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.