Antibiotics and Cavities

Antibiotics and Cavities

A large-scale 2009 study investigated whether a child’s taking of antibiotics before the age of 2 had anything to do with the development of tooth decay (dental caries) later on. The researchers found a definite association between taking antibiotics at age 0 to 12 months or 

13 to 18 months and the later development of early childhood caries.

From such results, one could surmise that the antibiotics themselves are a direct cause of caries that appears months or years after they have been taken.

However, other, possibly more logical, possibilities may exist. Perhaps, if a child is often sick (he is, after all, taking antibiotics), parents may provide extra “treats”—quite possibly sugary treats—to make the child feel “better.” And we are all aware that sugar has been proven to cause tooth decay.

Importantly, children taking antibiotics during the first year of life often take antibiotics in subsequent years. Since such children were presumably deemed ill more often than children who didn’t take antibiotics, they would be more likely to have taken more over-the-counter medications, like cough syrups and acetaminophen. These preparations often contain sugar, contributing to caries just as a sugary snack might.

The infections themselves that the antibiotics were prescribed to treat could also eventually contribute to early childhood caries. In fact, some infections have been linked to developmental enamel defects, a possible springboard to tooth decay.

While more research about the antibiotics–early childhood tooth decay link is needed, we at KiDDS Dental recommend that if your child has taken antibiotics before the age of 18 months, be extra-vigilant about dental visits and oral hygiene in the next few years to help prevent problems and to treat those that do develop as early as possible.

If you have any further questions regarding antibiotics or your child's health click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

ABCs of Oral Health: Z Is for Zinc

ABCs of Oral Health: Z Is for Zinc

Zinc formulations have become popular nutritional supplements. Adult bodies have only two grams of zinc—a tiny fraction of an ounce. Yet that small amount of zinc is crucial for certain functions, including the senses of taste and smell. Would a zinc supplement be right for your child? 

How does zinc affect oral health? At least one study focusing on children showed that compared with those taking a placebo syrup, children taking zinc developed less gingivitis (gum swelling), presumably from reduced plaque formation. Indeed, some toothpastes contain a zinc compound because of some credible evidence that zinc can keep plaque formation down. Another study showed that mouthwash or chewing gum containing zinc chloride significantly reduced formation of sulfur-rich compounds that contribute to bad breath. Evidence is inconclusive about zinc’s ability to help canker sores heal.

In medical use, zinc helps heal adult stomach ulcers. Some evidence exists for its beneficial role in treating acne and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and in boosting immune function. There are those who swear by zinc at the first sign of a common cold to decrease the cold’s length and minimize its symptoms.

Zinc deficiency is uncommon, but the condition is marked by frequent infections, hair loss, nerve and olfactory dysfunction, skin sores, slow-healing wounds and trouble seeing in the dark. If your child seems to suffer from any combination of these symptoms, Dr. Jared would love to discuss ways zinc supplements could help improve your child's health.

On the other hand, if after taking zinc supplements your child has diarrhea and stomach cramps and/or is vomiting, he or she is showing signs of a zinc overdose. Again, take your child to KiDDS Dental.

We’ll be happy to speak with you in more detail about the pros and cons of zinc supplements for oral health at your child’s next appointment.

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

KiDDS Dental Mother's Day Facebook Contest

Mother's DAY? No way!

We'll be celebrating mothers ALL WEEK on Facebook
and one lucky winner will get a Fit Bit Flex just for playing along.

Look for a new way to enter to win each day

May 1st through May 7th.

Contest Rules:

By entering this promotion, participant agrees to a complete release of Facebook from any or all liability in connection with this contest. It is also acknowledgment 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 May 1, 2016 at 9:00 AM and May 7, 2016 at 5:00 PM. One entry per promotion post per Facebook user is allowed. Multiple entries per promotion post will be disqualified.

Drawing: One random prize drawing will be held on or about May 8, 2016.  The winner will receive a FitBit Flex. This prize is valued at $99. 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. Winner must be available to pick up prize at KiDDS Dental in Liberty Lake, WA by May 16, 2016.

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.

A “Crowning” Achievement in Pediatric Dentistry

A “Crowning” Achievement in Pediatric Dentistry

Crowns? On a baby tooth? Crowns are for adults—right? Actually, crowns, sometimes called caps, are used by people of all ages to prevent further decay or protect an already damaged tooth. These appliances can be instrumental in getting your child’s dental health back on track if he or she experiences premature tooth decay or an unforeseen dental injury.

In children, crowns are used to protect the primary teeth. Primary teeth—also known as baby teeth—are immensely important to a child’s oral development. Besides their obvious use for chewing, these teeth assist in developing normal speech patterns, maintaining space for the permanent teeth and acting as a “guide” for the time when permanent teeth grow in. Because the primary teeth are inherently smaller than the future permanent teeth, any evidence of decay or damage means considering the use of a crown; otherwise the tooth may become brittle and crack. This is especially important if a great deal of tooth structure has been destroyed or the enamel around the decayed area has been weakened.

To act as a barrier, a prefabricated covering—a crown—is placed over the tooth. The most common type of crown used on primary teeth is a stainless steel shell that comes in various sizes and can be fitted to any tooth. The simple procedure used to install a crown should not worry you as a parent. After applying a local topical anesthetic to the gum and cheek, we will remove any decay on the tooth as well as diminish its surface area so that the crown can fit snugly over it. Once we contour the crown to fit, we apply cement and push the crown onto the tooth. As a final step, we polish the crown. All this usually can be done in one office visit at KiDDS Dental.

Once the crown is in place, there will be no restrictions on your child’s daily activities. Encourage your child to keep his or her mouth clean by brushing so that the area will heal more quickly. And avoid hard and sticky foods—they can cause the crown to fracture or come off.

With a crown, your child has a new layer of protection against further decay or breakage. When that primary tooth makes way for its permanent replacement, the crown—still cemented to the tooth—will fall out with it.

The strength, durability and longevity of a crown depend on many factors. By following home care instructions and maintaining regular six-month checkups, you can ensure an attractive restoration that lasts as long as it’s needed.

Dr. Jared would love to answer any questions regarding pediatric crowns. Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule an appointment today.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Fluorosis

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Fluorosis   
    

Most of us think of fluoride as a champion in the fight against tooth decay. Indeed, decay rates have dropped in the United States since the introduction of fluoride to many public water supplies in the middle of the twentieth century. But while a little fluoride might be good for teeth, too much can cause a condition known as fluorosis.

Fluorosis occurs from exposure to high levels of fluoride. It can cause discoloration and defects such as pitting on the surface of the teeth.

Fluorosis develops before the teeth have erupted, which means that only younger children are affected. In many cases, the effects of fluorosis are so mild that no treatment is necessary. But when the discoloration or pitting is more severe, we may recommend bonding, veneers or tooth whitening procedures to improve the appearance of the affected teeth.

The good news is that fluorosis is merely a cosmetic problem; it does not affect the integrity or overall health of the affected teeth. Here are some tips to help your children avoid fluorosis:

• Keep fluoridated products such as mouthwash, toothpaste and supplements containing fluoride out of your child’s reach. Do not allow your child to use these without supervision.
• Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush—that is plenty to avoid decay.
• Make sure your child spits out the toothpaste and rinses thoroughly with water after brushing.
• To encourage spitting, avoid flavored toothpastes that your child may be more likely to swallow.
• Alternate between tap water and low-fluoride water—such as demineralized, purified, deionized or distilled—to mix with concentrated liquid or powdered formula.

To learn more about fluorosis, fluoride treatments and other tips to maintain your childrenʼs optimal dental health, call our office at 509-891-7070 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jared.

A Whiff of Reality: Kids Can Have Bad Breath

A Whiff of Reality: Kids Can Have Bad Breath

Baby’s breath is so sweet that a flower is named for it, but as your child grows, it’s likely that he or she will have not-so-sweet breath at some point. It might even smell downright bad. Usually the cause of bad breath (halitosis) is quite benign. The culprit could be foods like onions, cheese, orange juice or soda. Some medications also contribute to halitosis-like symptoms. And if your child is an adolescent, chronic bad breath can be the result of smoking or the use of other tobacco products.

But once these causes have been ruled out, the next culprit to consider is the bacteria in your child’s mouth. Your child needs to floss daily and brush at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, to effectively get rid of food particles upon which these bacteria feed. If there is enough nutrition available for the bacteria, they’ll stick around in your child’s mouth and release sulfur compounds that have an unpleasant aroma.

And it is especially important to brush the tongue, especially the back third of it. Odor-causing bacteria congregate there, as well as on tooth surfaces.

A condition such as enlarged adenoids that results in your child’s breathing through the mouth can contribute to halitosis, as well. Less saliva (called dry mouth) means fewer antibacterial compounds swishing regularly through the mouth. In general, drinking water regularly can ensure that the mouth stays hydrated enough to help prevent bad breath.

Other medical conditions, of varying degrees of rarity, can cause halitosis. They include

• chronic post-nasal drip; bacteria thrive on the accompanying mucus and other secretions.
• diabetes can cause the breath to have an acetone smell, akin to that of nail-polish remover
• strep throat (and other oral infections)
• kidney or liver failure

While an antibacterial mouthwash can offer a quick and temporary fix for one or two instances of bad breath, a visit to KiDDS Dental is in order if the halitosis recurs frequently and diligent oral hygiene doesn’t solve the problem. Halitosis should not be present at a young age, and halitosis in children means that something is definitely wrong. So make sure that you are well aware of what’s going on with your child, and seek proper care and treatment to eliminate halitosis.

If you have questions about your child's bad breath, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Baby Those Baby Teeth

Baby Those Baby Teeth

Baby teeth (properly called primary teeth) usually all fall out by the time your child is about 12 years old. Most, in fact, are gone years earlier. So, if baby teeth inhabit your child’s mouth for a relatively short time, why is their health so vitally important? The dental experts at WebMD recently provided some answers.

Healthy primary teeth . . .

. . . provide your child’s mouth and face with an essential element of “normal" appearance.
. . . keep spaces available for the permanent teeth to later erupt in their correct positions.
. . . are essential for speech development and clarity.
. . . let your child chew properly, which makes getting good nutrition easier.
. . . help ensure that the permanent teeth will emerge in a healthy condition.

 

Untreated decay in baby teeth can harm the permanent teeth growing beneath the gumline. If baby teeth are lost too soon because of decay, the adult teeth may grow in crooked or spaced too closely together. What’s more, untreated decay (also called cavities or caries) causes pain and can progress into an abscess that can cause infection to spread to other areas of your child’s body.

Preventing decay is relatively simple. The key: Limit contact between your child’s teeth and liquid carbohydrates—in other words, drinks with sugar. These include not only drinks like soda but also fruit juices, milk, formula and sweetened water.

Avoid laying your baby down for the night or a nap with a bottle that contains anything but plain water. The most common cause of decay in baby teeth occurs when the child is put to bed with a milk- or formula-filled bottle. In fact, early childhood caries is frequently called baby bottle tooth decay.

Before his or her first birthday, transition your child from a bottle to a sippy cup. This helps prevent liquids from settling on the teeth. Even with a sippy cup, however, sugary beverages are still less desirable than plain water. Resist adding sugar to food, and avoid coating a pacifier with sugar or honey.

Finally, after your child eats or drinks, wipe his or her gums with a wet cloth or gauze. Start using a toothbrush once the teeth erupt. This helps remove residue that can develop into bacteria-laden plaque, a precursor to decay.

Taking care of baby teeth helps ensure healthy adult teeth. Visit KiDDS Dental as soon as the first baby tooth erupts or by the age of 12 months. It’s never too early to start good oral care.