long-lasting, healthy smile:

• Do not share eating utensils with your baby, and never let others put your baby’s pacifier in their own mouth. These practices can spread bacteria and lead to tooth decay.
• Do not feed juice or soda to your baby, and do not let your baby go to sleep with a bottle. This, too, increases bacteria in the mouth and can lead to tooth decay.
• Bring your child in for a dental visit before his or her first birthday. We can help you establish good oral health habits from an early age, such as brushing your child’s baby teeth.
• As your child grows up, we may find that his or her teeth are not properly aligned. We will refer you to an orthodontist, who can more fully assess your child’s teeth and determine whether orthodontic treatment is needed. Although the prospect of braces is rarely welcome, orthodontic care has come a long way over the past generation in terms of aesthetics. More importantly, it is a short-term investment with lifelong benefits.

Remember: An attractive smile contributes to a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence. If your child is embarrassed or ashamed of his or her teeth, let Dr. Jared know at his or her next appointment with KiDDS Dental. Our clinical team can assess your child’s oral health and recommend treatment that will have your child smiling proudly.

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

Keep Your Child’s Gums Healthy

Keep Your Child’s Gums Healthy

When we consider their oral health, we tend to think of our children’s teeth most often. But their gums should be on our minds as well. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is not uncommon in children, and it can signify more than just a little redness.

Although gingivitis is a condition unto itself, if left untreated it also can lead to more serious periodontal (gum) disease. Gingivitis can run in families, but whether it has affected other relatives or not, you and your child should check regularly for these gingivitis symptoms:

• Bleeding: Gums may bleed with the gentlest brushing or flossing, or even at other times.
• Color changes: Gums may be red-purple or bright red, possibly with a shiny appearance.
• Swelling: A puffy appearance may accompany tenderness.
• Bad breath: If bad breath (halitosis) does not go away with vigilant flossing and brushing, gingivitis may be the cause.
• Receding gums: When gums recede, more of the front surface of the teeth than normal is visible, potentially exposing the roots.

If one or more of these symptoms exist, extra-vigilant oral care is the first line of defense to reduce inflammation, starting with a professional cleaning and evaluation. Afterward, even though gums may remain sensitive for one to two weeks, strict adherence to brushing and flossing routines has to begin. Mild anti-inflammatory pain medicine may help during this time. In addition, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash or warm salt water may reduce the chance of recurrence. In severe cases, specialized therapies can be used to keep disease from spreading to nearby tissues and tooth-supporting bone.

As boys and girls reach puberty, circulating hormones increase blood flow to the gums, resulting in greater sensitivity. Flossing, for instance, may hurt more, as may food particles or plaque. While the sensitivity is real and understandable, and may last for a while, your child needs to maintain good oral habits.

Helping children to remember that their gums will always be as important as their teeth is a lesson worth its weight in gold—or a lifetime supply of floss.

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