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!