Three Secrets to a Super Smile and Great Teeth

Three Secrets to a Super Smile and Great Teeth

Nobody likes to get cavities. Brushing and flossing will help your child avoid the dentist’s drill, but there are other, lesser-known ways to keep your child’s mouth healthy and beautiful.

Secret #1: Eat right—keep your smile bright and your teeth healthy

A healthy diet, rich in whole grains and vegetables and low in processed foods, benefits every part of a child’s body—even the pearly whites. Most of us know that fluoride is important for children’s oral health, but other minerals and vitamins can help reduce gum disease and strengthen teeth. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A and D are important for building and protecting tooth enamel; antioxidants (found in many fresh fruits and vegetables) help the body ward off infection, which can lead to gum disease. Since all of these can be found in healthy foods, eating right can be a great tool in your child’s fight against cavities.

Secret #2: Attack the plaque

Starchy or sugary foods mix with the acids in saliva and form a sticky substance called plaque. If the plaque sits on your child’s teeth too long, it can lead to decay (cavities). Brushing, chewing sugarless gum with xylitol or rinsing out your child’s mouth 30 minutes after eating will help remove the plaque, but another idea is to focus on regular meals. Snacking throughout the day means that your child’s mouth is exposed to more bacteria, and, realistically, most children are not going to remember to brush every time they eat. And when they do snack, children should stick to tooth-friendly snacks like cheese or veggies.

Secret #3: Shun the sugary drinks

Speaking of plaque-forming acid, some of the main culprits of tooth decay in children are soda and sugary fruit drinks. These tend to have a high acid content, which erodes tooth enamel—even diet sodas, despite being sugar-free, are highly acidic. When enamel is not strong, teeth are more prone to cavities. Have your child avoid soda and candy as much as possible, and, if children do indulge, make sure they brush their teeth soon afterward.

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

The Rocky Road to Tonsil Stones

The Rocky Road to Tonsil Stones

Lying in the very back of the throat are the tonsils, two gland-like structures believed to play a role in preventing and fighting infections. The tonsils function like nets, trapping viruses and bacteria that pass through your throat. But their nooks and crannies can also trap dead cells and mucous. Mixed with bacteria, this debris may become concentrated into white formations that then harden into tonsil stones.

Because tonsils shrink with age, tonsil stones tend to be more common in adolescents, whose tonsils are generally larger to support a growing immune system. Tonsil stones also occur more frequently in people who experience chronic tonsil inflammation or frequent bouts of tonsillitis.

Although tonsil stones are usually the size of a pea or smaller, their rich amount of bacteria almost guarantees that they will cause bad breath. If your child or teen has bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash, he or she may well have tonsil stones.

Bring your child to the office. We can shine a light on the back of the throat to see if the tonsils are the source of the breath odor. Although many people try to remove tonsil stones at home, it is better to have them removed in our office.

If your child is prone to tonsil stones, it is important that he or she maintain good oral hygiene—that should prevent them from forming in the first place. In addition to the usual recommendations of flossing daily, brushing twice daily and seeing Dr. Jared regularly, we may also recommend that your child gargle frequently with salt water. This can help dislodge tonsil stones, along with any debris in the tonsils that have yet to harden into stones.

Discuss this condition with us or your child’s pediatrician. If you think your child may have tonsil stones, call KiDDS Dental and make an appointment. We can thoroughly assess your child’s oral health and discuss a plan of oral hygiene that will keep your child’s mouth looking and feeling great.

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

The Right Way to Brush Your Child’s Teeth

The Right Way to Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Most of us know that brushing twice a day is important. But did you know that the way you brush makes a difference to your oral health? Whether you brush your child’s teeth or he or she is old enough to handle the task alone, here are some tips to ensure a good, thorough cleansing.

Use the MOI method. This acronym stands for Masticatory, Outer and Inner, and was created to help people brush more effectively:

M: For the masticatory (chewing) surfaces, start on the upper right side of the mouth, using gentle back-and-forth movements. Continue with the top left, and then move to the bottom right and bottom left, always starting toward the back and brushing toward the front.

O: For the outer surfaces, start at the back of the mouth and brush the front of the teeth with small, circular movements. Have your child close his or her mouth when brushing the incisors, which will give you better access.

I: Finally, for the inner surfaces, hold the brush in an upright position and move it along the teeth, with strokes going from the gums to the teeth.

Find the right brush. If your child is brushing on his or her own, make sure your child is using the right brush—one with a handle that can be held comfortably and a head compact enough to get into a child’s smaller mouth.

Spend enough time. Experts say that brushing for at least two minutes is ideal. To help your child pass the time, let him or her listen to a favorite two-minute song.

Make sure to rinse and dry the brush. Always rinse the toothbrush after brushing to eliminate any leftover bacteria or toothpaste. Allow the brush to air dry between brushings. And keep an eye on the bristles. When they start to look worn out, it’s time to replace your child’s toothbrush.

The best way to teach your child a proper toothbrushing routine is to model it yourself. Showing your child how it’s done—and that you do it, too—will go a long way toward establishing good oral habits. After all, your child wants to grow up to be “just like mom or dad!”

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

The Obesity–Cavity Correlation

The Obesity–Cavity Correlation

One has been called a public health crisis; the other is the most common chronic infectious disease occurring in children. But both can affect a child’s growth, health and self-esteem. We’re talking about obesity and dental caries (cavities). The two are not only growing health concerns but may be related.

Within the past decade, several studies have shown a possible correlation between obesity and dental decay in children. Experts aren’t sure why or how―or even if―the two conditions are related. One study by researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio found that as body mass index went up, so did the risk of cavities. Another study, published by the National Institutes of Health, suggested that childhood obesity may cause premature permanent tooth development, which can lead to decay and jaw problems. These findings are concerning, especially because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that one in seven low-income preschoolers is obese and at risk for dental caries or periodontitis.

The long-term health effects of childhood obesity are well known, but many parents might not be as familiar with the problems caused by dental caries. Severe caries can have an impact on a child’s speech and language development, as well as sleep, learning and eating habits. The good news is that the same dietary changes can help reduce your child’s risk of both conditions. A healthy diet, emphasizing fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, proteins and complex carbohydrates) over processed foods and a reduced sugar intake (especially from sugary sodas and candy), can be a great start.

We may not be sure why children who are overweight tend to get more cavities, but we can make a healthier lifestyle a priority. If you’re not sure where to start, ask us for nutrition recommendations that can benefit your children’s teeth—and their waistlines!

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

The Hidden Dangers of Flavored Waters

The Hidden Dangers of Flavored Waters

Flavored waters seem harmless enough. After all, they are not sodas, and drinking plenty of water is an important part of staying healthy. And some of them even contain vitamins! Sounds like a smart way to keep your child hydrated, right? Not so fast. While flavored waters may seem like healthy choices at first glance, studies have shown that many ingredients in flavored waters—including high fructose corn syrup, ascorbic acid and artificial colors—actually contribute to tooth decay and the erosion of tooth enamel.

Sure, getting plenty of vitamins is important, but combining vitamins with sugary drinks is not the best choice. What’s more, the vitamin C contained in many flavored water drinks can cause the protective enamel on the tooth’s surface to wear away over time. Vitamin C (often added as ascorbic acid) attacks tooth enamel, causing it to break down. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should avoid vitamin C, but bathing your child’s teeth in ascorbic acid isn’t the best way to do it. A better option: Feed your child foods high in vitamins and skip the vitamin-enriched waters. Getting vitamins from natural food sources also allows them to be better absorbed by the body.

The same goes for corn syrup. Although, ounce for ounce, corn syrup has been shown to result in less tooth decay than refined sugar, drinking flavored waters on a regular basis poses a much more serious cavity risk than plain water or even unsweetened fruit juices. And despite their healthy hype, flavored waters contain a lot more sweetener than you might imagine. Many bottles of flavored water contain as much sugar as a doughnut. What’s more, studies have shown that regular consumption of flavored waters increases the risks of both obesity and diabetes.

The bottom line is this: While an occasional bottle of flavored water may not be harmful, turning it into a habit is not a good idea. Teach your child to drink plain water when thirsty, and provide lots of vitamin-rich natural snacks, like fresh fruits and vegetables. If you let your children indulge in flavored water as a treat, make sure that they rinse well once they finish drinking to remove traces of ascorbic acid and to reduce the risk of dental erosion.

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

The Calming Truth About Sedation

The Calming Truth About Sedation

For some, the idea is frightening: You are going to sedate my child? While this inherent fear comes from deep parental instincts, it often results from miscommunication, misunderstanding and confusion. Dr. Jared and our clinical team employ a variety of techniques to make your child’s dental care less painful. The decision about which technique to use should take into account the type of procedure being performed and what works best for your child.

Whenever possible, we opt for a nonpharmacological approach, choosing noninvasive techniques rooted in psychology. One method is “Tell, Show, Do.” Simply put, it is a step-by-step explanation of the procedure and instruments used so that the child understands what is going on and does not fearfully anticipate the unknown.

If that approach will not succeed in your child’s particular situation, we may employ a conscious sedation method, such as nitrous oxide—more commonly known as laughing gas. Administered through a flavored nosepiece, nitrous oxide allows the child to remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure while all but eliminating the nervousness and pain associated with dental procedures. Nitrous oxide use is considered safe by dental and medical professionals alike. We may also employ a relaxant, administered through a pill, injection or intravenously. Regardless of the type of sedation, we will remain vigilant throughout the procedure to ensure that no ill effects occur.

Occasionally, we may recommend general anesthesia. In this instance, an anesthesiologist administers a sedating drug, rendering the child totally unconscious. This method is often used in cases where an extended procedure is to be performed, the child is simply incapable of relaxing or the procedure is one the child would not be able to tolerate otherwise. This method does come with the possibility of certain risks and associated side effects. General anesthesia can, in some cases, cause vomiting, confusion or memory loss, as well as more serious complications such as difficulty breathing.

Ultimately, we use sedation for your child’s benefit. Our goal is to make sure that the work necessary to maintain your child’s dental health is completed correctly and safely. Current sedation methods are meant to calm your child, and lessen or eliminate pain. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Jared questions about sedation or any other health concerns. If you understand the process, you can keep calm—that may be the best way to help calm your child’s nerves, too.

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

The Baby-tooth Truth: They’re Important!

The Baby-tooth Truth: They’re Important!

When your child’s primary (or “baby”) teeth fall out naturally, beginning on average around age 6, you know the side effects are temporary: slight difficulty chewing, perhaps, or a little lisp. You might assume that if a baby tooth is lost prematurely—due to decay or injury, for instance—it would just mean that those temporary side effects last a bit longer and are somewhat more inconvenient.

Actually, when a child loses baby teeth too early, the impact—if left untreated—can be lifelong. It’s important to let Dr, Jared know if your child has lost a tooth through “unnatural” means.

Under normal circumstances, when a primary tooth falls out on its own, the space left behind doesn’t have time to change significantly before the permanent tooth starts emerging into the void. However, if that space is open for a lengthy period—say, two years—it can begin to close on its own. When the permanent tooth is ready to come in, the space may no longer be large enough to accommodate it.

To prevent this, we can create a custom “space maintainer” for the child to wear until it’s time for permanent teeth to emerge.

Another problem: When one or more baby teeth are missing for months or years, a child’s overall bite can change for the worse. The other teeth may shift to fill in the space. In extreme cases, the skeletal structure of the jaw can be affected. Missing teeth can also affect a child’s developing language skills, not to mention chewing ability and appearance.

What’s more, if a baby tooth was lost due to decay, it’s possible that the “bud” of the growing permanent tooth below it was also affected by the decay. That possibility needs to be evaluated and, if necessary, treated.

Our custom-made, child-sized mouthguards for young athletes can help prevent some injuries that might otherwise knock out primary teeth. But many more baby teeth are lost through decay than through injury. Good basic dental hygiene—brush twice a day, floss once and ask us about fluoride sealants—is the ideal preventative.

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

Six Simple Steps to Keep Baby’s Mouth in Tip-Top Shape

Six Simple Steps to Keep Baby’s Mouth in Tip-Top Shape

Looking at your infant’s toothless—or near toothless—smile, you may wonder why there is any reason to worry about establishing good dental health practices at such a tender age. The fact is that even before teeth emerge, a baby’s mouth is subject to the same sorts of bacteria found in the adult mouth. Failure to keep your child’s gums and emergent teeth healthy and clean can result in dental problems down the road.

Baby bottle tooth decay is the name given to one of the most common dental problems faced by infants and very young children. Sugars from both sweetened and unsweetened drinks, such as fruit juice, formula and even milk, provide an ideal habitat for harmful bacteria to thrive.

Long ago, many parents felt that because they were not permanent, baby teeth were expendable and there was no need to address cavities that might develop in them. In fact, healthy baby teeth play a critical role in helping a young child develop chewing and speaking skills, while serving as placeholders for the adult teeth that will eventually replace them. Baby teeth that are not cared for properly can cause pain and infection and may need to be extracted. Missing baby teeth can cause adult teeth to come in crooked or cause deformation of the oral cavity.

Fortunately, caring for a baby’s gums and teeth is a pretty simple process:

• Even before teeth emerge, wipe the baby’s gums with a soft cloth after each feeding.
• Establish regular brushing after the first tooth emerges, but avoid toothpaste until your child is able to keep from swallowing it.
• Avoid beverages with added sugar.
• Never allow your baby to sleep with a bottle that contains anything other than water. If your child already has sugary drinks in his or her bottle, wean your child from the practice by diluting the beverage until it is all water.
• Focus on healthy snacks rather than sugary between-meal treats.

And the most important step: Bring your child into KiDDS Dental before the age of one year to help us identify any potential problems and provide guidance that can help ensure that your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

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

The Asthma–Tooth Decay Connection

The Asthma–Tooth Decay Connection

The dental health of a child with asthma who is taking anti-asthmatic medication needs careful attention. According to a recent study, asthma and tooth decay are the two major reasons children and adolescents are absent from school. What’s more, there may be a connection between the two.

Experts say that children who use anti-asthmatic medications may have a higher rate of cavities in both primary and permanent teeth, as well as more severe decay. A 2007 study compared the dental condition of a group of children aged 6 to 14 years taking anti-asthmatic medication with that of a similar group of children without asthma. The results showed that children taking these medications, whether in inhaler or tablet form, had more cavities in their primary teeth and increased periodontal disease.

In addition, children with asthma tend to breathe through the mouth―that reduces saliva flow, causing dry mouth. Anti-asthmatic medications, such as corticosteroids, also affect the level of saliva. Because saliva has a cleansing effect, a reduction in saliva flow can lead to bad breath and increase the risk for cavities.

Be vigilant regarding your child’s oral health by adopting precautionary hygiene practices. Be sure your child brushes and flosses, ideally after every meal. Regular use of a suitable mouth rinse can also help prevent decay. Both the rinse and toothpaste should contain fluoride for added protection. And encourage your child to rinse his or her mouth with either water or an oral rinse after every inhaler use.

Relaxation techniques, such as focused breathing, can keep your child calm and anxiety-free, possibly preventing an asthma attack that might require medication. A balanced diet with plenty of protein can also have a calming effect. Limit the amount of sugary or sticky foods your child eats. Sweets can lead to cavities and leave him or her feeling overstimulated. A relaxed and well-nourished child is less likely to experience the anxiety that can trigger an asthma attack.

Finally, be sure to bring your child to see Dr. Jared for regular dental checkups, so any signs of decay can be treated before serious damage occurs. Everyone will breathe easier.

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

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Side of Candy

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Side of Candy

For better or for worse, children love candy. Sweets are, well, sweet. While common knowledge says that candies aren’t good for your children’s teeth, not all candies are created equal.

Some “good” choices of sweets include the following:

• Fruit: “Fruit isn’t candy,” you might say. Well, that depends on your definition of candy. Fruits are nature’s candy. They are richer in fiber and nutrients than any other sweets you can give a child, and their sugars are all natural. If you can satisfy your child’s sweet craving with fruit instead of candy, you’ve won a major battle for their dental health.
• Sugar-free gum: Sugar-free gum increases saliva flow and doesn’t leave plaque on your child’s teeth. Some sugar-free gums are sweetened with xylitol, which counteracts acid formation on teeth.
• Citrus-free sugar-free hard candies: Similar to any sugar-free candy, these sweets are gentle on the teeth. But be warned: Lemon-, lime- and orange-flavored sucking candies are loaded with acid that can burn away tooth enamel.

Now for the “bad” and the “ugly” choices:

• Chocolate: The bad news is that chocolate is loaded with sugar. The good news is that it is low on acid and, because it melts, it won’t stick between the teeth.
• Powdered candy: These candies are basically pure sugar. The powder gets lodged in your child’s gums easily and forms plaque quickly. The purity of the sugar invites bacteria to come live on your child’s teeth.
• Sour candies: Sour candies are acidic, meaning they eat away at your tooth enamel, and sugary, which means they encourage plaque growth. And some are sticky, which means they get caught in the teeth. Have your child stay far, far away from sour candies of all types.
• Taffy, caramel and other sticky candies: These sticky disasters get caught between teeth and can stay there for a very, very long time. In the process, they leave deposits of plaque in places where it can be very difficult to remove them. Candy doesn’t get much worse than this.

This is not a comprehensive list, by any means. If you want to know more about any other snacks, ask Dr. Jared during your child’s next visit at KiDDS Dental.

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

Teething Late? Blame It on Your Family’s Genes

Teething Late? Blame It on Your Family’s Genes

Most children begin developing teeth between six and nine months of age, but in some children, the emergence of teeth occurs later—sometimes much later. While in some cases, late emergence simply can be a matter of genetics, in other cases delayed dentition can be a sign of other, more serious underlying factors that warrant the attention of a dental specialist. Conditions like Down syndrome and thyroid disease are related to late tooth development and can be identified soon after birth or even while the baby is still in the uterus. Other conditions can be more difficult to spot.

In most cases, late dentition indicates nothing more than a genetic predisposition; however, delayed teething can cause other effects in your developing child. For instance, when teeth are delayed, speech may also be delayed or certain speech problems may be present. They can also delay consumption of solid table foods, which in turn may cause nutritional deficits in your child.

One of the most important roles of baby teeth is to act as guides for the adult teeth that will emerge later. When eruption of baby teeth is delayed, adult teeth may also emerge late, or may be crooked or crowded. In fact, a recent study conducted by researchers in Europe indicates that children with late tooth development are 35% more likely to require orthodontic treatment when they get older. The study also confirmed that late teethers have specific genetic variants that cause the delays. The same variants are related to the growth and development of the heart, skull, jaws, ears, fingers and toes.

In general, if your child has not had any signs of teething by the age of 10 or 11 months and especially if you suspect other signs of developmental delay, it’s worth contacting your pediatrician or KiDDS Dental to determine the underlying cause. We will ask about late tooth development in other family members and will also discuss signs of other types of developmental delays for you to watch for.

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

Teething and Fever—What’s the Connection?

Teething and Fever—What’s the Connection?

While babies usually cut their first teeth at between four and seven months of ages, some children do not get their first teeth until their first birthday or later. Crankiness, drooling and fever have long been considered traditional signs that a child is teething. But is fever connected to teething?

Recently, researchers observed a group of infants aged five to fifteen months, recording the babies’ body temperature and symptoms during the period when children typically get their baby teeth. They tracked such classic signs of teething as fever, sleep disturbance, rash, irritability, drooling, diarrhea, runny nose and loss of appetite during four time periods: the day a tooth erupted, the day before a tooth erupted, the day after a tooth erupted and all other days.

Surprisingly, on the day a tooth erupted, the children’s temperatures rose by only a few tenths of a degree. Other symptoms, including irritability, drooling, diarrhea and runny nose, appeared the day the tooth erupted but not before, meaning that it was impossible to predict when a new tooth would emerge just by reading the so-called signs.

“I've seen a lot of parents that will come in with children with fevers of 101 degrees or higher, and first thing they say is, ‘It might just be teething,’” noted Dr. Roya Samuels, a pediatrician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York. “Teething has never been proven to be related to high-grade temperatures.”

Some babies feel the pain of teething intensely while others seem to shrug it off. To alleviate crankiness, you can give your baby a chilled (not frozen) rubber teething ring or let her chew on a clean, wet washcloth that has been cooled in the freezer for thirty minutes. If your child is having great difficulty sleeping, your pediatrician may recommend giving her acetaminophen.

An infant’s fever should not be shrugged off as “just teething.” Any fever over 100.4 degrees should be checked out by the baby’s pediatrician. It may be related to another condition and should be treated accordingly.

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

Teeth Touching? Start Flossing

Teeth Touching? Start Flossing

Flossing is an important tool for children as it is with adults for preventing cavity formation between teeth, removing plaque between teeth and below the gumline before it hardens into tartar. Your child’s need to floss can start as early as age 2½.

Primary teeth often have space between them, reflecting the slow development of your child’s mouth. Eventually, as that spacing decreases, you will notice two or more of your child’s teeth touching―or at least close enough that simply brushing teeth is not enough. That’s when you need to start flossing your child’s teeth. Remember the goal is complete dental hygiene; it is vital to get all sides of the tooth―including those you can’t reach with a brush.

Your child does not and will not have the fine motor skills necessary for flossing for quite some time (usually not until age 10 or 11), so the job is up to you. Make flossing a pleasant experience and emphasize that it is part of a healthy dental routine. Use the simplest motions possible to dislodge whatever food might be stuck between the teeth.

Sometimes it is easiest to have your child lie flat with his or her head on a pillow or in your lap and say, “Open wide!” Take a piece of floss and wrap it between your middle fingers until you have about two inches of floss to work with. Place the floss around the base of the tooth near the gum in a “C” shape. Move from bottom to top two to three times, using a fresh part of the floss as you go from tooth to tooth.

As a parent, you need to set the groundwork for a healthy dental routine. Remember, including flossing in this routine is vital to your child’s oral health―you don’t want to risk any long-term dental issues. Call KiDDS Dental with any questions you may have about flossing, or bring them up at your child’s next appointment with Dr. Jared.

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