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!