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Guilt-Free Advice for Great Pediatric Oral Health

Parenting is no joke. It is equal parts rewarding and exhausting. Moms and dads know how much effort it takes to keep kids healthy and happy. And, everyone from mommy blogs to mothers-in-law has an opinion on where parents are falling short. Are they eating a balanced diet? Is their homework done? Do they get enough sleep? Do they limit screen time? Do you spend enough time as a family, but also enough time alone to encourage their independence? Are you a helicopter or free-range parent? Are they making friends? Not just friends, but the RIGHT friends? You get it. Of course, you also need to add brushing and flossing regularly to the list. After a long day of work, school, sports, and homework, it’s a miracle if they make it to bed in their pajamas. All that to say, this isn’t supposed to be a guilt trip. Family Dental Health is providing this information to help already busy parents have burning questions answered quickly to efficiently take care of their child’s oral health. 

Question: When should my child go to the dentist for the first time?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental appointment happen before age one. But if your child is already two or three and they haven’t been yet, don’t worry. Just make the appointment. If you missed the official window, the best thing you can do is take them in now. 

Question: Should I find a pediatric dentist, or can I take my child to my regular dental provider?

Answer: There is no absolute right answer here. If you have a great relationship with your dentist and they see children your child’s age, you can try it out. However, there are benefits to seeing specialized pediatric dentists, such as:

• Pediatric dentists have extended education in caring for children’s oral health, including the psychological and developmental health of children.
• Pediatric dentists use child-sized equipment (X-rays and drills) specifically made for children’s teeth. 
• Pediatric dentists choose to work with kids, so you can be confident they want to work with little ones.
• Pediatric offices are typically more child-friendly. Often, they provide age-appropriate activities, fun rewards for good behavior, and other amenities specifically for children. 
• Pediatric teams are trained on how to communicate with children and parents. For example, instead of saying plaque or bacteria, they may say ‘tooth bugs’ so children can better understand what is going on. 

Question: I can’t get my kids to brush and floss like they are supposed to…and I’m at the end of my rope. What can I do?

Answer: Take a deep breath, Mom and Dad. Resisting brushing and flossing is a normal part of being a kid. These days, there are some fun and engaging ways to encourage good oral hygiene. Try a few and see what sticks. 

• Shop for a fun toothbrush and new toothpaste. 
• Gamify tooth brushing and flossing. Let them earn points or stars that lead to a reward. Or, find a free dental app to help gamify the experience. 
• Pair the activities with something they already do. Have them brush and floss in the shower or while they watch TV.
• Reward brushing and flossing with the home WiFi password.
• Set a reminder or an alarm on their phone.

Question: My child has a cavity in a baby tooth – can’t we just pull it? It’s going to fall out anyway.

Answer: Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are more important to the long-term growth and development of your child than you may realize. Baby teeth assist in chewing healthy foods, speech development, and the proper growth and shaping of the jaw. If baby teeth are extracted unnecessarily, you may risk the normal development of these teeth. The best course of action is what Family Dental Health suggests. 

Keeping kids’ teeth healthy isn’t easy. Kids can be stubborn and strong-willed, and it’s hard not to feel like a failure if they aren’t cooperating. However, there are resources available to you to help. First, ask your dentist for advice. If you don’t know how to handle something or notice your child having issues, make the call. Think of your dentist and dental team as both your cheerleaders and experts when it comes to your child’s oral health. If you have burning questions or concerns, contact Family Dental Health today! 

“The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.”

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy During Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us! While holiday lights and cute reindeer adorn the streets and shop windows, it seems holiday treats are around every corner. How can you keep your teeth healthy with the overwhelming amount of sugar plums and Christmas cookies this season? Here are some tips from the experts on how to make the most of this holiday season while also keeping your teeth and mouth in tip-top shape.  

• Stay on top of your oral health routine

It’s difficult to stay on track during the holiday season. However, one of the best ways to prevent cavities is brushing twice a day and flossing. If you are going on vacation or traveling for the holidays, it’s difficult to keep regular routines. Don’t let your oral care fall by the wayside. 

• Drink water

There are a lot of fun cocktails, mocktails, and chocolatey drinks that are quintessential holiday fare. While it’s just fine to imbibe now and then, your teeth will thank you if you keep up with your water intake. When you drink sugary or acidic drinks with low pH, the bacteria in your mouth can shift and become harmful. Water is pH-neutral and can help balance the environment and keep your teeth feeling great.  

• Give the gift of dental care

A great self-care gift is keeping your dental appointment. Don’t let the busyness of the holiday season keep you from seeing your dentist. If you have a dental appointment in December or January, make it a priority to keep it. It is easy to de-prioritize appointments this time of year, but do yourself a favor and keep your appointment; your mouth will thank you. 

1. Plan when to indulge   

The holidays are full of friends and family, and should be enjoyed. But with work parties, school parties, and family gatherings that extend from Christmas into the New Year, there is ample opportunity to indulge in all the holiday treats. Try to stick to foods rich in calcium and low in sugar if possible. Plan what you will eat before you get to the party to limit the temptation to indulge. 

• Smart stocking stuffers

Instead of stuffing stockings with chocolate and candy canes, consider sugar-free alternatives. Small items like lip balm, gloves, or books are great alternatives to sweets.  

• Use tools, not teeth

There are many ways you can damage your teeth during the holidays. Take special care to keep your teeth in good shape by avoiding certain behaviors. First, don’t crack nuts with your teeth. You can easily crack or chip your teeth when using them instead of the proper tools. Refrain from opening packaging with your teeth. Use scissors or a pocket knife to open toys and games, not your teeth.  Hard or sticky foods can also cause dental issues. When you can, pass on these and opt for something easier on your teeth. 

• Stay on the nice list

Don’t forget about your oral health this holiday season. You can have a memorable holiday with friends and family while keeping your teeth healthy and bright! If you need to schedule a dental appointment, contact Family Dental Health!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

What You Need to Know About Pregnancy and the Dentist

Expecting a child is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for parents, especially first-time parents. The list of foods to avoid, medications to stop, and vitamins to start can feel overwhelming. Every parent wants a healthy, happy pregnancy and baby. However, with the overwhelming amount of information and daily physical changes, moms and dads sometimes forget about maintaining good oral health. Family Dental Health has some answers to questions expecting parents might have about oral health while pregnant. 

Question: If I have ‘soft teeth’ or get cavities easily, will my child too?

Answer: While ‘soft teeth’ is not a medical term, there is a genetic component to cavities. Researchers are still learning, but one of the greatest risk factors for children getting tooth decay is if their parents have cavities. If you suffer from tooth decay, be sure your child has their first dental appointment 6 weeks after their first tooth erupts. 

Question: Can I have dental work done while pregnant?

Answer: If it is a dental emergency and you have an infection, get the dental work done immediately. Most other dental procedures are safe during pregnancy. However, the Family Dental Health recommends that elective procedures be done during your second trimester (weeks 14-20), as there are fewer risks of side effects. No matter what, contact your prenatal care provider to discuss any treatment you are considering. 

Question: Are pacifiers, thumb-sucking, or bottle nipples bad for my baby’s growing mouth?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop using pacifiers, bottles, or sucking their thumb on their own. However, if the behavior continues past the age of three, your dentist might suggest intervention.   

Question: Can I skip my dental appointments during my pregnancy?

Answer: You should not skip your dental appointments. Seeing the dentist during pregnancy is very important. Because of the change in hormones, you are at higher risk for periodontal disease. Make sure you alert your dentist to any medication changes or dietary changes during your pregnancy. 

Question: Does what I eat during pregnancy affect my baby’s teeth?

Answer: Yes! Your baby’s teeth develop around the 3rd month of pregnancy. Eat a healthy diet with enough calcium and other nutrients to ensure teeth develop well. 

Question: Is there anything I can do to make sure my mouth and my baby’s mouth is healthy during pregnancy?

Answer: There are several things you can do to stay healthy during pregnancy. 

1. See your dentist regularly
2. Eat a well-balanced diet 
3. Avoid sugary snacks
4. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine
5. Add Xylitol gum or lozenges into your daily routine

Pregnancy is an exciting time. It is also a great time to think about taking great care of yourself. Don’t forget to keep your mouth and gums healthy while pregnant. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, schedule an appointment at Family Dental Health. We would love to see you and make sure you feel good about your oral health while pregnant.

“The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.”

What Can Your Teeth Tell Scientists?

There are a lot of things teeth can tell you about yourself, even more that dentists can determine during examinations, and even more that scientists can discover. For example, you can often feel when you have something stuck between your teeth, or when plaque is starting to build up, and you could use some quality time with your toothbrush. Dr. David Case can examine this, too, and with the assistance of our technology, we can also see cavities forming, enamel wear, the density of your jawbone, and more! 

These details are key when it comes to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life, but if we wanted to compare the difference in size between your jaw and the jaws of our ancestors from 4 million years ago, we’d need to consult scientists. 

Why would we be interested in obtaining this information? Partially because we find it fascinating, but also because it explains things like why our third molars (wisdom teeth) frequently cause issues when erupting or attempting to erupt.

The Jawbone’s Connected to the…

Did you sing “Dem Bones” or “The Skeleton Dance” in elementary school? If so, you might remember that your jawbone is connected to your skull. Fossilized skulls and teeth can tell us things like what kind of food our ancestors ate through what some scientists call a “foodprint”. Scientists can even use teeth to determine if someone moved to and from places with dramatically different foods or soils.

As your Portland dental team, we’re dedicated to learning all we can about teeth, past and present, so we can keep yours healthy and beautiful for a lifetime. To talk teeth and science with us, or just schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, contact Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Suffering from a Sore Throat & Bad Breath? You Might Have Tonsil Stones

You’ve heard of kidney and gallbladder stones, but have you heard of tonsil stones or experienced their formation yourself? The symptoms of tonsil stones may include:

• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain

None of these are pleasant, so your dental team at Family Dental Health is here to tell you ways you may be able to treat them at home, as well as offer advice on how you can prevent them from returning. 

Leave the Stones to Sisyphus

Tonsil stones are the result of bacteria and debris accumulation in what is called the crypts of your tonsils, so your best defense is a diligent oral hygiene routine! 

Your tonsils are an important part of a strong immune system; in fact, the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat doctors) refers to them as your “body’s first line of defense.” That’s just one example of how your oral health is linked to your overall wellness, which is something we work hard to convey to our dental family because we want you to feel as fantastic as possible!

So, what should you do if you suspect you have tonsil stones? You may be able to see them if you open your mouth widely and stick out your tongue (like doctors ask you to when they use tongue depressors); they may be white, yellow, or gray nodes on your tonsils, or they might be burrowed within your tonsil and thus out of sight. 

Whether or not you see any, you may be able to dislodge them by gargling salt water or using a water flosser to flush the debris from your tonsils. Or, better yet, why not contact your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health, today to schedule a visit? We can perform a thorough and gentle examination and get you back on the road to optimal oral health!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Does Your Child Have Painful Sores in Their Mouth? This Virus Could be the Cause

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Open mouth, insert foot,” to describe a moment in which someone’s said something they wish they hadn’t, but have you heard of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease? 

Despite it being a relatively common virus, it makes a lot of parents furrow their brows in confusion. Maybe the awareness won’t come in handy (no pun intended), but we think knowledge is power and want you to be informed. So, ready to dive in?

First, Let’s Wash Our Hands

Much like the importance of a solid oral hygiene routine for the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay, the importance of handwashing can’t be overstated, especially because there is no vaccination for HFMD. 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease can present with a fever, low appetite, a rash with blisters primarily on the hands and feet, and small sores in and around your child’s mouth. The virus that causes HFMD is called the Coxsackie virus, which spreads through microbes that can live on the body and frequently touch surfaces for several days. 

If you have an infant or toddler, you know many objects end up in their mouths, including unwashed hands, which then go on to touch other objects and could infect you, too. To protect them and yourself, wash often and well! 

Because HFMD is a virus, it has to run its course and can’t be treated with an antibiotic. There are ways to treat the symptoms that can provide relief, though, so don’t hesitate to contact Family Dental Health today if your child has been diagnosed with HFMD and you need recommendations. Your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health, wishes your little one speedy healing and hopes to see you both soon!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Benzocaine is Not Safe for Teething!

Benzocaine has been an over-the-counter local dental anesthetic for people of all ages for many years. It is available in most drugstores, often under product names such as Anbesol®, Orajel™, Hurricaine®, and Baby Orajel™. 

Recently, the use of benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder that reduces the amount of oxygen being transported through the bloodstream to such low levels that it may even prove fatal. As a result of these findings, the U.S.  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that benzocaine products not be used to treat children under the age of 2 without close supervision by a medical professional like Family Dental Health. 

Methemoglobinemia symptoms may present from minutes to hours following ingestion, including:

• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid heart rate
  

If you think your child is suffering from methemoglobinemia, take them to the emergency room immediately.

If your child is experiencing discomfort while teething, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you try soothing their mouth with a chilled teething ring or massaging the gums with your fingers. Chamomile drops have also been used by some parents as a natural remedy.

If you want to know more about benzocaine, the FDA provides consumer updates from time to time, and you can always ask us if there has been any new information as well. If you have any other questions or need to schedule a visit for your tiny tot, get in touch with Family Dental Health today!

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Individual results may vary.

Does Your Child or Teen Experience Chronic Headaches? Chewing Gum Might be to Blame

Do you remember your first time chewing gum? If you’re like some of us at Family Dental Health, you might even recall hearing that swallowing gum would result in it staying in your stomach for up to seven years! 

There are a lot of myths that still float around these days, so if you hear that chewing gum may be the cause of headaches, you might be inclined to declare that false, too. However, doctors have found a link between the two, and we think it’s an important one to examine because of how many children and teens love to chew gum.

Chompers Need Rest

Before we discuss why chewing gum can cause headaches, we do want to state that plenty of Portland folks benefit from the way it can increase saliva production, which in turn helps fight enamel erosion. But if your child or teen chews gum frequently, their jaw might want a break, specifically their temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.

The constant pressure of chewing can stress the TMJ, and if your child happens to be a nail-biter or nighttime teeth grinder, even more trouble can ensue. To help their teeth and jaw relax, suggest they limit their gum chewing to one piece a day, perhaps after lunch, to help them reduce acidity in their mouth!

One more thing to note: some doctors believe artificial sweeteners like aspartame may be the cause of headaches. For this reason and because of its enamel-strengthening benefits, we recommend Xylitol-gums!

If you have any questions about gum chewing or other habits you’re unsure of when it comes to your child’s dental health, Dr. David Case would love to answer them for you. Contact Family Dental Health today to schedule a visit!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Lidocaine is Not for Kids

Oral viscous lidocaine is used to relieve pain from mouth irritation in adults as a result of chemotherapy and other medical procedures. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to caregivers that this type of lidocaine should not be used to treat teething pain in infants and young kids, warning that the drug could cause serious harm or even prove to be fatal.

The FDA feels, and Family Dental Health agrees that topical pain relievers applied to children’s gums are not useful because they wash out of the baby’s mouth within minutes, and some, such as benzocaine, are harmful or even fatal to young children. Oral viscous lidocaine falls into the same category as benzocaine; if too much is ingested by a young child, the results can range from seizures and brain injury to death.

By the time children turn 3, most of them have had 20 baby teeth pushed through their gums, so they will have had sore or tender gums. Rather than use a topical pain reliever, try gently rubbing their gums with a cool spoon, a moist gauze pad, a clean finger, or a chilled teething ring. 

As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to schedule a dental visit. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a child’s first dental visit take place within 6 months after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday.

Getting children started with regular preventive care and oral hygiene at Family Dental Health helps them develop healthy habits at a young age. Get in touch with Family Dental Health today to make an appointment for your child!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

A Dental First Aid Kit for Kids

Most homes have a standard first-aid kit, and with the demanding schedules of the average American family today, it’s smart to keep one in your vehicle, too. Whether at home or away from home, active kids like to run, play, climb, and jump off things, and sometimes emergency dental injuries follow. Family Dental Health thinks it’s a great idea to prepare a dental first-aid kit for kids to accompany the standard version and keep it in a similar location for easy access.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a dental first aid kit for kids should include:

• Gauze
• Small cup
• Mouthwash
• Cold compress
• Tooth storage device and fluid

Whenever your child sustains an oral injury, it’s important to have Family Dental Health check that no teeth have been damaged or loosened. Quick dental attention can mean the difference between keeping and losing a tooth, preventing infections, and controlling bleeding. Even if a dental visit isn’t necessary, keeping a dental first-aid kit at the ready and knowing how to use it can help prevent more serious dental concerns down the road.

If you have more ideas for the perfect dental first-aid kit or just want to schedule an appointment with Family Dental Health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.