In his book Think Like a Monk, Jay Shetty explains that he lived in a Monastery in India for three years, and on his first day there, he was shown the importance of learning how to breathe properly. And while breathing is an essential part of life, did you know that it can also have a significant impact on our dental health? Although often overlooked as a factor in our overall health and well-being, recent studies have shown that the way we breathe can affect our oral health in a variety of ways.
What is the Right Way to Breathe?
The right way of breathing is to take slow, deep breaths from our diaphragm, rather than shallow breaths from our chest. This type of breathing helps to relax our body and mind and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help to improve our overall health and well-being.
While it is very common, it’s not recommended to breathe through the mouth. Breathing through the nose is the preferred method as it helps to filter and warm the air before it enters the lungs. Now we are going to teach you the correct way of breathing to provide our bodies with better oxygenation:
In through our nose, take a deep and gentle breath.
While inhaling, get the air down into the belly, expanding our lower ribs, not our chest.
And then back out through our nose, exhaling slightly longer than we inhale.
How Can Breathing Affect Oral Health?
The correct way of breathing for oral health is to breathe through the nose. This helps to filter and warm the air before it enters the lungs and can help to reduce the risk of dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and other oral health issues. Additionally, it can help to reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
The first thing to understand is that breathing is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, and it can also have a profound effect on our mental health. Recent research has shown that the way we breathe can influence our emotional state and even our cognitive abilities. By understanding the science behind breathing and its effects on the brain, we can use this knowledge to improve our mental health.
For example, when we are stressed or anxious, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid. This type of breathing can lead to increased levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, headaches, severe fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and weight gain.
On the other hand, slow, deep breathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety and can help to improve focus and concentration. Additionally, it can help to reduce the symptoms of depression, provide a stronger respiratory function and better immune system, balance blood pressure, and help you find deep sleep.
The Connection Between Breathing, The Nervous System, and Overall Health
Breathing has a direct impact on the regulation of the nervous system. Deep-paced breathing can help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and helping your body continue with the functions that don’t involve risk or danger but are still key in keeping you alive and healthy.
On the other hand, shallow, rapid breathing can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response. By consciously controlling the breath, it is possible to regulate the nervous system.
In Conscious Breathing, Anders Olson says, “By taking control of our breathing, we can influence our thoughts and feelings, our internal organs such as the heart in the brain, as well as our bodily functions such as digestion and immune system.”
When we breathe, we take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is essential for our bodies to function properly. When we don’t get enough oxygen, our bodies become stressed, and our immune system weakens. With a lack of oxygen, we may feel shortness of breath, headache, and confusion.
Breathing Techniques
There are several breathing techniques that can be implemented to help improve our health. These include diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, and pursed-lip breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm, while abdominal breathing involves focusing on the movement of the abdomen as you inhale and exhale. Pursed-lip breathing involves breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth while pursing the lips.
Breathwork is another type of therapy that uses conscious breathing techniques to help improve physical, mental, and emotional health. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase energy levels. Breathwork can also help to improve overall well-being and promote relaxation.
A New Way to Calm the Fear of Going to the Dentist
If you notice your child is afraid of their next dental appointment or in any daily life situation, you can help them get back into the present with the next breathwork exercise to calm and relax:
Find a comfortable position to sit or lay down in, close your eyes, roll back your shoulders, and bring your awareness to the present moment, maybe focus on the AC sound or cars passing by.
Whenever your mind wanders, gently and softly bring it back to calm, balance, ease, stillness, and peace.
Now become aware of your natural breathing pattern. Don’t force or pressure your breath; just become aware of your natural breathing pattern.
Breathe in through your nose (4 counts)
Hold (4 counts)
Exhale through your mouth (4 counts)
Repeat (10 reps)
Sometimes the answer to most of our troubles is as simple as stopping to take in some air. Let’s teach that to our kids to help improve their oral and overall health.
Children typically begin to lose their primary (baby) teeth around the age of 6 or 7. This process of losing baby teeth and growing permanent teeth normally continues until around age 12 or 13, although it can vary from child to child.
The order in which children lose their teeth can also vary, but the front teeth are typically lost first, followed by the molars and canines. As permanent teeth come in, they may cause some discomfort or pain, and it’s common for children to experience some swelling or sensitivity in the gums.
Parents must encourage good dental hygiene during this time to help prevent tooth decay and ensure that the permanent teeth come in properly. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and regular visits to the dentist.
When your child’s tooth is loose, it’s important to encourage them to wiggle it gently with their fingers or tongue. This can help to loosen it further and make it easier for it to fall out naturally. It’s generally not a good idea to pull out the tooth prematurely, as this can cause pain, and bleeding, and increase the risk of infection.
What to do when the tooth is getting loose?
Here we will like to share some additional tips for managing a loose tooth:
Encourage your child to eat soft foods that are less likely to get stuck between teeth or cause pain.
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help soothe any soreness or irritation.
Remind your child to brush and floss gently around the loose tooth, being careful not to dislodge it.
If your child experiences pain or discomfort, you can give them over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by their healthcare provider.
If the loose tooth is causing significant discomfort or bleeding, or if it has been loose for a prolonged period without falling out, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist to ensure that everything is okay and to discuss any necessary treatment options.
Ideal foods for loose teeth
Here are some ideas for foods that are gentle on the teeth and gums:
Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons
Boiled or grilled vegetables such as green beans, sweet potatoes, and carrots
Soups and broths
Soft grains like oatmeal, rice, and quinoa
Scrambled eggs or tofu
Yogurt or smoothies
Pudding or Jell-O
Soft cheese
Mashed pumpkin, potatoes, or sweet potatoes
Pasta or noodles
It’s also important to encourage your child to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to avoid sugary or sticky foods that can get stuck in between teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay.
When the tooth falls out
If your child loses a tooth, we’d like to share some natural ways to relieve the pain of losing a tooth:
Saltwater rinses: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help soothe any soreness or irritation. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and have your child swish it around in their mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Ice pack: Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 10-15 minutes can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. You can wrap it in a towel or cloth to avoid an ice burn on the skin.
Clove oil: You can apply a drop or two of clove oil to a cotton swab and gently apply it to the affected area. Clove oil is known as a natural analgesic.
Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation and soothe sore gums. You can apply a small amount of honey to the affected area, mix it with warm water, and use it as a rinse.
Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe sore gums. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool before using it as a rinse.
Remember, these natural remedies can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of losing a tooth but are not a substitute for professional dental care.
What to do with the tooth?
After your child’s tooth falls out, there are a few things you can do with the tooth:
Keep the tooth: If your child’s tooth falls out naturally, you should try to keep it, as it can help identify any dental problems or abnormalities that may need attention. If the tooth is clean and intact, you can put it in a small container or bag and label it with the date it fell out.
According to a survey conducted by Dentistry Today, 24% of parents save their child’s teeth to use their stem cells if the child needs them for health reasons such as restoration of the pulp tissue, regeneration of periodontal ligaments, or even to regenerate teeth.
Celebrate the occasion: Losing a tooth is a milestone for many kids, and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate and create special memories.
It’s getting more common for people to create small family rituals with their kids using their lost teeth. Teeth are cells (just like hair and nails), so they represent part of our energy; you can get your child to pick up flowers from your garden, take some grains from the kitchen, or even add a strain of your hair, and together you can dig a hole on your back yard to make a little offering to Mother Earth showing gratitude for life, health and the imminent growth of the child that lost the tooth. You can invite your family to get creative and add drawings, music, and prayers to make it a fun experience for everyone while they get to connect with the earth.
Dispose of the tooth: If you choose not to keep the tooth, you can dispose of it in the trash or bury it (ritual not included) in the garden. Just be sure to clean the area thoroughly to avoid attracting pests.
Remember, losing a tooth is a Rite of Passage, and while it can be a little scary or uncomfortable for some kids, it’s important to reassure them that it’s a normal and healthy process. If you have any concerns about your child’s dental health or if they are experiencing any significant pain or discomfort, be sure to consult with their pediatric dentist.
In the oral health world, sedation dentistry is a relatively new concept gaining popularity with patients anxious or fearful of dental procedures. In this kind of dentistry, a patient can receive treatment without the risk of feeling pain or discomfort. Since it is one of our specialties, we decided to cover it to an extent to help you release any doubts.
Sedation dentistry is a safe technique that uses sedatives to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures, and it is suitable for people who have a high level of anxiety or fear of the dentist, people with gag reflex, those with special needs, or those who have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia. It is also suitable for people who need to have a longer procedure or multiple procedures done in one dental visit.
What Are the Levels of Sedation?
The main types of sedation used in dentistry are oral, inhaled, and intravenous.
Oral sedation is the most commonly used type of sedation. It involves taking a pill before the procedure that helps the patient be put into a state of deep relaxation. Sometimes, the patient can fall asleep during the visit but can be easily woken up. If the patient uses this kind of sedation, they might need to be supervised after the procedure to check no side effects appear.
Inhaled sedation involves using nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help the patient relax. This sedation is the safest option for patients (ranging from kids to adults). When you inhale the medication, you enter a state that allows you to lower your anxiety and pain threshold while remaining awake. This is considered the quickest option to feel the sedative’s effects and have it wear off completely soon after leaving your dentist’s office.
Lastly, intravenous sedation involves using drugs administered directly into the bloodstream to produce a more profound sedation effect. It is administered by the dentist through an IV, which gives the professional the option of amp or lowering the medication according to necessity. This technique can either make the patient feel very droopy but aware of their environment or put them under general anesthesia, making them entirely unconscious. The last case is used to help patients with high levels of anxiety feel more comfortable, as well as in cases where the patient has to endure complex and extended dental procedures.
Why Is Sedation Dentistry Used for Kids?
One of the primary benefits of sedation dentistry for children is that it can help them relax and make them more comfortable during a dental procedure. Having the children feel less scared and more confident about dental treatments can help them to build a positive relationship with the dentist.
Here are other ways in which it might benefit you to choose sedation for your family:
As previously mentioned, it benefits kids as it helps reduce their fear and anxiety during dental treatments. This is especially important for children who may have had a traumatic experience in the past or are being treated for a complex condition.
It ensures that the child remains comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure, allowing the dentist to work more efficiently and effectively, ultimately bringing a better quality of work.
Instead of becoming a dreadful experience, sedation can shorten the dental visit and more manageable for the child, allowing them to get the dental care they need without feeling overwhelmed or scared.
This practice can also reduce the risk of injury as the child is less likely to resist or move during the procedure.
Sedation dentistry can help reduce pain during the procedure, making the experience more pleasant for the child and allowing them to get the dental care they need more comfortably.
What Should I Consider Before Sedation Dentistry?
Consent and knowledge are always important when discussing any treatment involving our physical bodies and health, more so if it’s referring to our children. Before choosing a medical method, you talk to your dentist about any questions you might have about the procedure, the type of sedation, the medication to be used, and their professional experience working with these meds and techniques.
Before the appointment -in case of being a new patient- is usually that the dentist executes a pre-sedation check-up, where they will inquire about the age, health background, level of fear (if there is any diagnosis of high anxiety/mental health), or special need of the patient. Here they will also contemplate the kind of procedure the patient will undergo in order to make a recommendation to the patient or their legal guardians.
While there is no final proof about the necessity of fasting before sedation, some professionals do work with the 2-4-6 fasting rule, which indicates that the amount of time to fast before the dental visit is 2 hours for clear fluids, 4 hours for breast milk, and 6 hours for solid foods.
Recommendations for parents whose children struggled with fear of the dentist
If you are the parent of a kid who suffers from anxiety at the simple idea of visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, we would suggest talking to your child’s dentist about ways to make the dental visit less stressful, such as providing a calming atmosphere in the office (i.e., our practices counts with playgrounds for our young patients, fish tanks and even tv screens to keep them entertain and calm), offering reassurances throughout the visit, and allowing the child to take breaks as needed. It may also be helpful to find a dentist experienced in pediatric dentistry.
And the more you make oral health an everyday thing in your home, going to recare appointments will become usual. For more tips on dealing with your child’s fear of the dentist, we invite you to check our previous article.
As parents, one of our biggest concerns is maintaining our children’s health to guarantee their well-being and chances of success in this world. But, when we think about taking care of their oral health, we usually do it to fix a current problem such as a cavity or to achieve a perfect smile as we mostly view our dental care as an esthetic issue, meaning that we avoid going to the dentist’s office unless we have reached a situation that brings us either pain or messes up our image.
And though having a beautiful smile can have a wonderful effect on boosting our self-esteem, helping maintain our emotional well-being by increasing our self-confidence, and helping us create stronger connections with the people in our lives, we often forget how our dental health can impact our overall health.
Cavities and Tooth decay
While cavities tend to be the most common issue in children in America, when they are not treated correctly and in due time, the cavities can transform into tooth decay which not only affects a child’s physical appearance and speech, causing shyness or limitations in their social interactions but can also cause infections, that brings along significant pain. Having a mouth infection can bring issues in your child’s mood, mental well-being, capacity to sleep, and learning abilities. And in some cases, tooth loss has also been related to both weight loss and obesity as a person gets older.
Doctors are also noticing a connection between a lack of good oral health practices with suffering heart conditions since mouth infections can cause inflammation in the heart and its valves. Meaning, having inflammation due to tooth loss or gum disease can translate into Endocarditis and Cardiovascular disease.
Maintaining health in Pandemic times
We are aware of how our lives have changed and continue to change in pandemic times, which has led many of us to take a lot more precautions around any type of respiratory conditions that could endanger our little ones’ bodies and immune systems to get sick.
A good dental practice is an easy way of prevention since oral bacteria have also been linked with causing Pneumonia by passing the bacteria from the mouth to the lungs, which can either cause the condition or worsen it.
Diet and the pleasure of taste
Nutrition is a big part of this too. When we suffer from oral pain, our capacity to enjoy our diet is compromised, and so is our digestive system. If we can’t chew our food properly we may experience stomach aches, a lower capacity to process the nutrients we consume, intestine failure, irritable bowel syndrome, or many other digestive issues.
And, if we live in constant pain, we decide to opt for foods that are easier to chew instead of what they give us in dietary value or even in enjoyment; the quality of nourishment and pleasure our bodies receive goes down the drain when avoiding discomfort becomes the priority.
Cancer, eating disorders, immune system disorders, pregnancy complications, and low weight at birth are also side effects of complications due to poor oral care.
Prevention is the key
Although fixing a cavity can seem as easy as making an appointment in your dental office, the price to pay for the pain and all the side effects the condition can cause in your daily life simply doesn’t make sense if they are avoidable.
Living with pain or even an emergency visit to the dentist can signify missing school which also leads to poorer school performance. So, when we talk about oral health we are indeed talking about the increase or decrease in the quality of life of your family. And while in the past few paragraphs, we’ve explored the infinite ways in which dental health can influence our general health and your children’s, our focus is to showcase how it can also help us prevent many of these cases.
By teaching and implementing good oral hygiene practices into our daily lives, as well as our kids’ lives, we can create a positive change in our overall health.
A good dental health practice
Some of the ways you can do this are:
-Teach your kids how to brush their teeth for at least two minutes after every meal.
-Don’t forget brushing their tongues is part of brushing their teeth.
-Make sure to get a new toothbrush every three months.
-Use dental floss every night before bed.
-Introduce water as your child’s main hydrating beverage.
-Include Vitamins A and C in your kid’s diet helps prevent gum disease.
-Avoid sugary foods, especially between meals. Candy is best consumed after meals, not as snacks.
-Schedule periodic check-ups at your dentist’s office. Twice a year seems to be an appropriate minimum.
-Apply Dental sealants to your kids as a prevention measure. They are shown to avoid cavities in 80% of the cases in the first two years after applying.
-Be aware of bad breath, bleeding, or discomfort of your child in case of needing dental care outside of the periodic check-ups.
Make it fun
And remember that the best way to teach your kids about incorporating new practices in their lives is not by telling them to, but by showing them your example. You can make your dental health time a fun way to share family time with games, songs or simply spending time together.
When you make dental care a fun thing to do, and you choose to work with professionals in pediatric dentistry that are committed to making their space and practice an enjoyable experience for your kids, you don’t have to worry about them being afraid or refusing to go to their check-ups. To learn more, check out our previous article on the importance of re-care appointments.
When you have a child that uses braces, finding brace-friendly meals and snacks can be challenging. The first few weeks or months can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to feed them or how to cater to their needs. The good news is that when your child gets new braces, the first week of orthodontic therapy is actually the worst for your child’s teeth. Your child’s mouth will have sore teeth, just like yours would after you receive dental work. But it’s just temporary, so here are some suggestions on meals and snacks you can give your child that they can enjoy with their braces on! We are also including some easy school lunch ideas you can try out for your little one.
Dos and Don’ts
Before we dive into the snack and meal ideas, it’s important to go over the basic dos and don’ts of foods for kids with braces. When your toddler or teen wears braces, they can still consume most of their favorite foods. However, their teeth could be a little sensitive after getting their braces put on and during subsequent adjustments. Up until the soreness goes away, it can be good to instruct them to avoid chewing on hard foods and to stick to soft foods, cold foods, and beverages.
It’s actually less about what to eat with braces and more about how to eat with braces when your child is ready to resume their regular diet. Food should be chopped or broken into bite-sized pieces for them to chew using their back teeth. They shouldn’t use their front teeth to tear at or bite into food.
Certain foods should be avoided when wearing braces, especially anything extremely tough, chewy, or sticky. When you have brackets and wires in your mouth, many of these foods are not only difficult to chew, but they can also harm your braces and necessitate a repair appointment.
Sticky foods to avoid when wearing braces:
Caramels
Starburst
Taffy
Toffee
Tootsie Rolls
Gum that contains sugar
Hard foods to avoid when wearing braces:
Popcorn (the unpopped kernels can damage braces)
Nuts
Hard taco shells
Pizza crust
Hard rolls
Hard candy
Corn chips
Ice
Chewy foods to avoid when wearing braces:
Very chewy bagels
Beef jerky
Licorice
Foods that require biting into:
Whole, raw apples and carrots (cut them into small, thin slices)
Corn on the cob (take it off the cob)
Meat on the bone (take it off the bone)
Healthy Snacks for Kids with Braces
The following is a list of brace-friendly snacks that you can grab from any grocery store at pretty much any time of the year:
Dairy products like cottage cheese, string cheese and soft cheese triangles
Whole apples (hard fruits and whole fruit should be cut into small pieces)
Soft fruits like bananas, watermelon, berries or citrus fruits are great healthy snacks to get vitamin C into your child’s diet
A sweet treat every now and then like ice cream or soft cookies is ok to satisfy that sweet tooth
Crackers or potato chips (cut them into small bite-sized pieces)
Jello cups
Easy & Brace-Friendly School Lunch Ideas
Foods high in protein are an excellent way to keep your kid full all day. Excellent choices include:
Hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced cucumber with dressing, and a muffin
Tuna
Deli meats
Egg or chicken salad sandwich on soft sandwich bread and a clementine
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, sliced strawberries and a pudding cup
Pita bread with hummus, edamame and diced peaches
Turkey and cheese pinwheels (turkey cold cuts and cheese slices on a soft tortilla shell, rolled up and sliced into rounds), cherry tomatoes and veggie crisps
Marinated and baked strips of tofu, soft baked potato or wedges, and blueberries
Burrito bowl (beans, rice, shredded meat or tofu, salsa and avocado)
Pancakes with a nut butter of your choice, fresh berries and some yoghurt
Quinoa or couscous mixed with leftover roasted veggies and balsamic dressing, string cheese and a Jello cup
Veggie burger on a soft roll with sweet potato fries (or a bag of soft chips)
Cheese quesadilla with guacamole and/or salsa, and a banana
Whole wheat crackers (like Ritz), cottage cheese, and a fruit cup
Oatmeal and cubes of watermelon
Pasta salad, grapes, and a soft cookie
Pasta with meatballs and some snap peas
Greek yogurt, berries, and their favorite cereal
Salad made of sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, a soft bun, and applesauce
Bean and cheese burrito with some leftover veggies
Mashed chickpea salad (mash chickpeas with a fork and mix in some mayo, sliced grapes, and thinly shredded carrots), soft pita slices, and a fruit cup
Peanut butter and banana pinwheels (slices of banana and peanut butter on a soft tortilla shell, rolled up and sliced into rounds, steamed peas and carrots, and a yogurt cup
It’s also critical to maintain your child’s oral health, so you’ll want to ensure that any food particles in their teeth are removed after eating. If your child has crunchy snacks, hard candies, etc., they run the risk of breaking their brackets or injuring their braces, so it’s best to avoid these things. Sending your child to school with a toothbrush and toothpaste is a great way for them to keep their braces and mouth clean after lunch or snacks during school hours. Also, having plenty of water by their side is a great way to make sure they are staying hydrated (drinking water also rinses their mouths of food particles after they eat, so this is important). Steer clear of drinks that are high in sugar, like sports drinks, soda, and many fruit juices. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to their water bottle to keep them feeling hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
We are here to take care of your child’s every dental need, so please call us at 801-948-8880 to book a consultation for your child today!
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