If you are wondering about all the essential dental equipment that your kids may need to enjoy the summer and stay cavity free, this blog post is the right place for you.
Oral Hygiene Care Pouch
When your dentist hands you the tooth brush in a pouch, keep it to make an oral care travel kit, ready to go!
A soft-bristled toothbrush
Soft bristles are gentle on your gums and teeth, protect enamel and effectively help in removing plaque build-up. They are super flexible that enables them to clean food particles efficiently (even from places that are otherwise difficult to reach). Avoid super soft unless your dentist has recommended.
Fluoridated toothpaste
Just a pea sized amount and voila, you are done!
Fluoride has the ability to protect enamel, restore mineralization and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride also helps in fighting bacterial build-up in the oral cavity that prevents caries so your kid can smile confidently. Do not forget to supervise your children when they are brushing their teeth. Teach them to brush their teeth in gentle circular motions.
Floss
Flossing is recommended when kids reach the age of 2 – years based on dentition.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is not essential component of the kid, unless recommended by your dentist
Don’t forget to schedule regular dental appointments every 6 months to keep the teeth and gums healthy! Enjoy the summer
Importance of a Healthy Diet on Your Child’s Smile
Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the oral health and general well-being of your child. A well-balanced diet keeps teeth free from cavities resulting in happy and healthy smiles. Regular brushing along with eating a nutritious diet can have a tremendous effect on your child’s oral health. A good diet involves eating healthy food, fruits, or vegetables and avoiding foods that are excessive in sugar (carbohydrates) and are likely to cause cavities. Dietary requirements are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle among children. Having strong teeth enables them to chew food properly, strengthens their immune system, and helps in keeping systematic infections at bay.
Healthy Diet for Children
Nutrition has a direct impact on the oral health of your child. Poor or malnutrition leads to tooth decay, cavities, periodontal diseases, and gingivitis. To help combat these oral diseases and maintain the general health of your kid, it is important to opt for healthier food options.
There are a plethora of delicious healthy foods that you can incorporate into your child’s diet. According to the studies published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, a well-balanced nutritious diet is essential for the maintenance of the oral and general health of children. A healthy diet includes; fruits, vegetables, dietary products like milk, eggs, cheese, beans, peas, dried fruits, nuts, grains, and protein-rich foods such as; beef, poultry and fish.
Limit the intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks to prevent the occurrence of cavities. Replace junk food with healthy snack options. To control the intake of sugar in your child’s diet, always read the food labels and choose the products that have a lower amount of added/artificial sugars.
Relationship between nutrition and oral health
The food that you choose for your children plays an essential role in determining the health of their teeth and gums. If your kiddo is snacking on a lot of sugar-filled sodas, cold drinks, pastries, or sweet candies on a daily basis, chances are he or she might develop cavities. If left untreated, these caries can lead to tooth decay, leading gums, or even periodontal infections. Bacteria present in the oral cavity thrive on sugar. Poor oral habits and snacking on excessive sugars provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and cause cavities.
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. Luckily, it can be prevented by brushing regularly with a good fluoridated toothpaste and avoiding excessive sugar or carbohydrates-rich snacks. Your child’s oral hygiene plays an important role in determining their overall health and general well-being. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet helps in keeping their oral health in check.
Providing your children with a well-balanced nutritious diet is vital to strengthen their immune system and build resistance against infections. The nutrients and minerals present in a healthy diet help to combat the diseases and maintain the overall health of kids. If your kid’s diet is lacking the essential nutrients, it becomes difficult for the mouth to fight oral bacterial infections. This contributes to decaying tooth and gum diseases that ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Eating healthy is essential for maintaining the health and beautiful smile of your children.
How to encourage your child to eat a healthy and nutritious diet?
It is important to teach your kids about maintaining oral hygiene and healthy eating habits. Here are some of the ways you can encourage them to switch to a healthier lifestyle and make smart food choices:
· Replace sugar with honey.
· Add their favorite fruits to oatmeal and cereals.
· Switch artificial juices, sodas, and cold drinks with natural home-made juices.
· Make healthy eating fun! Mix and match fruits and vegetables to make a delicious snack filled with great nutrients.
· Limit the frequency of snacking and rather treat them occasionally.
· Encourage them to maintain their oral hygiene by brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day. Make sure that they are using good-quality fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Teaching your kids about healthy eating habits, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and scheduling regular dental appointments will contribute to their well-being and good health.
Many parents are concerned about the safety and usage of fluoride toothpaste for their children. This is common and completely natural when trying to figure out what’s best for your child. When it comes to yours, it’s important to teach them about developing proper oral hygiene habits by using the right products right from the start. So they can grow and be proud their healthy and happy smiles. If you are wondering whether the use of fluoridated toothpaste is safe for your kids and toddlers, this blog post is the right place for you.
Fluoride is a mineral added to toothpaste to prevent cavities, reduce the demineralization process, limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity and prevent tooth decay. It is safe for toddlers (12 months or older) and kids to use fluoride toothpaste. However, it is extremely important to use a specified amount of toothpaste. The ideal amount is equivalent to the size of a pea (or a rice grain for under 3 years). Supervise your kids when they are brushing and set a good example by brushing with them.
What is the importance of using fluoridated toothpaste?
There is a natural protective layer covering your child’s teeth called enamel. However, the enamel can be destroyed due to excessive sugar intake or poor oral hygiene and can lead to a plethora of oral diseases. Some of these include; tooth decay and dental cavities. The accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can give rise to the formation of plaque or calculus that leads to periodontal diseases and bleeding gums.
Luckily, using fluoride toothpaste can help prevent all these diseases. Fluoride is scientifically proven to strengthen the enamel and protect it from bacterial attack. It safeguards teeth by making them stronger and resistant to acids. Non-fluoridated toothpaste doesn’t provide adequate protection against tooth decay and dental caries. This is why using fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children and toddlers.
What is the right age for my child to start using a fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the deciduous (baby) teeth erupt in your child’s mouth, start teaching them about brushing. For toddlers (12 months-3 years), it is recommended that you brush your kid’s teeth and tongue yourself gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you are using pea or rice grain sized toothpaste.
For kids (3-7 years), supervised brushing is recommended.
Do I need to worry if my child swallows the fluoride toothpaste?
Kids, being the curious creatures that they are, love to taste and swallow the tempting minty taste of fluoridated toothpaste. Being a parent, it is natural to be concerned about dental fluorosis or fluoride toxicity if your child swallows toothpaste while brushing. Fluoride is not dangerous in small amounts, like the amount in children’s toothpaste. But making sure that it is not a habit is important. It is suggested that you supervise them to prevent swallowing and keep all the toothpaste tubes out of the reach of children. Once your kiddo starts using toothpaste, encourage him/her to spit it out after brushing and rinse the mouth properly.
Brushing guidelines
Here are some tips that will help you to take care of your child’s smile:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move it gently in a circular motion to clean the inner and outer portions of teeth. Also, brush back and forth on the chewing surfaces.
Make sure to use toothpaste tubes carefully and supervise when applying tooth paste
Only use rice grain or pea size amount! And brush in gentle circular motions.
Fluoride is safe for children when ingested just don’t make it a habit!
Supervise your kids when they are brushing.
Don’t forget to clean the tongue!
Make it fun! Sing along with your kids when they are brushing their teeth to make it more enjoyable. You can also brush along them to encourage them for tooth brushing and make it a fun regimen. Let them play or bring their favorite toys while tooth brushing. Remember to be patient with little angels as it takes them some time to learn and adapt to tooth brushing.
Hope the above tips prove to be helpful for you. For any queries or concerns, visit your nearest pediatric dentist immediately. Happy brushing!
How to Educate Your Child on Healthy Oral Care Habits
A promising future demands a solid foundation, just as healthy teeth require the best possible dental care during childhood. It’s a well-known fact that children learn very quickly. Childhood practices can have a long-term effect on a child’s health. According to the American Dental Association, early dental visits are recommended for children as soon as their first milk tooth erupts. The benefits of taking your youngster to the dentist on a regular basis are undeniable. Education and learning are essential for long and healthy life. In this article, we will assist in learning simple techniques to educate your youngster about good teeth and oral health.
Set an Example
Children observe their parents and learn from their surroundings. It’s the responsibility of parents to set a positive example in front of their kids. The parent should brush along with the kids. The children will observe your brushing technique, timing and style. Remind children about brushing time, flossing, and other oral health practices.
Reward your child
The most efficient method of child learning is through reward and reinforcement. Give your child a small reward for adopting good habits. For reinforcement keep reminding the brushing time, flossing and other oral health tips.
Playful brushing
With innovation in pediatric dentistry, the Playful Toothbrush system is introduced. In playful brushing, a LED screen is attached with the brushing tool. The child can view each brushing stock and enjoy the brushing like a game. The new brushing technology can educate the children and motivate them to adopt good oral health.
Healthy Diet
Having a healthy diet is essential to living a long, happy life. Likewise, good nutritional food improves oral health and keeps their teeth strong. Encourage your children to eat more fiber vegetables and fruits, and limit the number of times they snack. Ask your youngster to minimize their intake of sweets, chocolates, and acidic beverages, such as sodas, juices, and sports drinks.
Animated Apps and stories
Cartoons and animations are popular among children. If you’re looking to teach your child how to brush and floss, there are a number of applications that might assist you. At the same time, your children are having fun and learning.
When it comes to your child’s long-term health, educating your child on healthy oral care habits is critical. Give the six-month dental checkup to a Pediatric dentist. Motivate your youngster to take better care of their teeth and gums.
Why You Should Bring Your Child to A Pediatric Dentist
When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth, you can’t compromise on the quality of treatment. The pediatric dentist is someone your child should see on a frequent basis to ensure their dental health. A pediatric dentist is a specialized dentist skilled in child oral health. The benefits of taking your child to the pediatric dentist can’t be overstated.
Professional Education
A pediatric dentist has an expert qualification in the relevant field. They are qualified in children’s oral health as well as children’s dental care. The pediatric dentist can deal or address many of the situations that can arise in children’s oral health with their skills and expertise. Children have a specific growth period, and the pediatric dentist has an in-depth understanding of children’s development and growth changes which they can utilize to ensure your child’s oral health.
Relevant Skills
Dentistry is all about skills, knowledge and practice. A Pediatric dentist can better understand the oral health problem of your child and provide immediate dental solutions. They can deal with child cavities, teeth staining, and all teeth eruption problems. Moreover, pediatric dentists can treat children with particular needs or disabilities in their practice.
Early Detection of Oral Problems
A pediatric dentist can identify problems early and prevent them from worsening. They have all the diagnostic instruments necessary to diagnose and treat dental disorders with the utmost care and attention. The pediatric dentist not only heals the problem but also educates and encourages children to adopt healthy dental practices.
Pediatric Means Experience in Child Care
Children’s teeth have a very different anatomy from adults’ teeth. The child possesses two sets of teeth. The first teeth are milk teeth that erupt at six months of age, followed by the permanent teeth at two years of age. Pediatric dentists are familiar with dental disorders and can treat all gum and tooth problems. They are proficient in the use of small dental equipment and specialized dental tools for pediatric dental treatment. Children feel more confident and cooperative with the pediatric dentists and learn to enjoy their oral treatment.
Behavior Support
The pediatric dental office is the optimal location for educating and treating your child’s oral health concerns. The vibrant charts, cartoons, and animation all have a significant effect on your child’s health. A youngster is driven and energized when it comes to oral health. Additionally, the pediatric dentist can comprehend children’s behavior and treat them appropriately. For strong healthy teeth and gums, bring your youngster to a professional Pediatric dentist!
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), is a clear liquid that combines the antibacterial effects of silver and the re-mineralizing effects of fluoride, is a promising therapeutic agent for managing caries lesions in young children and those with special care needs. The fluoride component strengthens the tooth structure under attack by the acid byproducts of bacterial metabolism, decreasing its solubility, but SDF may also interfere with the biofilm, killing bacteria that cause the local environmental imbalance that demineralizes dental tissues.
The benefits of SDF are:
Safe—clinical trials that have used it in more than 3800 individuals have reported no serious adverse events
Effective—arrests approximately 80% of treated lesions
Efficient—can be applied by health professionals in different health and community settings with minimal preparation in less than 1 minute
Timely—its ease of application can allow its use as an intervention agent as soon as the problem is diagnosed
Patient centered—is minimally invasive and painless
Equitable—its application is equally effective and affordable
The only apparent drawback is that as the caries lesions become arrested, the precipitation of silver byproducts in the dental tissues stain the lesions black, which can be a deterrent for its use in esthetic areas. The other side effect is staining of the oral tissues which is temporary as it does not penetrate deeper layers of skin and it improves as the mucosa sheds.
The concept of Minimally Invasive dentistry has evolved as a consequence of our increased understanding of the caries process and the development of adhesive restorative materials. MID aims to preserve original tissue and conserve healthy tooth structure. The philosophy or early detection of caries and treating the cause of caries to prevent the disease is an important part of minimally invasive dentistry.
The important aspects of minimally invasive dentistry are.
Accurate diagnosis of the risk of disease and lesions
Primary prevention
Just in time, restoration – early diagnosis and intervention
Less invasive operative procedures
Secondary prevention
In pediatric dentistry the MID helps in building a more positive relationship between the dental visits and the child. It reduces their anxiety and enhances comfort and helps children become more confident and relaxed during their dental visits. The treatment is performed with minimal or no drilling. The most important aspect is early diagnosis, every 6 months dental visit is very important (it is covered by a100% with most insurances, please use your benefits).
The key components of MID are:
Fluoride varnish – Children receiving fluoride varnish applications have 37%-43% reduction in dental caries
Sealants – It offers up to 76% protection from pit and fissure caries
Silver Diamine Fluoride – it can arrest upto80% of the treated lesions
Resin infiltration technique – It can re-mineralize the proximal non cavitated lesions and coupled with fluoride can reduce the progress of proximal lesion (23%)
SMART restorations – Use of glass ionomer restorative material after arresting with SDF and involving no or minimal drill use
Hall Crown – Hall technique is use of stainless-steel crowns to restore the primary back teeth after arresting with SDF and no drilling.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone globally in their day-to-day activities – even when it comes to what was once a simple visit to the dentist. People find themselves questioning if their actions are safe.
“Insider” (9/18, Michelson) said, “Yes, it’s safe to go to the dentist.” The article explained that “there has been no evidence of coronavirus transmission in dental offices since many reopened in May,” and dental offices have safety precautions in place to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. “Our first job is to be sure that our patients are safe,” ADA President Chad P. Gehani told Insider. “If we did not think that the patients were safe, we simply would not go to the office at all. We would not have even done the emergency care in the months of March, April, and May.”
In an opinion piece for the Bangor Daily News (9/22), Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, a former ADA vice president and past president of the Maine Dental Association, said that since the coronavirus pandemic began, “there still isn’t a single known case of transmission of coronavirus in a dental setting between a patient and dental staff member,” which he attributes “to adherence to strict infection control guidelines that have long been in place in dental offices.” Dr. Shenkin added that “dental offices are one of the safest health care facilities for the public to be, and dental care should remain an essential health care service as the pandemic continues.”
The Daily Targum (NJ) (9/22, Chung) reported that dental visits are safe during the pandemic due to the safety protocols in place, said Dr. Cecile Feldman, dean of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. “For decades, we’ve been very particular with regard to the personal protective equipment that we use,” Dr. Feldman said. “And all the evidence shows that if you’re using the right protective equipment, people are protected.” Dr. Feldman also emphasized the importance of continuing to receive dental care at this time.
An October 2020 report published in Journal of American Dental Association found that fewer than one percent of dentists nationwide were found to be COVID-19 positive and 99 percent of dentists were using enhanced infection control procedures such as screening protocols and enhanced disinfection practices when treating patients. The ADA has developed science-based guidance to dentists on extra steps they can take
Protecting You During the Pandemic is Our Priority
In the Waiting Area
Daily Temperature checks for every staff and patients
Covid 19 Screening and monitoring
All the high touch surfaces are wiped more frequently (after every patient)
Spacious waiting area and all seating and wall toys wiped after every patient
Safe scheduling of patients with no or minimal overlap between two patients/families
Social distancing in schedule and in the waiting area
Wearing mask is required for everyone entering the clinic including staff – It is our top priority to keep you, your child, other patients and our staff safe from the minute you walk in the door. With this in mind, we require all staff, patients and visitors to wear masks to help prevent any airborne germs from spreading.
HEPA and UV air filters in waiting area and the clinic
Clean hands are also important. That is why we provide a hand sanitizer station in our lobby and at various locations in the office.
In the Clinic
At Pediatric Dentist at West Cary, our dental staff is supplied with personal protective equipment (commonly referred to as PPE), which consists of different equipment that dental care providers wear to protect them from germs spread through blood, saliva or airborne particles. For some treatments, face shields may also be worn. Most of these items are disposable, used for only one patient and thrown away after use.
Control of aerosol with high vacuum suction and air circulation with HEPA filters in the treatment rooms.
Hand sanitizing stations throughout the clinic
All surfaces in the treatment area, like chairs, countertops, and light handles, are disinfected between patients.
Behind the Scenes
Rest assured; any instruments used during your treatment is autoclaved
Even the quality of the water used during your dental treatment must be monitored. Water from the dental unit must be the same quality as drinking water and we use DentaPure for clean water
Ready to Book Your Child’s Visit With Us?
We want you to know at Pediatric Care at West Cary, safety is our first priority and we want you and your child to feel comfortable visiting us and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Book your appointment online, or call (919) 617-7878 today!
This information has been gathered from the following resources.
