Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is crucial for children’s overall health and confidence. As parents, knowing how often your child should brush their teeth can help prevent some problems, like:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Infections
• Diverse oral health problems that might stem from cavities, such as impaired eating and speaking

In this article, we will explore more about the best brushing practices for kids, such as how many times children need to brush their teeth daily, the differences between brushing once, twice, or three times a day, and practical tips to encourage good dental habits for life.

Why should children brush their teeth?

When you brush your children’s teeth, you remove plaque. Plaque includes a sticky, bacteria-filled film and food particles that accumulate throughout the day. If plaque is not removed daily, it causes tooth decay (also known as cavities), gum inflammation, and bad breath.

Children are especially prone to cavities because they snack frequently and consume sugary drinks. An early brushing routine protects teeth as they grow and develop.

How often should children brush? The professional recommendation

Main dental organizations recommend that children brush their teeth twice daily: once in the morning, and once before bedtime.

But why? Let’s find out the difference between brushing once, twice, and three times a day. 

What about brushing once a day?

Brushing once a day is definitely better than no brushing at all. However, it’s not enough if you want to provide optimum oral hygiene for your kids. One daily brushing session can leave plaque on teeth for too long, potentially resulting in cavities and gum problems. As a parent, you can assist your children in brushing twice daily to most effectively prevent these problems.

Is brushing three times a day better?

Three daily brushings (after meals) are routinely recommended for children with a higher need. Higher dental needs include children with:

• Dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns
• Braces
• History of cavities

Three daily brushings can also reduce tooth decay risk and improve overall oral health, especially in teenagers and children at high risk for dental problems.

However, if your kid needs to brush three times a day, you’ll want to do it with care to avoid damaging the tooth enamel. For example, after having acidic foods and drinks, you need to wait for about 30 minutes after the meal to brush. In this case, brushing immediately after eating wears away enamel.

Consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush and brushing gently to protect your kid’s enamel and teeth.

Is two the perfect number for brushing?

For most children, twice daily is sufficient and ideal. Two times a day is the minimum routine for brushing away food debris and plaque buildup and maintaining healthy gums and teeth:

• The morning brush clears bacteria and food debris from breakfast
• The night brushing washes the teeth after dinner and evening snacks

This twice-a-day routine prevents overnight plaque buildup and tooth decay. This frequency is also a balance between being strong enough to break down damaging buildup without wearing away tooth enamel, especially when brushing with good technique and timing. If your kid brushes their teeth twice a day, it might significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities, gum disease, and other dental complications.

Other considerations

Although it can be time-consuming, it helps to stay consistent with your child’s brushing routine. Kids need gentle reminders and your example to start doing it on their own. Additionally, consider the technique, time, and the age of your kid.

Brushing time and technique are as crucial as frequency

Two factors to take into consideration when brushing are the duration and method, as they can make a significant difference. Children must:

• Brush for at least two minutes per session to get all the tooth surfaces properly cleaned.
• Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles suitable for children’s smaller mouths.
• Gently brush in circles on the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces of all the teeth.
• Use an adequate amount of toothpaste.
• Young children require supervision to be capable of brushing effectively and not swallowing toothpaste.

As a parent, you need to be present in creating a twice-a-day routine for your kids, ensuring their teeth are properly brushed, and helping them have a good time while doing so.

Age-specific recommendations

Here are some recommendations for different age gaps.

• Infants (6-12 months): Wipe gums with a soft cloth and brush teeth once a day as soon as the first tooth erupts.
• Toddlers (1-2 years): Begin twice a day brushing with a small smear of toothpaste.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Brush twice a day and promote independence, still assisting as needed.
• School-Age Children (6-12 years): Twice a day brushing to continue. Provide parental supervision to ensure a good technique.
• Adolescents (13+ years): Brush twice a day on their own; more frequent brushing should be encouraged for orthodontic care.

As you can see, as soon as a new tooth erupts, you need to start a routine with your kid for brushing twice a day.

Achieve optimum oral health for your children and for you

To achieve optimum oral health, children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. So, remember:

• Brushing once a day is not enough.
• While brushing three times a day can have additional benefits (especially for high-risk children), you should try to avoid eroding the enamel by brushing softly.
• Avoid brushing immediately after a meal, especially after consuming acidic foods.
• Two times a day is usually the perfect number: create a routine for your children to care for their teeth.

Parents play a significant role in encouraging healthy habits. These habits set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. You play a vital role in maintaining your child’s healthy smile.

Sources:

• AAP: Maintaining and Improving the Oral Health of Young Children
• Columbia University Irving Medical Center: Brushing immediately after meals? You may want to wait

The post How many times do you need to brush your teeth? appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

Step 1: Morning Routine

You can start with a healthy breakfast, encouraging your child to eat a balanced meal to start the day, including foods rich in calcium, like yogurt or cheese, to promote strong teeth. Here are some ideas:

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s also great for teeth.
• Oatmeal with Banana: Make oatmeal with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which supports healthy gums.

Also, before heading out the door, ensure your child brushes their teeth for two minutes and flosses to remove any food particles trapped between their teeth. Sometimes the way to make sure a child follows a set routine is to include some fun morning routine Ideas like:

• Brushing Jam Session: Turn toothbrushing into a mini dance party by playing your child’s favorite tunes. They can groove to the music while brushing their teeth.
• Toothbrush Timer Challenge: Use a sand timer or a smartphone app with a timer to make brushing for two minutes more engaging. Challenge your child to finish brushing before the timer runs out.

Step 2: Pack a Dental-Friendly Lunch

Lunch will be the time of the day when you don’t have any control over your child’s behavior, so it’s important to support them with the right tools and options to make wise decisions about their health.

You can include crunchy veggies, like carrots or celery in your child’s lunchbox. Remember that chewing on crunchy veggies can help clean teeth naturally. Make sure to also limit sugary snacks, while packing them, avoid sugary treats, and opt for healthy alternatives like nuts, seeds, or sugar-free gum.

Creating a pleasurable experience makes a big difference. Here are some lunchbox creativity ideas:

• Shape Cutouts: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes from whole grain sandwiches, cheese slices, and fruit. It adds a creative touch to their lunch.
• Veggie Pops: Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces and provide toothpick “pops” along with a healthy dip like hummus.

For more tips on maintaining a healthy lunch menu throughout the school year, check out our previous blog article Healthy School Lunches & Other Back to School Dental Tips

Step 3: Hydration is Key

Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated, reducing the risk of dry mouth and bad breath.

A way to make water more flavorful is to infuse water with slices of fruits like lemon or cucumber to make it more appealing and refreshing.

Another technique to encourage regular water consumption is to let your child pick out a reusable water bottle with their favorite design; this will not only help the environment but will also save you some money.

Step 4: After-School Routine

If your child has an after-school snack, make sure they brush their teeth afterward. This prevents the buildup of plaque and reduces the risk of cavities.

The easiest way for you to feel confident in your child taking care of their own dental health when alone at school is to make him interested in it and after-school activities are ideal for that.

Have a “dental art” session once a week, where your child can draw pictures of healthy teeth or create a dental-themed craft project. After finishing, discuss the importance of oral hygiene.

Step 5: Evening Routine

As part of the evening routine, have your child brush and floss their teeth again before bedtime. Focus on making the routines enjoyable instead of a chore. You can try incorporating some quality time to bond with the kids, so activities could be:

• Family Toothbrushing Time: Brush and floss your teeth alongside your child. It’s a great way to bond and ensure they are brushing correctly.
• Bedtime Story: Incorporate reading into the bedtime routine. After brushing and flossing, read a story together to wind down. You can even choose a children’s book that features characters taking care of their teeth.

Remember that flossing is a crucial part of maintaining dental health. If you’d like more tips on this, check out How to Get Your Child to Floss

Step 6: Promote Good Habits

Children are like sponges, so leading by example is a must. Since they often mimic their parents, be sure to demonstrate good oral hygiene habits yourself.

A great way to promote good habits is to create a reward system. Reward systems are highly beneficial in encouraging positive behavior and habits, particularly in children. They provide tangible incentives and recognition for desired actions, making it more likely that those actions will be repeated consistently and increase—both— the child’s self-esteem and the parent-child relationship.

Rewards can range from simple stickers on a chart to small treats or special privileges, all of which serve to reinforce the behavior being rewarded. These systems not only motivate children but also help them develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements.

Over time, as children associate positive outcomes with specific behaviors, they are more likely to internalize these habits, promoting long-term adherence to healthy practices like proper dental care. In the context of oral hygiene, using a reward system can make the process engaging, enjoyable, and educational for kids, setting them on a path toward a lifetime of good dental health.

If you need some ideas for a creative reward system, look below:

• Dental Sticker Chart: Create a sticker chart where each successful brushing and flossing session earns a sticker. After a certain number of stickers, your child can choose a small reward.
• Tooth Fairy Exchange: When your child loses a tooth, the Tooth Fairy can leave a special note or a small dental care-related gift under their pillow as a reward for good oral hygiene.

Step 7: Regular Dental Check-Ups

One of the main things to consider is to schedule regular check-ups with the pediatric dentist. These appointments are crucial for preventive care and early detection of any dental issues.

By following these steps and maintaining a consistent dental routine, you can help your child enjoy good oral health throughout the school year and beyond, all while making dental care an enjoyable and educational experience for your child.

Remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are key to building lifelong dental health habits.

The post Back-to-School: How to Maintain Dental Health Habits appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

Once upon a time, in the enchanting kingdom of dental health, there lived a remarkable hero known as the Dental Crown. This noble protector took on the shape of a tooth, like a tailor crafting a custom-made suit, and placed itself over the tooth to shield it from any further harm or mischief. The secret to its strength lay in a magical process where tooth crown materials were mixed, molded, and hardened in a mysterious lab.

But the magic didn’t stop there! These crowns were designed to blend seamlessly with their neighboring teeth, much like chameleons changing their colors to match their surroundings. Porcelain crowns, in particular, had a unique advantage – they could be tinted to mimic the exact shade of nearby teeth. 

Dental Crown Wonders

Now, let’s embark on a quest to uncover the mystical procedure behind these dental crown wonders. It was a two-part adventure! In the first chapter, the tooth had to be prepared. This involved a dental wizard performing X-rays to understand the lay of the land. An impression of your child’s mouth was also taken as a magical map. Then, with the skill of a master craftsman, they filed the tooth, removing any damage and reshaping it to welcome the crown. Another impression was made, but this time, it was for the crown itself. A temporary crown was crafted for the tooth, ensuring it stayed safe until the permanent crown was ready in the lab.

The second chapter of this dental fairy tale was scheduled for when the crown was complete. The temporary crown was removed, and the tooth was given a thorough cleaning and preparation. The fit of the crown was double-checked to ensure it was a perfect match for the tooth. With a wave of their wand – or maybe just a dab of dental cement – the dental wizard placed the crown on the tooth and sealed it in place.

Now, you might ask, “Was this magical quest painful?” Fear not, for the dental wizards were experts in their endeavors. They applied magical local anesthesia to the area before beginning their work, ensuring there was no discomfort during the procedure. But they also knew that each hero (or in this case, patient) had a unique journey, filled with different emotions and fears. So, they offered four different sedation options, making sure that every child’s experience was tranquil and comfortable.

The Enchanted Journey of a Dental Crown’s Lifespan

In the mystical realm of dental health, where smiles sparkle like treasure, the lifespan of a dental crown is a tale filled with twists and turns. These magical crowns can grace a tooth for anywhere from five to 15 years or even longer, but their destiny is influenced by a host of factors.

In this enchanted realm, your actions are the key to a longer-lasting crown. Practicing proper dental hygiene, embarking on brave quests to the dentist for regular checkups, and indulging in professional cleanings are all within your control, ensuring that your child’s dental crown shines for years to come. But beware, for lurking in the shadows are foes that seek to shorten the crown’s journey. Teeth-grinding dragons, gum disease trolls, nail-biting ogres, jaw-clenching giants, and those who wield teeth as tools to open bottles and packages can all hasten the crown’s retreat.

Our quest, dear parents and young adventurers is to empower you with the knowledge to safeguard your child’s dental treasure. We beg you to forge healthy dental hygiene routines in your homes and to be mindful of the treacherous temptations that lurk in the form of sugary snacks, sodas, and juices.

Now, let us unveil the mystical world of Dental Crowns for Kids, where the path to dental restoration takes shape. In certain daring quests, when a child’s tooth is more perilously decayed or damaged than a composite filling or pulpotomy can mend, we may embark on a grand adventure with a dental crown.

Your Child’s Crowned Options: A Magical Choice

Here at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we offer two illustrious types of crowns, each with its own unique magic. Our arsenal includes the formidable stainless steel crowns and the elegant porcelain crowns.

The Mighty Stainless Steel Crown: Hidden Strength

When the tooth in question lies in the shadows, hidden from immediate view, we often call upon the mighty stainless steel crown. Its strength is legendary, capable of withstanding the mightiest of bites and chews. It guards the natural structure of the tooth and rarely falls prey to the chipping or cracking that plagues lesser crowns.

The Whimsical Porcelain Crown: Aesthetic Elegance

Yet, the metallic visage of the stainless steel crown may not be for all. Some adventurers seek a more aesthetically pleasing path, and for them, the porcelain crown is the answer. These elegant crowns wear a white, pearly visage, making them the favored choice for teeth that grace the frontlines of the smile battle.

And so, dear travelers in the realm of dental wonder, you are armed with the knowledge to make wise choices for your child’s oral adventures. Whether it’s the resilient strength of stainless steel or the enchanting elegance of porcelain, each crown holds its own magic, ready to protect and adorn their precious smiles.

The Post-Crown Dental Quest: Guarding the Treasures Within

In the kingdom of dental adventures, once your child’s tooth is graced with a gleaming dental crown, a new chapter of care begins. Fear not, for it’s a quest your child can embark upon with confidence!

First, a word of caution – for a few days, we recommend steering clear of sticky, chewy candies. Think of it as a grace period for the crown to settle into its new role as guardian of the tooth. But aside from this short candy hiatus, life should return to its usual rhythm.

Now, let us turn our attention to the heroic guardians of your child’s oral realm – the gums! The dental crown, valiant as it is, doesn’t extend its protection to the gum. So, like vigilant knights, we must ensure that healthy gums are safeguarded. This requires the continuation of a twice-daily routine: brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes and embarking on a daring quest of flossing at least once a day.

With these noble habits firmly in place, your child’s dental health shall flourish, and their smile will continue to shine brightly in the realm of dental wonders.

And so, dear adventurers in the world of dental enchantment, we’ve unveiled the mysteries of dental crowns and their noble quest to protect and beautify. Remember, as your child’s smile continues to sparkle, these dental treasures stand ready, guarding their precious teeth with unwavering valor. As you navigate the journey of oral health, may your child’s smile be as radiant as a dragon’s hoard, and may their dental adventures be filled with joy and wonder!

The post Unveiling the Magic of Dental Crowns: A Tale of Smiles and Protection appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

Even if you don’t require any dental work, why not schedule a dental checkup or cleaning? Your oral and general health depends on preventive dental care. Your dentist can spot dental problems early on during these routine visits before they can get worse. Early detection of dental problems may wind up saving you time and money. Everyone can benefit from a dental cleaning, so if using your plan to its fullest before January 1st involves making an appointment for one, so be it!

Considerations for Dental Insurance Coverage

Here are some factors that will motivate you to maximize your insurance coverage in 2022:

• Preventive Care: The majority of health policies provide two free appointments for services like cleanings and exams. You still have time to make an appointment if you haven’t had both checkups this year.
• Annual Maximum: Dental insurance policies frequently have a yearly maximum they are prepared to cover within a given calendar year. Although the exact sum varies, it is typically close to $1,000 per person. Since these unused benefits don’t carry over into the next year, it makes sense to use them if you require any restorative procedures.
• Monthly Premiums: Regardless of how often you use the insurance plan, you must always pay a monthly fee. Don’t throw away the money you worked so hard for! Even if you don’t require dental care, it’s still crucial to maintain your monthly exam schedule.
• Healthy Smile: Being proactive with preventive dental care is the cornerstone of a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. We will examine the condition of your teeth and gums at each of your routine cleanings. If early indications of gum disease, cavities, or other dental issues are found, we can then provide recommendations.
• Dental Issues: If you are currently experiencing any dental problems that need to be treated, don’t put it off. Waiting to consult a dentist puts you at risk for a future procedure that is more extensive and costly. A little cavity is simple to heal right now, but if you don’t take care of it, it could develop into a root canal in the future.

Dental Recare Treatment

Suppose you have recently had any kind of dental treatment done like a root canal, cavity removal, wisdom tooth removal, or any type of treatment at all. In that case, recare appointments are essential in order for your dentist to observe and ensure that no infections or further damage are being done to your teeth/gums. As part of a treatment plan or after receiving dental care, dental recare procedures entail careful supervision of your oral health. Your dentist will examine you for any potential issues and perform any necessary remedies during these dental sessions. To ensure that you are recovering well, observations are also made on how your gums, teeth, and jawbones are mending. These recare appointments can be six months or even longer after you have had your treatment done, so there is no better time to have your practitioner take a look at your oral health once more before the year ends.

The American Dental Association pushes dentists to remind their patients about recare appointments, so if your dentist has been reminding you to come in for a recare session, we recommend you take them up on it and get everything checked out.

Why are Recare Sessions so Important?

As long as disease-causing bacteria are present, complications with dental procedures are possible. A dentist must regularly examine medical and dental issues to make sure they are being effectively addressed.

Recall or recare appointments that are skipped could result in worse dental issues, such as an infection spreading to other areas of the face and body. Neglect can occasionally result in potentially fatal illnesses like sepsis.

If you have periodontal disease, just had braces put in, or had root canal therapy, it’s crucial that you go in for a recare appointment as a lot can go wrong if you don’t. In cases like these, simply practicing good oral hygiene isn’t always enough. Missing or skipping a dental cleaning and braces adjustment could make your treatment plan take longer. Plaque accumulation in difficult-to-reach areas between the wires and your teeth can also cause tooth decay to advance. Now that most dental offices are open, schedule an appointment to prevent having your braces treatment extended.

Below the surface, a lot may happen to our teeth and gums. You can check your dental health and safeguard your overall health by keeping your recare appointments on time. The American Dental Association stresses the value of regular dental checkups during the pandemic. Dental procedures like cleanings and other oral interventions are essential for preserving our overall health. Your immune system, which protects you from viral infections like COVID-19, can be impacted by any illness that develops in your mouth.

It can be challenging to fit it all in with the approaching holiday season. We know how hectic your schedule can become, but this is a fantastic chance to put your health first. Call our office right away so we can book an appointment that works well with your busy schedule.

The post Use ‘Em Or Lose ‘Em: Don’t Lose Your 2022 Dental Benefits! appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

Birth to One Year: Eruption of Baby Teeth

You might not be aware of it, but your baby’s primary teeth are starting to form in her jaw even before her first tooth erupts. By the time they turn one, most babies’ first teeth should start to erupt. The two bottom teeth are often the first to erupt.

Teething episodes can be difficult, but they can also be exciting since they show your baby is developing. Their new teeth will provide them access to a larger variety of foods and, eventually, facilitate verbal communication.

Age 1 – 3 Years: First Dental Visit

Your child’s teeth will be actively erupting throughout this time, and by the time she is three, her mouth will be completely filled with baby teeth. Now is the ideal time to schedule a dental appointment for your child if you haven’t already. Keep in mind that baby teeth do matter! They will help with speech development and hold space for the permanent teeth.

Your child should have a complete set of 20 baby teeth by the age of three, including four central incisors, four lateral incisors, four canines, and eight molars. But, well before this time, you can assist kids in developing healthy oral hygiene practices!

As soon as any teeth appear, begin daily brushing with a child’s toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, you can floss between their teeth daily. By doing this from an early age, they can become accustomed to and at ease with regular dental hygiene!

Age 5 or 6: First Tooth Lost

The next significant dental milestone is the loss of baby teeth and the emergence of permanent teeth. This is referred to as “mixed dentition” by your dentist. Around the age of five or six, it occurs. Your child will typically need six years to lose all of her baby teeth before her last set of adult teeth erupts (except the wisdom teeth). As a parent, you must constantly check on your kid to make sure she is cleaning her teeth at least twice a day. Encourage her and make sure it’s enjoyable for her instead of feeling like a job. Additionally, your child should now go twice a year for checkups and preventative treatment at the dentist.

Baby teeth that are lost will be replaced with adult teeth. Because the gums already have room for teeth to grow, this might occasionally cause some pain and discomfort, though not nearly as much as when they were still developing their baby teeth.

Age 12 to 13: Molar Eruption

All of your child’s typical adult teeth erupt around the age of 12 or 13, along with the 12-year molars. This time, there can be dental problems that require care, like overlap, crowding, or a bad bite. Braces may be required for your child’s treatment. Most children acquire braces between the ages of 12 and 13, but some dentists may advise an orthodontic evaluation as early as 7. Teenagers are well known for having poor eating habits. Your child may be able to understand how crucial good dental health is to their overall health as they approach this age. Strive to teach children this connection as a parent.

Age 13+: Wisdom Teeth

Most teenagers’ jaws won’t have enough room for their third teeth to erupt. In this case, they might need to be extracted in order to prevent issues down the road such as infection, pain, and movement of neighboring teeth. You may be referred to an oral surgeon by your dentist. Your child’s orthodontist will monitor these teeth if he or she has worn braces by obtaining specialized x-rays. The orthodontist may execute the procedure himself if he is qualified. However, some fortunate patients never develop wisdom teeth or never require removal.

Your child should have 28 adult teeth by the time they are 12 or 13 years old, including four central incisors, four lateral incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and eight molars. They may still have 1-4 wisdom teeth, which are extra molars that erupt between the ages of 17 and 26.

By regularly brushing and flossing their teeth, drinking lots of water, eating a balanced diet, and coming to our clinic for regular professional cleanings, they may maintain excellent oral health. If your child participates in sports, they should wear a sports mouthguard to protect their teeth.

There are a number of developmental dental milestones that children will experience throughout their childhood up until their young adult lives. They will develop baby teeth, lose them, then grow adult teeth, possibly requiring wisdom tooth extraction. Children should visit a dentist for a checkup at least once a year, regardless of their dental health or stage of development.

We take great pride in serving patients of all ages, including children, in our many offices. Remember that kids might accomplish their dental milestones earlier or later than the listed ages and still have fantastic oral health! Please get in touch with us right away if you have any concerns about your child’s dental development or inquiries about our services.

The post A Timeline of Your Child’s Dental Milestones appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

You’ll go to any lengths as a parent to support your child’s healthy growth and development. This article will explain when and how to break your child’s habit of thumb-sucking or use of pacifiers in order to protect their oral health.

Pacifiers and Thumb-Sucking

Throughout early life, it’s very typical for kids to suck their thumbs or pacifiers. Within two hours of birth, 90% of newborns start sucking their thumbs or fingers. Many kids naturally outgrow this practice as they become older, however, some kids may find it difficult to break the habit.

Both thumb-sucking and using a pacifier can harm your child’s teeth. But it’s simpler to stop using a pacifier than to stop sucking your thumb. You cannot take away your child’s thumbs and fingers like a binky since they are always available to them.

The frequency and intensity of suction affect how thumb and pacifier use affect teeth. 

Although you have little control over how firmly your child sucks on their thumb or pacifier, keeping an eye on it is crucial as the teeth are shifted out of position as a result of the excessive power used. Transitioning away from thumb-sucking or pacifier use earlier may be beneficial for kids with stronger suction.

Should I Prohibit Thumb-Sucking And/Or Pacifiers?

You can allow your young child to suck on their thumb or pacifier. Only when it persists past a certain age does it become damaging. Most kids between the ages of 2 and 4 progressively stop sucking their thumbs or pacifiers. However, some children will require parental assistance to break this habit.

When should children stop sucking their thumbs? If a child hasn’t stopped sucking their thumb by age 4, parents should start restricting their use of pacifiers and should discourage it. When your child’s adult teeth begin to erupt, using a pacifier or sucking on their thumb causes irreversible harm. At age 6, children begin losing their primary teeth and developing their permanent teeth, thus, it’s imperative to stop thumb or pacifier use at this time.

Children naturally suck their thumbs as a reflex when they are young. Older children thumb-suck for comfort and stress relief. They need to find alternative methods of self-soothing when it’s time to stop. Your child can break this habit with the least amount of stress and discomfort by using the right techniques. The following tips can help make this process easier on you as well as your child:

• Show positivity: Do not discipline your child for sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. Instead, commend them and provide them incentives for not doing it.
• Help them understand: Your child may become confused or unhappy if you tell them to stop sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. Make sure they understand the benefits of stopping and the consequences for their teeth if they don’t. When a child’s dentist explains why they should quit, some kids respond more favorably.
• Patience: It will take some time to break your child from the habit of sucking their thumbs or pacifiers. Limiting the amount of time they can suck on their thumb or using a pacifier will help you wean them off gradually.
• Offer a replacement: Your child can get the same level of comfort from a soft blanket or stuffed animal as they would from sucking their thumb or using a pacifier. They’ll need some time to get used to it, but eventually, they’ll figure out how to cope without damaging their teeth.

Effects of Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking on Dental Health

Thumb sucking or pacifier use could eventually lead to your child’s teeth developing incorrectly. The jaw and mouth’s form can be affected by the suction and presence of a foreign item, such as a thumb or binky, which can also cause the teeth to shift. Here are some potential problems brought on by using a pacifier or thumb-sucking:

• Crooked teeth: Children that routinely suck their thumbs or pacifiers are always chewing on something foreign. Their teeth subsequently grow around this object, leading to malocclusion, or crooked teeth. An open bite frequently results from the top row of teeth being pushed up and out while the bottom row is forced inward. Even when their mouth is closed, kids with open bites have a noticeable space between their top and bottom teeth.
• Overbites: An overbite develops when the top front teeth are pushed out significantly more than the bottom ones, giving the impression of “bucked teeth.” Children who have malocclusion may experience self-consciousness and possibly have difficulty eating or speaking.
• Deformed jaw: The jaw and surrounding tissues develop improperly as a result of the pressure from thumb sucking or pacifier use. Furthermore, the jaw cannot rest properly when there is a foreign item present. If the situation is severe enough, your child’s facial structure and look may alter, necessitating substantial medical care.
• Speech: Your child’s capacity for speech is influenced by the position of their teeth, jaw, and surrounding tissues. Long-term thumb sucking or pacifier use might misalign the jaw, leading to lisps and speech difficulties. Children who frequently have a thumb or binky in their mouth are also unable to practice formative language skills.

Please call us at 801-948-8880 and book an appointment with us for your child today!

The post What Problems Can Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers Cause? appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

As long as they are used properly, both toothbrushes can equally effectively prevent plaque and decay from building up on your child’s teeth. However, attractive features on electric toothbrushes may encourage younger children to brush their teeth less frequently and promote oral health.

Which Toothbrush Do Kids Prefer?

Your child is more likely to use their toothbrush properly if they enjoy using it. You can choose which brush your child prefers by letting them use both manual and electric ones and decide which they prefer.

Electric toothbrushes can be enticing to some children and unsettling or frightening, though this changes typically as the child becomes accustomed to the device. It is all a matter of preference. While some kids might enjoy the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion of traditional brushing, others might prefer the motion of electric toothbrushes that clean their teeth one at a time.

How Do I Choose the Right One?

Allowing your child to select their toothbrush is the best approach to finding one that they will like using. Bring them to the store, pharmacy, or dental office so they can look over all the options and choose the one they’ll be happiest utilizing daily.

Some electronic toothbrushes have features like lights, music, and sound effects that are intended to make them even more enticing. This might assist your child in brushing for the necessary amount of time and encourage them to do so (two minutes, twice a day).

Are There Any Solid Benefits to Electric Toothbrushes?

Electric toothbrushes do provide some great benefits for children. Some of them are as follows:

• They remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes

The bacterial coating that sticks to our teeth and is colorless and sticky is called plaque. We want children to remove all the plaque when they brush! Plaque eradication is more effective with electric toothbrushes than with manual ones. Why? An electric toothbrush may clean your teeth anywhere from 8,000 to 25,000 times per minute, depending on the brand and type. All of them use bristles that oscillate or vibrate in some way. A human hand cannot match that many strokes! Every stroke is an opportunity to remove plaque, which can result in bad breath, tartar, and decay.

• Kids can avoid brushing their teeth too hard by using electric toothbrushes.

It would help if you had acute motor control to brush your teeth. Children must move the toothbrush with the proper pressure and at the appropriate angle. Many children seven and younger need more coordination to accomplish this. Also, many older children think brushing more vigorously results in better brushing. In actuality, overly vigorous brushing might harm tooth enamel. There are pressure alerts on many high-quality electric toothbrushes, so they stop working if your child brushes too hard! Kids can also use the brush in a motion that requires less fine motor control, such as a slide-and-glide action.

• Kids are more likely to brush with an electric toothbrush for the full two minutes.

For children, two minutes can seem like an eternity. It’s easy to become sidetracked when so many screens and toys are around. With certain electric toothbrushes, brushing becomes fun. Some toothbrushes use Bluetooth to link the toothbrush and tablet, and when your child brushes for the entire two minutes, an app rewards them with points. The app then monitors how long your child brushes. These points can be used to feed or personalize a virtual pet they can brush. Another great electric toothbrush is the Oral-B Smart 1500, which is high-quality and long-lasting.

• Children might be encouraged to brush those challenging areas with an electric toothbrush.

Bluetooth apps can track WHERE children are brushing. They can see where they touched and missed, so kids can go back and brush those forgotten spots! Some brushes are good at cleaning hard-to-reach areas in a short period. 

• For many children, using an electronic rather than a manual brush is more enjoyable.

Even if it features a child’s favorite character, a manual toothbrush doesn’t seem appealing in today’s high-tech world. Even those intended for teenagers and adults often include high-tech features. For example, personalized 3-D brushing models keep track of where you brush. Timers serve as a reminder of how long to remain in one spot. You are prevented from brushing too hard by pressure sensors. Your youngster is far more likely to brush without conflict if they enjoy it! Kids will look forward to brushing when you add entertaining online pets to the mix, who will keep you company. Many kids relate high technology to “fun” and “better.”

This informative article helps you decide whether or not electric toothbrushes are the right choice for your child. It’s also essential to take your child for regular dental visits, so feel free to book an appointment with us for your child today. Please check out our blog page for many great articles about your child’s dental health and helpful advice on keeping your child’s oral health in tip-top shape!

The post Are Electric Toothbrushes Better for Kids? appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

It is essential to take your child to the dentist for a regular checkup for a number of reasons. In this post, we’ve highlighted a few of those factors in the hopes that they’ll encourage you and your child to visit your local dentist today.

It Prevents Cavity Development and Tooth Decay

Everyone is prone to cavities and tooth decay, but children are especially vulnerable. In the long run, cavities and tooth decay are brought on by bacteria found in plaque and tartar. A regular dental checkup and good oral hygiene practices will help you identify the issue early and stop it from getting worse. Additionally, it lessens and even eliminates the chance of developing cavities. When a dentist can detect dental issues early on, they can be treated.

Neglected cavities can harm the teeth, resulting in bacterial infections such as periodontitis and, in severe situations, the necessity for extraction and filling of teeth. Depending on your child’s dental needs, you should schedule at least 3 to 4 dental checkups for your children every year.

It Instills Healthy Dental Hygiene Habits in Children at a Young Age

It’s never too early to begin teaching children the value of excellent dental hygiene. Starting early is the best way to instill in your child the value of proper dental hygiene. Once they turn two years old, it is advised to take your child to a nearby dentist office. You can choose a toothbrush for your child’s soft gums with the assistance of a paediatric dentist. In order to accommodate their tiny mouths, the toothbrush head needs to be smaller. Your child’s attitude toward dental checkups and oral care will improve if you take them to the dentist on a regular basis.

Children are more likely to develop a better and more positive attitude toward dental visits if they receive regular checkups. It’s crucial to establish a positive relationship with the dentist early on, because childhood experiences can affect how someone feels about going to the dentist for the rest of their lives. While a child may not initially find the dental procedure appealing, they will become accustomed to the procedure and feel more at ease with repeated visits.

Our child-friendly dentists take a compassionate and kind approach with your children to ensure their comfort while explaining what they are doing and why it needs to be done.

Prevent Malocclusion

The baby teeth will act as the permanent teeth’s “foundation,” as we already mentioned. This ensures that the positioning and spacing are acceptable. If you neglect your child’s dental health, the permanent teeth won’t have enough room to erupt and fit properly, which might cause alignment issues. Early detection will make it simple for the local paediatric dentist to fix the teeth’s out-of-place alignment and stop malocclusion.

Help them Understand the Significance of Cutting Back on Sugar Intake

Children adore candy and chocolate. Simply put, you can’t persuade them to consume less sugar and junk food. Fortunately, kids will understand how it can affect the growth of their teeth when you take your child to a local children’s dentist. They might then start to make an effort to reduce their intake of junk food and sweets, as you may start to notice. A wonderful time to talk to them about how diet can affect their oral health is when you take them to the dentist.

Allows for the Early Detection of Oral Health Issues

By taking care of issues as soon as they arise, oral disorders can be prevented from getting worse and can be treated more quickly and affordably. Diet, dental hygiene, and even the jaw can contribute to these issues, which can be identified early on with regular check-ups.

In order to maintain a clean mouth, it is necessary to remove any accumulated plaque or tartar as well as any surface stains, which stop bacteria from sticking to the tooth. Regular visits to the dentist for a professional clean are crucial for removing the buildup and debris they might have missed because many young children have not yet developed the motor skills required to brush and floss effectively.

Regular examinations give you information about your child’s oral health, including problems that can be identified early, such as overcrowding and crooked teeth. If any preventive measures can be taken, they are carried out in good time.

Ensures Healthy Development of the Mouth and Teeth

The health of your child’s teeth can be improved and maintained by taking them to the dentist every twelve months. Baby teeth serve as the foundation for adult teeth, so when they are strong and straight, it is simpler for adult teeth to grow straighter and more healthy.  

Baby teeth that are not adequately cared for may fall out too early, pushing the rest of the teeth forward. Permanent teeth are therefore more likely to develop irregularly and crookedly. Maintaining healthy teeth during the formative years also helps avoid the need for later orthodontic work.

Schedule a Dentist Appointment for Your Child With Us Today!

Every child responds differently to pediatric dental procedures. There are just as many children who are nervous about dental work as there are those who are eager to hop in the chair and remain calm during their procedure. Some kids, particularly those with sensory disorders, find dental procedures overwhelming. Regardless of the cause, all of our pediatric dental offices offer various levels of sedation dentistry for kids.

Your child will be extremely comfortable the moment they enter one of our Pediatric Dental locations. Our offices are child-friendly, warm and inviting. Please call us at 801-948-8880 and book a dental appointment for your child today!

The post The Importance of Regular Dental Visits For Your Child appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

We want to see your kids’ smiles. Is it time for a pediatric dental office visit? Do you know what types of services we offer? Do you know why you should visit a pediatric dentist instead of a general dentist? Here’s a rundown of everything you should know about pediatric dentistry.

Pediatric Dentistry FACTS

1. Did you know pediatric dentists have more training than general dentists? Pediatric dentists complete an additional two to the three-year unique program following dentistry school. This additional training is specific to pediatric care, which means different sized tools and techniques for procedures. Additionally, their learning and training are focused on children’s psychological and physical development from infancy through their teenage years.
2. Dental hygiene habits start in infancy. Even before their first tooth, you should gently cleanse their gums with a soft, wet washcloth (be sure it’s clean!) after breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Once that first tooth has popped, use an infant toothbrush to build the habit of brushing it in the mornings and the evenings before bed.
3. Your little one should have their first dental visit either when they turn one 3year old or when their first tooth has come in. As with starting dental hygiene habits early, dentist visits should become a routine part of their life, similar to a visit to the doctor’s office. Positive dental experiences are essential. Furthermore, we know that the earlier we start with those, the less likely it is that dental anxiety will be an issue in the future.
4. Cavities in baby teeth should be restored, not ignored. Nor should the baby tooth be removed. Why? The primary teeth serve multiple essential functions for the development of your child. Firstly, the cavities can be extremely painful. Secondly, as your toddler is learning to switch from a liquid diet to foods, chewing is essential! Thirdly, the primary teeth help your child’s speech development; the tongue touching the teeth is necessary for most of the sounds we use in our speech. Lastly, the primary teeth also serve as placeholders in our jaws for the permanent teeth. The surrounding teeth may move around if a primary tooth is extracted before its natural timing.
5. Dental sealants are a necessary preventative procedure in pediatric dentistry. They are painless and serve to help protect the teeth from cavities. Kids can have trouble reaching the deep grooves and valleys in the molars; after all, motor skills are learned over time, and even adults have trouble with those spots in their teeth. The dental sealants are typically a transparent color or colored to match the tooth. The procedure is quick and painless. We thoroughly clean and dry the tooth before applying a gel to rough the surface up slightly for better adhesion. Following that, the sealant is applied. Once the sealant has dried (typically, we use a blue light), the procedure is finished. Usually, your child can eat at their next snack or mealtime without a problem. Dental sealants have been proven to reduce the risk for decay in molars by up to 80%. For more information about sealants, click here.
6. Utah Pediatric Dentists can help you with breastfeeding. Each of our locations has the CO2 LightScalpel laser, and our pediatric dentists have been specially trained in its proper use. This cutting-edge technology allows us to help breastfeeding mothers whose babies have a lip tie or tongue tie. We have had mothers travel to see us from hundreds of miles away because the CO2 laser is proven to be a better, more effective, and less painful process than other tools or technologies. Read here for more information about how our CO2 laser may help you and your baby.
7. We recommend mouth guards for all sports, not only contact sports. A broken, chipped tooth that has been knocked loose can be painful and alarming for your kid. More than 80 million kids nationwide participate in sports, and studies have shown that athletes using mouth guards are 82-93% less likely to have a dentofacial injury. Protect those smiles, and avoid painful mouth injuries by talking with your pediatric dentist about a mouth guard. For more information about mouth guards, click here.
8. Most kids get cavities. Don’t feel guilty, parents, even when you’re a champion for moderation in sweets. Moreover, you try to limit sodas and sugary drinks, but the truth is that most kids get cavities. In fact, according to the CDC, over 52% of kids between the ages of six and eight have had a cavity in a primary tooth. What does this mean for you? The meaning for you is two-fold: number one, don’t beat yourself up about it, and number two, talk to your pediatric dentist about preventative care, your dental hygiene routines in the house, and schedule biannual teeth cleanings.

Schedule Your Biannual Checkup for Your Kids with Utah Pediatric Dentists

We care about our community and our patients and their families. Come and see us; we want to hear about your summer. Show us those smiles, and tell us summer stories while we clean your kids’ pearly whites. We have three convenient locations in the Salt Lake City area (Bountiful, Taylorsville, and Stansbury Park), all fully staffed and equipped so your kids can receive the best care.

The post Fact Check – Everything You Need to Know About Pediatric Dentistry appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.

There are actually a high number of grownups who are utterly terrified of seeing the dentist. When you have a child who is terrified of the dentist and you want to calm his or her anxieties, it can be difficult if you happen to be one of those people who are afraid of the dentist yourself. Here are a few strategies you can use to lessen your child’s fear of the dentist and make their visits there seem more enjoyable, regardless of whether you’re terrified of going to the dentist yourself or not. Keep reading to learn these important tips to ease your child’s fear of the dentist.

1. Take Your Child to the Dentist From An Early Age

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends introducing your child to a dental expert as early in life as you can as one of the best methods to help them develop a comfort level with visiting one. Some professionals advise bringing your child to the dentist as early as age 1. Your child will become more accustomed to and at ease with the regular visits if you give them a “dental home” at a young age. They can become accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of the office. The sooner they become accustomed to going to the dentist, the sooner they will realize that it’s just a regular checkup.

2. Watch Your Choice of Words and Keep Things Simple

Keep your descriptions of the trip to the dentist as simple as you can whenever you are discussing it with your child. You don’t want to overwhelm a young child with information and details they may find overwhelming. Keeping things simple and uncomplicated will make your kid feel less perplexed and/or anxious.

In order to avoid associating unfavorable words with the dental visit, you should also be mindful of the language you use. Never describe or explain a trip to the dentist’s office using the words “hurt,” “pain,” or “shot.”

3. Don’t Tell Them Your Scary Dental Stories

It’s crucial to refrain from discussing any unpleasant or painful dental experiences you’ve had in the past with your child. Some parents do this in an effort to “scare” their kids into caring for their teeth. To encourage their child to brush their teeth, parents may, for instance, mention how, when they were younger, they had to have four cavities filled at the same time because they neglected to brush correctly. Most of the time, all this will do is make your youngster more fearful of their upcoming dental appointment. Remember, your experiences may not be the same as their experiences will be, so it’s best to allow your child to go into it with a blank emotional canvas and allow them to paint their own experience. Our minds are powerful and can create our realities how we choose them to, so it’s best to be mindful of this and allow our children to create their own reality based on their own experience of any situation.

4. Do Not Use Bribery

Bribing your child to go to the dentist may seem like a “simple” method to soothe them, but it’s not a good idea. The focus will be taken off the notion that good oral health is a reward in and of itself since kids will begin to expect a reward each time they visit the dentist.

Additionally, promising a sweet treat after a dentist stresses the importance of maintaining clean, healthy teeth by avoiding sugary treats that can result in cavities may send the wrong message. Instead, commend your child for their bravery and good behavior after the visit is finished. Encourage them occasionally by surprising them with a sticker or a little toy.

5. Stay With Your Child

No matter how well you have planned for this moment, your child will probably feel a bit uneasy when he or she sits down in that large dental chair for the first time. By remaining close by, you can help him keep calm. Most dentists accept and encourage parents to accompany their children during appointments since having you around can make your youngster feel more at ease about getting a checkup alone.

6. Emphasize the Significance of Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

Your child will be more receptive when you explain the significance of regular dentist visits to their dental health if you emphasize the value of proper oral hygiene to them and make it a habit in their daily lives. 

Teach your child that going to the dentist is something they must do, not something they can choose to do and that the dentist will take care of their teeth so they are sturdy enough for them to eat with. Additionally, you might mention how the dentist works to prevent cavities and guarantees that his patients will have a bright smile for years to come.

7. Take Them Along to Your Appointments

Take your child along if you can to your own appointment. Allowing them to observe you sitting calmly and unbothered during your procedure will enable them to realize they have nothing to fear as well. After all, parents are their children’s biggest role models, so this is one of the most effective methods in eliminating your child’s fear of going to the dentist. 

Please note that we do provide all four levels of sedation at our offices in order to ensure your child does not feel any pain or discomfort from any type of dental procedure they may require. 

Your child’s oral health along with their comfort is extremely important to us, and taking your little one for regular dental visits not only saves you money in the long run by avoiding the progression of dental decay, cavities or other ailments, but it also makes your child’s experience much more comfortable when they see a familiar face every time they need a dental checkup. We hope this article was helpful and some of these tips help ease your child’s fear of visiting the dentist. Call us at 801-948-8880 to book an appointment for your child today!

The post 7 Tips to Ease Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist appeared first on Utah Pediatric Dentists.