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.