Nothing Safe About Vaping

Nothing Safe About Vaping

The popularity of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has increased dramatically in recent years. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes offer nicotine in a liquid vapor that is inhaled like a cigarette, but without any actual tobacco. Although many people assume they are safe, there is no scientific evidence to support the safety of e-cigarettes. Nicotine, regardless of how it is delivered, can have a detrimental effect on oral health, and it is important that children and teens hear this message.

A survey conducted from 2011 to 2012 found that e-cigarette use among middle and high school students had doubled—from 3.3% to 6.8%. This trend is disturbing, especially at a time when we have not yet fully studied the effects of e-cigarettes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration spoke about this in 2014 saying, “E-cigarettes have not been fully studied, so consumers currently don’t know the potential risks of e-cigarettes when used as intended, how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are being inhaled during use, or whether there are any benefits associated with using these products.”

However, we do know the following with some certainty:

• E-cigarette use causes gum recession. Because nicotine reduces the amount of blood that can flow through your veins, gums may not receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Also, the use of nicotine can mask the signs of gum disease, making it more difficult for us to diagnose.
• E-cigarettes cause bad breath. The use of nicotine in any form can reduce your body’s ability to produce saliva, which, in turn, can lead to more bacteria in your mouth and, eventually, tooth decay and bad breath.
• E-cigarettes can increase tooth grinding. Because nicotine is a stimulant, it can intensify tooth-grinding among adults and adolescents.
• Nicotine use during adolescence can negatively impact the developing brain. And because nicotine is a known potentially lethal toxin, ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin or eyes can lead to poisoning, which can be fatal.

It is important that adolescents as well as adults understand these risks. If you want us to talk to your teen about the dangers of e-cigarettes, ask Dr. Jared at your child’s next appointment, and he will be happy to discuss this in more detail. We want your child to have a sparkling white smile, along with oral health that will last a lifetime.

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

Nerve Treatment in Primary Teeth

Nerve Treatment in Primary Teeth

It may seem odd to imagine a crown on a baby tooth. After all, the primary teeth are your child’s “practice set,” right? Unfortunately, that’s not really the case. The primary teeth serve a very important purpose, as the placeholders for future permanent teeth. If a child suffers from an infection or abscess in a baby tooth that is left untreated, the tooth may eventually be lost altogether. And if this happens before the permanent teeth are ready to come in (typically beginning around a child’s sixth birthday), the space that tooth is reserving for its permanent counterpart can close up. When the adult teeth begin to erupt, there’s no space for them to come through properly, leading to crooked teeth, bite issues and even speech problems.

This is why, for an infection or abscess, we may recommend nerve treatment, also known as pulpotomy (removal of the infected nerve in the crown) or pulpectomy (removal of the nerve tissue in the crown and roots). The good news is that these procedures are typically no more painful or traumatizing than a simple filling. After we clean out the infected pulp, we cover the remaining portion of the tooth with a stainless steel crown to allow for a normal bite and to prevent further infection.

There are situations where it may be advisable to remove the tooth altogether rather than trying to salvage it with nerve treatments. This depends on the location of the affected tooth, whether the infection has spread to the bone or gum tissue, and your child’s overall health. Sometimes, infection can recur after nerve therapy. If further infection could endanger your child’s health due to other medical conditions, it may be a better option to simply extract the tooth and fix the spacing issues later in life with orthodontia.

Don’t hesitate to call KiDDS Dental if your child is complaining of pain or temperature sensitivity or if you notice a broken tooth with exposed root. Dental infections can be quite serious if left untreated. The first step is making an appointment; then we can discuss treatment options together.

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

Mouthguard Cleaning 101: Know the Score

The thought of your child using someone else’s mouthguard is pretty disgusting, right? But remember that the bacteria, yeast, fungi and other undesirable particles on your child’s own mouthguard need to be cleaned away—properly—before every use. And whether the guard is used for sports or to prevent teeth-grinding, whether it is custom-made or off-the-shelf, it needs to be sanitized regularly, no matter how clean it may look.

Rinsing with cold water before and after each use is only the first step in basic mouthguard care. For the best protection, follow these guidelines:

• Have your children brush their teeth before each time they wear their mouthguards. Caution your children against sharing their mouthguards with teammates.
• If the mouthguard is ready-made, wash it thoroughly after each use with warm (not hot) water and mild soap, and then rinse and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
• If the mouthguard is customized (boil-and-bite or fabricated by us especially for your child), brush all its surfaces, especially crevices, with a toothbrush and toothpaste after each use. Rinse with cool water, and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
• Always store the mouthguard in a hard-sided container with ventilation holes. This box, too, should be cleaned often with soap and warm water.
• As an additional precaution, rinse the mouthguard in antibacterial mouthwash.
• Don’t ever leave the mouthguard in the sun or use hot water to clean it. High temperatures can distort its shape.

Mouthguards also need to be checked regularly for signs of wear and damage that may not be readily apparent to you. Bring them with you every time your children visit our office, so we can inspect them.

If a mouthguard develops any pits or cracks, or if your child says it feels uncomfortable or “loose,” it probably needs to be replaced. Check for areas that feel rough. When such an area grazes your child’s gums, it can cause tiny cuts through which bacteria can enter.

Don’t know if your child would benefit from a mouthguard? If he or she participates in a contact sport, the answer is almost certainly “yes.” We’ll be happy to discuss options with you at your child’s next appointment at KiDDS Dental. And if your child already has a mouthguard, stay vigilant in keeping them clean and smooth. That can go a long way to maintaining not only your child’s oral health but his or her general health as well.

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

KiDDS Dental wants you to win! #flossmadness2020

Facebook in no way endorses or promotes this contest. It is solely promoted by KiDDS Dental.
 
The Rules:

KiDDS Dental's Floss Madness Bracket Contest begins March 2, 2020 and ends March 17, 2020.  By submitting a bracket, each entrant agrees to the rules and states that they are 18 years or older.


Who may enter: Adults 18 years or older are eligible to complete a bracket. KiDDS Dental will determine the eligibility of each bracket submitted at its sole discretion. 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 April 16, 2020.
How to enter: Go the the KiDDS Dental Facebook page and click on the Floss Madness 2020 tab. Follow the prompts there to complete your bracket. Entrant must complete the entire bracket to be considered a successful entry. 

How to win: Members of the KiDDS Dental team will participate in "Floss Races" according the the bracket assignments posted. Contests will run March 18, 2020 through April 3, 2020. Points will be distributed based on correct predictions at each bracket level.

Judging:  The entrant with the most points will be the winner. In the case of multiple entrants sharing the same high score, those entrants will be entered into a random drawing. Winner will be notified on or before April 7, 2020.

Odds: Actual odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries.

Decisions: By entering into the promotion, entrants agree to abide by and be bound by these official rules, and to accept the decision of KiDDS Dental as final.  Entrants 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 entrant 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.


Prize:  The entrant deemed the winner will receive a certificate for two to Mica Moon Zip Tours valued at $225. Winner must be available to pick up prize at KiDDS Dental by 4 PM on April 16, 2020 or prize will be forfeited. Winners must sign a media release and will be responsible for paying any taxes they may owe on a prize.

Publicity: Winner 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.

Mouth Ulcers and Your Child

Mouth Ulcers and Your Child

Seeing an ulcer in your child’s mouth can be disconcerting, especially if the sore causes pain. A relatively common condition, mouth ulcers in children typically are either canker sores, cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus) or hand-foot-mouth (HFM) disease (caused by the Coxsackie A-16 virus). The first step in helping your child deal with mouth ulcers is diagnosing the underlying cause.

Canker sores—one to three small, white ulcers that usually pop up on the inside of cheeks and lips, as well as on the tongue and gums—are the most common mouth ulcers in general but are rare in children under the age of 10. There’s evidence that heredity might play a role in the development of canker sores. Other culprits are vitamin deficiencies, stress and food sensitivities. While canker sores can last up to two weeks, they aren’t contagious. There’s not much anyone can do about them other than trying home remedies.

If your child is prone to canker sores, you can try to reduce outbreaks by avoiding abrasive, salty, spicy or acidic foods; choosing dental products without sodium lauryl sulfate, a chemical that has been linked to canker sores; and brushing with a soft-bristled brush to minimize trauma to the mouth. If canker sores become a chronic problem, we may also recommend testing for food allergies or vitamin deficiencies.

If your child suddenly develops numerous mouth ulcers accompanied by fever, it might be cold sores or HFM disease. Since these viral conditions are contagious, call your pediatrician if you suspect your child has one or the other.

As long as no underlying health issue needs to be addressed, caring for a child with mouth ulcers is all about comfort. Ask us about home treatments like baking soda salves, as well as over-the-counter analgesics for pain. Offer a soft diet, and make sure your child stays hydrated. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you think your child’s ulcers might be related to a dental problem, don’t hesitate to call us and schedule an appointment at KiDDS Dental.

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

Mouth Breathing: Why It Matters

Mouth Breathing: Why It Matters

Let’s say your child has a stuffy nose for a few days and you notice that, understandably enough, he or she is breathing mostly through the mouth rather than through the nostrils. No long-term harm will result from that temporary change.

But if a child breathes through the mouth as a matter of course, week in and week out, cold or no cold, that is a cause for significant concern.

Here’s why. If left untreated, chronic mouth breathing can cause

• abnormally elongated facial development
• crowded, crooked permanent teeth that are prone to decay
• a “gummy” smile (gums more prominent than in the average smile)
• frequent upper respiratory infections
• poor school performance due to sleep deprivation caused by snoring or apnea
• possible erroneous diagnosis of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• bad breath, chronically chapped lips and abnormally fibrous gums

Mouth breathing almost always has a physiological cause rather than being a “habit.” The most common causes include chronic nasal obstruction, enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils, and allergies. If the underlying cause can be successfully treated, the mouth breathing will likely subside, with no or few permanent effects. If still breathing through the mouth by age 7, your child should see an orthodontist, who may recommend palate expansion to correct misaligned teeth and abnormal facial development. We will help your child by working in conjunction with your other medical professionals, including an ear, nose and throat doctor, an allergist and, of course, an orthodontist.

If you are not sure whether your child is a mouth breather, look for these signs:

• frequently has his or her mouth open at rest, especially while sleeping
• dark circles under the eyes
• subtle changes in facial shape
• tends to be more tired and listless than others the same age

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Bring your concerns to Dr. Jared and to your pediatrician. Make appointments at KiDDS Dental for evaluations and get your questions answered. Sadly, mouth breathing is often underreported and undertreated. But diligent observation and action can keep your child from suffering any long-term effects from mouth breathing.

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

More Calcium Equals Better Dental Health

More Calcium Equals Better Dental Health

Good nutrition is an important component of good oral health. We all know that children should avoid sugary snacks, especially soda and candy that stick to the teeth. Calcium consumption may play a significant role in maintaining your child’s healthy smile. In addition to milk, there are several other foods that will add calcium to your child’s diet.

Most of us were told as children that milk helps to build strong bones. That is true—and it builds strong teeth as well. Milk is one of our primary sources of calcium, and while milk does contain lactose, a form of sugar, lactose is one of the least-damaging sugars to teeth. Experts routinely recommend that milk and water be the only drinks offered to children between meals.

However, there is an important caveat here: While milk may be good for your child’s teeth during the day, it can be detrimental at night. Letting your toddler go to sleep with a bottle of milk encourages prolonged exposure to the sugars in the milk and can actually cause decay.

But milk is not the only good source of calcium. Consider adding the following to your child’s diet:

• Yogurt contains calcium and the added benefit of probiotics, encouraging the growth of “good” bacteria in your child’s mouth and digestive tract. Check the ingredients on the yogurt you purchase, however, and make sure it does not contain large amounts of sugar.
• Cheese, too, has added benefits. Many studies have found that cheese stimulates the flow of saliva in the mouth, which washes away decay-causing food particles and lowers the level of acid in the mouth. Consider adding cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack or another cheese to your child’s meals or as a snack.
• Dark, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens and spinach are also good sources of calcium. While children may not get excited about eating green vegetables, include them in your meals when your children are young, and they are more likely to become fans.

When you encourage healthy eating early on, your child will develop good habits that last a lifetime. For more tips on encouraging a healthy diet, call us for an appointment with Dr. Jared or ask us at your child’s next checkup at KiDDS Dental. We are always happy to discuss foods that can help keep your child’s teeth healthy for years to come.