Teach Your Child Effective Toothbrushing Technique

Teach Your Child Effective Toothbrushing Technique

According to research, over 40% of children have cavities by the time they enter kindergarten. Poorly-cared-for baby teeth may cause infection, pain, and problems eating and speaking. They can also affect the permanent teeth when they erupt. You can help your child avoid these dental problems by teaching good tooth-brushing habits and technique.

By ages 2 to 3, children should be introduced to the MOI brushing technique: Clean the 

masticatory (chewing) surfaces with simple horizontal (scrubbing) movements; the outer surfaces with more difficult circular movements; and the inside surfaces with small up-and-down movements.

Let your child watch you brush your teeth. Then help him to try it. At first, you can hold the child on your lap and brush his or her teeth with the MOI technique, explaining what you are doing each step of the way.

Use a soft-bristled, child’s toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Show your child how to hold the toothbrush at a 45º angle to the gum line and brush gently.

When your child is ready to brush without your assistance, he or she may not have the manual dexterity to clean all teeth thoroughly, so up to around age 6, give your child’s teeth a final brush after he or she has finished.

Show your child how to rinse and spit, reminding him or her not to swallow toothpaste. Ingesting too much fluoride can result in spots on even the permanent teeth.

Teach your child to brush at least twice daily. Each brushing should last at least two minutes and cover every region of the mouth. Children tend to focus on the more visible front teeth only, so be sure to remind him or her to brush in back.

A best practice is to brush along with your child until he or she is about 8 years old and shows proficiency. You can use a timer or a two-minute song and make a game of exploring every part of your mouth.

Establishing regular brushing habits at an early age can help your child maintain good oral health for years to come. For tips about how to accomplish this important oral health care task, talk to Dr. Jared and his clinical team when you bring your child in for an office visit at KiDDS Dental.

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

Straightening Out Your Child’s Smile

Straightening Out Your Child’s Smile

Very few people have perfectly straight teeth. Dentists use the term “malocclusion” to describe the failure of the top and bottom teeth to bite together as they should. If your child has malocclusion, he or she could have an overbite, underbite or crossbite. In addition, your child might have problems with gum tissue, speech development, appearance or the jaw joints.

Even though your child’s teeth may have some degree of malocclusion, that doesn’t necessarily mean his or her bite needs correction. Dr. Jared may refer your child to an orthodontist, a specialist who can help accurately determine what kind of correction is needed, if any.

How can you tell if your child has malocclusion? Symptoms of the condition may include

• abnormal alignment of the teeth
• breathing through the mouth
• problems with speech
• difficulty biting or chewing
• abnormal facial appearance

Rarely is malocclusion caused by just one factor. Genetics can play a large role, while children’s habits can influence their bite, as well. Children who suck their thumbs until the age of five or beyond have a higher risk of developing malocclusion. Some children have limited space between their baby teeth. This means that when their larger permanent teeth grow in, there may not be enough room for them.

Treatment for straighter teeth is personalized for each individual child. X-rays and impressions of teeth can evaluate the problem so that your child receives the best recommendations for treatment. Your child’s age and the extent of the condition will be considered to determine treatment. Treatment might include

• fixed mouth appliances, such as braces
• removable mouth appliances, such as retainers
• jaw surgery to correct bite problems where bone is involved

When the top and bottom teeth bite together evenly, your child has a properly aligned bite. Remember: Few children have a perfectly aligned bite, but not all require treatment. For those who do, early intervention is critical to prevent further problems in the face and jaw from a badly positioned bite. The result is your child’s renewed confidence and a beautiful smile to show for it.

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

Contest! Let the KiDDS Team Stuff Your Stocking!

 

Contest Rules:

By entering this promotion, the participant agrees to a complete release of Facebook from any or all liability in connection with this contest. It is also acknowledged 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 December 6, 2021, at 9:00 AM and December 17, 2021, at 5:00 PM. One entry per promotion post per Facebook user is allowed. Multiple entries per promotion post will be disqualified.

Drawings: 

For first choice of prize: One random prize drawing will be held on or about December 20, 2021.  The winner will receive their choice of the two prize stockings. This prize is valued at $100. 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. 

For remaining prize: One random prize drawing will be held on or about December 20, 2021.  The winner will receive the remaining stockings. This prize is valued at $100. 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. Winners must be available to pick up prize at KiDDS Dental in Liberty Lake, WA by December 23, 2019 at 2:00 PM.

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.

Tackling Teething Terror: Relieving Your Baby’s Pain

Tackling Teething Terror: Relieving Your Baby’s Pain

Crankiness. Crying. Refusing to eat. These are just a few of the symptoms that your baby is teething, a process that typically begins around 6 months of age. Although teeth buds have been lying in wait in your child’s mouth since before birth, the teeth don’t actually start poking through the gums until the middle of the first year. When they start to come through, the pressure of the tooth breaking through the gum line can cause your child pain and discomfort, unleashing a whole host of ailments including

• uncontrollable drooling (often causing red cheeks or chin)
• an unwillingness to nurse or drink from a bottle (the sucking motion increases blood flow to the mouth, which can make the pain worse)
• pulling on the ears (due to “referred” pain)
• a desperate need to gnaw on anything and everything in sight

Some babies—and their parents—are lucky; teething can sometimes be a relatively painless process, and you may not even know teeth are on their way until you spot the telltale white nub in the front of your child’s mouth. But for many others, teething is a long and frustrating process.

The following tips can help ease this discomfort, though, and as soon as you learn what works for your individual child, the arrival of the next few teeth will be a much smoother process.

1. Chew the pain away. Allow your child to gnaw on teething toys, rings or a washcloth soaked in cold water. (Cold is good, but freezing can actually make things worse.) If your child is eating solids, a refrigerated cucumber or frozen bagel can also feel comforting (just watch carefully to avoid the risk of choking).
2. Massage your baby’s sore gums with a clean finger or soft cloth; the pressure will relieve some discomfort.
3. If all else fails, ask us about giving your child an over-the-counter pain reliever or an oral analgesic.

The duration of the teething period is actually quite short, although it can feel interminable. By following these suggestions, you can make this phase less painful for you and your child.

We’d love to meet you and your family! Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule today!

Stuck Between Two Teeth

Stuck Between Two Teeth

Many adults have experienced the irritation of an object trapped between their teeth. Children can suffer the same discomfort too, especially because of the large gaps between their developing teeth.

Young children like using their mouth to explore the world around them; often, the problem starts when a child uses his or her teeth to break apart an object or remove part of a toy. Most frequently, however, it is food that gets stuck between teeth. For some children, the object will be too large, and your efforts to dislodge it will fail. Then, an emergency trip to KiDDS Dental will be necessary.

In most cases, you can remove an object from between your child’s teeth with dental floss or a dental pick.

• Gently floss your child’s teeth as you normally would.
• Slide the floss up and down a few times until the object is removed.
• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
• Never use a sharp instrument to remove objects.
• If you child has braces, apply the same techniques.

While you can’t always prevent objects from getting stuck between children’s teeth, you can start by limiting certain foods, such as popcorn, corn on the cob and hard candies. Having your child brush or floss after eating these foods can help. Some parents carry portable, individually wrapped flossing sticks for a quick fix when children get food lodged in their teeth.

If several attempts to remove the object fail, bring your child in to see Dr. Jared. Excessive or repeated force to remove an object could damage teeth and gums. Your child may be complaining of pain, which can be a sign the tooth is damaged. When your child has braces, a dental visit can reassure you that the braces are still fitted properly and the mouth isn’t injured.

If you find that your child frequently gets objects stuck between his or her teeth, the problem may be that the teeth have shifted or cavities are present. Usually, objects stuck between teeth will come out with floss, but when they don’t, we can come to the rescue.

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

Sweet Dreams: A Sweetener That Prevents Cavities

Sweet Dreams: A Sweetener That Prevents Cavities

Children love sugar. It’s sweet and present in so many foods they like. But it comes with plenty of negative side effects, from tooth decay to weight gain to increased risk of diabetes. But knowing sugar is bad for children and getting them to stop wanting it are two very different things. Fortunately, sugar substitutes are available. One alternative, xylitol, is not only a sweet solution for a sweet tooth but may help prevent tooth decay.

Unlike the sugars found in molasses, honeys and nectars, xylitol is a “sugar alcohol” found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. It comes in the form of a crystalline powder and can be purchased in bulk or in small packets, similar to sugar and other sugar substitutes. Xylitol is also found in gum, mints and hard candy.

So why is xylitol preferable to other sugar alternatives? Let’s start with calories. Xylitol actually has 40% fewer calories than traditional table sugar. Because it does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, xylitol can be useful as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes. (However, they should still consult their physicians before use because some xylitol-based products may contain other chemicals not suitable for a diabetic diet.)

But most surprisingly, xylitol is a sweetener that may help prevent tooth decay.

• Eating xylitol-sweetened foods between meals helps to reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in your child’s mouth.
• Chewing xylitol gum inhibits the growth of plaque on teeth.
• Xylitol helps stimulate saliva flow, which helps protect and restore tooth enamel.

One important warning about xylitol, however: It is highly toxic to dogs. If your family owns a dog, make sure your children use and dispose of xylitol products responsibly. Store any products containing xylitol in a place where your dog can’t get to it.

If you have questions or concerns about xylitol and your children’s health, be sure to ask Dr. Jared during their next regularly scheduled checkup at KiDDS Dental.

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

Straight Talk About Crooked Teeth

Straight Talk About Crooked Teeth

As your child’s teeth grow in, there’s a good chance they may not all line up neatly. As your child grows older, misaligned teeth, often the result of genetics, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Not only can treatment boost his or her confidence and self-esteem as your child grows into adulthood but it can save your child from a variety of health problems.

Misaligned teeth can take many forms—an overbite or an underbite, too much or too little space between teeth. All these conditions can be treated with appliances such as braces, space maintainers and retainers that put gentle pressure on the teeth and the jaws to move the teeth into place. Fortunately for your child, these days many orthodontic appliances are less visible than traditional braces are. In some cases, for example, brackets are bonded to the back of the teeth.

Even if your child does need traditional braces, the long-term benefits are significant. In addition to affecting your child psychologically throughout life, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can

• interfere with proper chewing of food
• make it more difficult to brush and floss, thus increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• strain the teeth, jaws and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth
• cause abnormal wear on tooth surfaces, difficulty speaking and possibly temporomandibular joint disorders

Your child should be screened for orthodontic treatment when he or she is about 7 years old, when permanent teeth start coming in and bones are still growing. While orthodontic treatment is unlikely to start quite that early, future problems can often be spotted even at that young age. If your child has not been evaluated for misaligned teeth, call us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. With proper care, your child will grow into adulthood with a healthy, confident smile.

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

Start Your Child’s Oral Health Routine Early

Start Your Child’s Oral Health Routine Early

The first year of life for your infant is an important one—with rapid development that sets the stage for health later in life. While you might already be thinking about routines such as sleeping, make sure you don’t neglect the importance of establishing an oral health care routine with your child.

Research suggests that the earlier you start the better. In fact, studies show that a large number of 2- and 3-year-olds already have cavities; some of these children will require invasive treatment and hospitalization. However, good dentist-led education during pregnancy and throughout your child’s first year will give your toddler the best chance for a cavity-free mouth.

If you are pregnant, schedule a visit with us. A scientific study conducted in Australia in 2008 and repeated in 2014 found that a mother’s meeting with a pediatric dentist during pregnancy and again when the child reached 6 and 12 months went a long way toward preventing early childhood cavities.

Because the Internet and other sources of information can be unreliable, it is critical that you receive information from a qualified pediatric dentist. Topics we discuss will range from nutrition and oral hygiene to the use of pacifiers.

Dental care has a significant, positive impact on your child’s quality of life. Conversely, a lack of dental care can have a negative impact. Research shows that early childhood cavities can lead to

• physical symptoms, such as pain, that can lead to malnutrition and delayed growth from a reluctance to eat
• functional problems, including poor chewing and limited communication due to  poor speech and a loss of space in the mouth
• psychological effects from the low self-esteem that results when a child’s mouth and teeth don’t look their best
• a higher risk of future cavities

Don’t wait until your child experiences problems before visiting KiDDS Dental. Infancy is a critical time when it comes to laying down a foundation for good oral health. Setting up an effective oral health routine early is easier than changing unhealthy habits later on.

Special-Needs Children Require Special Oral Health Strategies

Special-Needs Children Require Special Oral Health Strategies

While oral health is important to sustain a child’s overall good physical health, children with special needs—and their parents—often find necessary oral-care maintenance routines challenging.

At home, consistent, creative preparation can be very useful to keep toothbrushing time as stress-free as possible. If your child resists brushing in the bathroom, for instance, choose another room or setting. Make sure all objects you might need—everything from toothbrush to fresh water to swabs—are close at hand before beginning.

If a traditional toothbrush poses difficulties, you can buy or make an adaptive toothbrush that your child may be able to maneuver alone. The sense of independence this fosters will create positivity around the oral-health experience—something important for any special-needs child. If your child finds toothpaste difficult to tolerate, try using a very small amount (the size of half a pea) on the toothbrush.

Specific precautions can help prevent cavities that might be caused by taking certain liquid medications that contain sugar. Have your child rinse with water, if possible, after taking these medications, and ask your pharmacist if there are sugar-free variants for your child’s prescriptions. If your child experiences gastroesophageal reflux or another condition that causes frequent vomiting, you, your child and caregivers should understand that to get rid of even small amounts of residue, rinsing the mouth with water after an incident is crucial to preventing tooth decay.

Dr. Jared and his clinical team want to work with you and your child to make his or her dental care experiences as pleasant as possible. When you schedule your child’s appointment at KiDDS Dental, remind us of his or her special needs. If necessary, we can devote the first appointment—or even the first several appointments—to small steps that get your child acclimated to the office, the chair and the activities of a “real” visit. Then he or she will know what to expect during actual cleanings and care, and the chance of successful dental visits for years to come will rise exponentially.

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

Soothing Your Baby’s Teething Blues

Soothing Your Baby’s Teething Blues

Think back to the last time you had a toothache. The soreness, the pain…it probably wasn’t the best day of your life. Now imagine experiencing discomfort like that for months on end. For some babies, this is how teething feels.

Your baby’s teeth begin to emerge when he or she is around 6 months old, and the whole set of 20 primary teeth usually will be in by the age of 3 years. Some babies aren’t bothered by the process, but for others, teething can be miserable—especially when the molars erupt from the gums. Symptoms such as fussiness, drooling, rash, refusing to eat, and gnawing on anything and everything in sight typically begin three to five days before the tooth erupts.

Luckily, there are ways to relieve your child’s discomfort (and yours, because having a fussy, miserable baby isn’t fun for anyone). Try the following to make teething easier for everyone:

• Using a clean finger, gently massage your baby’s gums for a few minutes. Apply pressure to the top of the gum line—this counters the pressure of the teeth coming in from below and helps soften the gum tissues.
• Offer solid silicone teething rings or other appropriate toys for your baby to chew on. You can put these in the refrigerator for a quick chill beforehand—the cold will soothe your baby’s gums. Avoid freezing the teething toy because icy teething rings can stick to the roof of the baby’s mouth and cause even more pain when you pry it off.
• If your baby is over 6 months old and eating solid food, try giving him or her rice rusks. A teething baby may also enjoy cold foods such as yogurt or cold pureed fruit.
• If your baby experiences major discomfort, an over-the-counter pain reliever may be helpful. Check with your pediatrician before you give your child any medication.

Although it may feel like your baby’s teething will last for all eternity, this stage will pass before you know it. In the meantime, bring your child to KiDDS Dental for regular check-ups when we can monitor his or her dental development.

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

Store Your Child’s Toothbrush Safely

Store Your Child’s Toothbrush Safely

Storing a toothbrush may seem simple. Many stores carry a wide array of brush holders in assorted colors and themes. But storing a toothbrush properly involves more than popping it into a case. Here are a few steps to follow when putting your child’s toothbrush away.

1. Rinse the toothbrush—What good is cleaning your child’s mouth with a dirty toothbrush? Rinse the head of the toothbrush to make sure that all the particles cleaned out of your child’s mouth don’t go right back in during the next brushing.

2. Store the toothbrush upright—This allows any water left on the toothbrush after brushing to drip harmlessly away from the brush head.

3. Store the toothbrush in an open space—You might be tempted to put your child’s toothbrush in the medicine cabinet or a closed case. Don’t. Toothbrushes dry faster in the open air. A wet toothbrush is a great environment for bacteria to collect and infect your child’s teeth and gums.

4. Keep the toothbrush away from the toilet or sink—Most children brush their teeth in the bathroom. But not everything in the bathroom belongs in their mouths. When people wash their hands in the sink, soapy water can splash on toothbrushes. And when people flush the toilet, water can launch upwards, too. Make sure your toothbrushes aren’t stored in a splash zone.

5. Keep toothbrushes separated—If toothbrushes are too close, bacteria can hop from one toothbrush to another. Make sure your family keeps their brush heads clean—not just for themselves but for everyone in your home. For the same reason, don’t share toothbrushes. All family members should have their own.

6. Replace the toothbrush regularly—When your child’s toothbrush seems worn or becomes discolored, move it from the bathroom to the trash. A toothbrush or electric brush head that has been used too long will do more harm than good. We give our patients new toothbrushes when they visit us. Consider that an opportunity to get started with a fresh brush.

Having your child brush twice daily goes a long way toward maintaining optimum oral health. Keeping the toothbrush head clean and in good condition enhances those efforts.

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

Stick to It: The Benefits of Chewing Sugarless Gum

Stick to It: The Benefits of Chewing Sugarless Gum

Let’s pop one myth: it’s not cracking, popping or blowing bubbles with gum that can make it something of a health boost to your kids. Simply chewing it, though, actually can help prevent cavities.

Here’s how it works: The gum, to start, has to be sugarless. The only chewing gums endorsed by the American Dental Association shown to prevent cavities are those that contain the sugar substitute xylitol. Studies show that when children as young as five and six chew xylitol-sweetened gum after meals, the cavity-prevention benefits can last for years, even after the habit has been discontinued.

Next, your child has to chew the gum for a good solid while, approximately 10 to 20 minutes after a meal. The goal is to increase saliva flow, which will happen as your child chews.

This added saliva has numerous benefits. First, it physically helps to wash away small particles of food left on the teeth. Less food means less sugar for cavity-causing bacteria to feed upon. Too, compounds in the saliva can neutralize acids in the mouth—produced by those pesky bacteria—that can otherwise cause tooth enamel to deteriorate. The saliva also transports to the teeth some general antibacterial compounds, as well as tooth strengtheners like calcium and phosphate.

Is there a downside to gum-chewing (besides the possible audible annoyances)? You and your children should avoid fruit-flavored sugarless gum, because the acids in the flavorings can contribute to decay, instead of helping to prevent it.

It’s crucial, in the end, that your whole family remember this: Chewing sugarless gum absolutely does not substitute for brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily. It is only an additional tool to help prevent cavities.

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

Stand Firm on Your Child’s Oral Hygiene

Stand Firm on Your Child’s Oral Hygiene

If you are a parent, you may be all too familiar with the tears, tantrums and general difficulties of getting your children to regularly brush his or her teeth. As nerve-racking as it is for you, it is important that you stand firm on the daily routine. The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children starts in the first years of life. As a parent you are responsible for building this foundation and helping your children understand the importance of oral hygiene.

The benefits of brushing teeth are fairly obvious. Perhaps the strongest component of good oral hygiene, toothbrushing protects the enamel by reducing the amount of bacteria and acid in the mouth. A healthy mouth prevents the development of oral problems and the subsequent need for expensive dental visits.

For these reasons, parents regularly need to reinforce oral hygiene techniques as positive behaviors. The amount of effort it takes to do so pales in comparison to the effort needed to get your child to and from the dentist. As a parent, you are the most influential role model in your child’s life, and most children want to be like their mom or dad. Thus, if your child sees you attending to your own oral hygiene, he or she will get the idea that it is a good thing to do regularly.

Here are three simple recommendations:

• Set the daily routine and be actively involved in it with your children.
• Start this routine as early as possible. The sooner your children begin to embrace the daily routine, the less friction will ensue later on.
• Explain to your children why oral hygiene is important. Direction without explanation tends to confuse young children.

Above all, remember: They are children. Yelling, threatening or punishing them rarely works. Sometimes the best way to get them to want to do something is to make a game of it. Making oral health maintenance a fun experience will reinforce the behavior you wish to encourage. When children associate fun or laughter with the act of brushing their teeth, they will be the ones asking for “toothbrush time”!

We’d love to meet you and your family! Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule today.

Special Patients, Special Care: Dentistry and Your Special Needs Child

Special Patients, Special Care: Dentistry and Your Special Needs Child

While going to the dentist can be daunting for anyone, children with developmental disabilities may find it particularly challenging. The sounds, smells and sights of a dental office can be frightening when children have sensory issues or trouble understanding the world around them. Luckily, we are specially trained to treat young patients who might need a bit of extra attention and special care.

Since people with disabilities can be at higher risk for oral health problems, it’s especially important that parents and our office work together to establish a level of comfort and routine when it comes to dental care. Consider the following tips that can help lead to happy, healthy dental visits for children with special needs:

1. Let us know in advance exactly what your child’s needs are, so that we can better prepare for his or her visit. Make a date to come by our office prior to the appointment. We can introduce ourselves to you and your child and give you a “tour” of all the rooms and the dental equipment.

2. A few weeks before your appointment, start reading stories or watching television programs about visiting the dentist. If possible, talk about what will happen in easy-to-understand terms.

3. If your child is sensitive to noise, bring noise-cancelling headphones and music he or she can listen to during the examination. A stuffed animal, blanket or other comforting object can also help children feel more secure.

4. We might recommend sedation in certain circumstances, sometimes even for simple cleanings and examinations. Consider whether your child can sit still for the examination or if being asleep might make things easier for him or her.

5. Keep up with routine visits. Familiar faces can minimize some of the anxiety your child―and you―might feel about dental appointments.

Dental examinations are only part of the battle. You need to help your child care for his or her teeth between visits. Ask us for suggestions on improving oral health at home―then rest assured that you’re doing all you can to serve the dental needs of your child.

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

Sore Mouth Can Distress a Person

Sore Mouth Can Distress a Person

A sore or inflamed mouth can occur for many reasons, including canker or cold sores, mild burns, wearing braces, or irritation from biting the tongue or teeth; but no matter what causes mouth soreness and inflammation (also called stomatitis), the effects are the same: Discomfort that can affect your child’s ability to eat, speak and even sleep.

Canker Sores

Pale, often yellowish, sores that usually have an outer red ring, these sores occur most commonly on the cheeks, tongue or inside of the lip and may occur in clusters. Most sores last five to 10 days and are not associated with fever.

Although the cause of these sores is unknown, several factors may be related to their development, including stress, bacteria or viruses. They may also be triggered by a cold or flu, by certain foods such as chocolate or citrus fruits, by biting the inside of the cheek, or by chewing sharp or abrasive foods. Canker sores aren’t contagious, and they occur in about one-fifth of the U.S. population.

Cold Sores

Also commonly called fever blisters, these fluid-filled sores usually occur around the lips. In many cases, the area where the sore appears may tingle, burn or feel tender before the sore appears and form a crusty scab in their later stages. These sores are usually associated with a cold or flu and typically disappear within 10 days. There is no cure for cold sores, but applying ice may help reduce discomfort, and your child’s pediatrician might prescribe an antiviral medication to reduce symptoms.

Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, cold sores are contagious. Infection with the virus sometimes occurs during childhood or adolescence, and the virus remains in the body, becoming reactivated by stress, fever, hormonal changes or trauma.

Mouth Irritation

Many factors can cause irritation, including wearing braces or retainers, burns from hot foods or drinks, broken teeth or hypersensitivity to specific foods or medications.

Treatment

Most mouth sores resolve within two weeks; sores that persist beyond that time should be evaluated by a doctor. In the meantime, to minimize your child’s discomfort

*have them avoid hot, spicy, salty and citrus-based foods while the sore is active

*rinse with salt water, for canker sores

*use over-the-counter children’s pain medications and ice

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

Snack Attack on Your Child’s Teeth

Snack Attack on Your Child’s Teeth

Today’s children are exposed to more food choices than ever before. A wide variety of edibles, from fruits and vegetables to sugary and salty snacks to fast food, is available. And children love to snack. It’s common knowledge that what children eat can have a major impact on their health and well-being. But even the decision of when to eat can have a major impact on a child’s dental health.

Everyone knows that sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay. The sugar in that chocolate-frosted, cream-filled cupcake provides food for bacteria that grow in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid that eats away at tooth enamel. The result: cavities. And the sodas your child is chugging down? More sugar.

Even healthy foods can be a source of sugar. Fruit and fruit juices are loaded with natural sugars. Almost half the calories in carrots come from sugars. The starches in foods like bread, potatoes and pretzels convert to sugars, too. In fact, almost all food and drink we consume contains some type of sugar.

Does that mean that your child needs to stop eating and drinking to protect his or her teeth? Of course not. Interestingly, the time when your child eats can make a big difference. The snacks and drinks your child consumes between meals contribute more to tooth decay than your child’s mealtime foods. Studies have shown that the mouth needs 20 minutes to neutralize after each exposure to sugar. That means the frequent consumption of sugar, even in small doses, has a harmful effect on teeth.

When you child sits down to a meal, he or she produces more saliva, which helps to neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth. If you allow your child to have sugary drinks or snacks, limit them to mealtime, when your child’s natural mouth cleanser is most effective. Between meals, encourage your child to drink water rather than soft drinks or juice. Closely monitor snacks. If your child is old enough to chew gum, offer sugarless chewing gum, especially gum flavored with xylitol, which increases saliva flow and stimulates cleaning.

And, of course, make sure your child brushes and flosses regularly. Good dental hygiene, good eating habits and regular dental visits to KiDDS Dental all help keep your child’s smile healthy and bright.

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

Soothe Teething Pain Naturally

Soothe Teething Pain Naturally

Baby’s first tooth is usually a cause for celebration. But as teething gets underway, you may search for a way to relieve the pain for your crying infant. Among the most commonly used pain relievers are teething gels. Applied to baby’s gums, the gels can numb the area and offer relief. However, experts say that if these gels contain benzocaine, they should be avoided for children under the age of two years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has even issued a warning to avoid benzocaine use in children of that age.

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic contained in brand name products Anbesol, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase, among others. Though effective, benzocaine has been known to cause methemoglobinemia, a rare and potentially fatal blood disease, in children under two years old that can reduce the body’s ability to release oxygen to the tissues and cause headaches, shortness of breath, skin discoloration, fatigue and an inability to exercise. According to the FDA, one dose of benzocaine is enough to trigger the condition, so it is best to avoid it altogether in the very young children most at risk.

With this in mind and because teething pain can lead to other problems such as difficulty eating and sleeping, diarrhea and low-grade fever, you will need to explore other options to relieve your baby’s discomfort. Some natural remedies include

• sucking on a silicone teething ring or a clean washcloth that you have put in the refrigerator for a while
• a bottle or cup filled with fresh, cool water to provide relief
• feeding your baby cool, nutritious foods, such as sugar-free yogurt, cold fruit puree or applesauce, if the baby is old enough for solid foods
• using clean fingers to gently massage the irritated areas of your baby’s gums

A cuddle often works when all else fails.

These natural solutions can safely and effectively ease baby’s pain and restore calm, while offering you peace of mind.

Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared today!

Smoothies: Not So Smooth Sailing for Teeth

Smoothies: Not So Smooth Sailing for Teeth

Fruit smoothies have been touted by some companies as an easy and tasty way to get your child to eat the two to four daily servings of fruit recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in its food pyramid. But fruit smoothies may not be all their proponents claim. And a new study suggests that fruit smoothies may be hazardous to the teeth.

A typical fruit smoothie is made of fresh or frozen fruit pureed with fruit juice into a cold, thick beverage. Some smoothies add milk, yogurt or another dairy product to improve their consistency and taste. Although some people make their own smoothies at home, many commercially made smoothies are available. These often contain added sugar and other ingredients.

An investigation published in February 2013 by the British Dental Journal tested a range of fruit smoothies for their potential impact on teeth. The authors used four commercial all-fruit smoothies that included such fruits as strawberries, bananas, kiwis, apples, pomegranates, blueberries and acai, along with one commercial smoothie that was 73% yogurt and a homemade smoothie made of strawberries, bananas and a blend of apple, orange, grape and lime juice. They analyzed the chemical makeup of each drink and tested its effect on previously extracted teeth.

Food and drink with too much acid have the potential to harm tooth enamel. The results of this study showed that each of the all-fruit smoothies had acid levels that could cause damage to teeth. Only the smoothie that was nearly three-quarters yogurt did not have troublesome acidity levels. Smoothies that included apples, kiwi or lime altered the surface hardness of the teeth.

Although fruits are naturally sweet, many commercially available smoothies also have a significant amount of sugar added. One “super-sized” smoothie offered by a popular national chain has been found to include more than 169 grams of sugar. Besides the danger that consuming all that extra sugar poses to your child’s teeth, a 12-ounce smoothie may exceed 500 calories. An extra 500 calories daily would equal a weight gain of one pound per week.

None of this means that you should not give your child a fruit smoothie. Smoothies can be a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients. And smoothies made with yogurt or milk provide calcium while having less harmful acid than pure fruit smoothies. But if you are not making the smoothies yourself, read the label carefully to know exactly what your child is drinking.

If you have further questions regarding smoothies or other potentially harmful foods for your teeth, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Smile an Everlasting Smile

Smile an Everlasting Smile

We like to talk about maintaining your children’s healthy smiles. That’s not just about protecting their teeth. Believe it or not, smiles themselves are very important.

Here are a few reasons why.

• We are born to smile. Almost from birth, we are able to smile and recognize smiles. It’s the easiest of all expressions to identify—you can actually recognize a smile from 300 feet away! But people who can’t see that far still know what a smile is. Even babies born without sight smile.
• Smiling causes the release of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that make people feel happier. That means that the act of looking happy can make you feel happy.
• Smiling boosts your immune system. Smiles are actually physically easier than frowns. They use fewer muscles. That means that your body is more relaxed when you smile than when you frown, and a body that is under less strain is taking better care of itself.
• Smiles are attractive. A majority of people (61%) report having been attracted to other people by their smile alone.
• Smiling shows confidence. People who smile readily are viewed as more sociable, attractive and confident.
• Smiles are contagious. All of the benefits of smiling we’ve mentioned can be shared. When you smile, people around you are more likely to smile. That means smiling makes people around you happier, healthier, more confident and more attractive.

So the next time you come into KiDDS Dental and Dr. Jared talks about protecting your child’s healthy smile, remember that it’s about a lot more than making sure he or she will be able to bite and chew. A big, happy smile is a benefit that pays off every day of your youngster’s life.

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