There are a million things to remember when you’re a parent. Your kids’ needs can occupy a ton of your headspace, and it’s not uncommon for what they want to be out of alignment with what they need. Worrying about what they eat and drink is probably high on your priorities because we all want healthy kids. But did you realize that what they eat and drink can have an impact on their dental health as well?
According to the ADA (American Dental Association), “the mouth is a window into the health of the body.” They further inform readers that the gum disease of periodontitis has been linked to major health problems including cardiovascular disease, stroke, pneumonia, and even early birth and low birth weight for infants born to women with periodontitis. Taking care of your kids’ teeth will help promote their overall health. Start early to nurture healthy food appreciation by focusing on healthy snacks and drinks for your kids. We at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry have made you a list of Do-Eats and Don’t-Eats to make it easier for you.
Here is the “Do’s” list:
1. Do – Eat crunchy fruits like apples or pears.
If you’ve ever wondered “are apples good for your teeth,” breathe easy because we can tell you “yes they are”. Apples and pears are a sweet treat that are a good source of vitamins. Their high-water content helps lessen the effects of their (natural) sugars and the crunchiness also helps to scrub away tooth plaque.
2. Do – Eat crunchy veggies like celery, carrots.
Celery and carrots contain stellar amounts of vitamin A which is good for maintaining tooth enamel. Also, they’ll be scrubbing that plaque with all the chewing they will do!
3. Do – Eat leafy greens.
Spinach, kale, and broccoli are additional vegetables that are good for oral health. They contain folic acid which helps to maintain teeth and gum health.
4. Do – Eat Dairy.
Dairy snacks such as cheese and yogurt will help protect the tooth’s enamel because they are packed with calcium, casein, and phosphorous. Look for yogurts that are low in sugar, and cheeses that are low-fat.
5. Do – Eat Eggs.
Eating eggs promises more calcium, protein, and vitamin D for dental health. Vitamin D is a necessary component of oral health because it helps the body absorb the ever-important calcium.
6. Do – Eat Nuts.
Let your kid go nuts at snack time. Peanuts, almonds, and cashews are loaded with minerals such as calcium and phosphorous which protect their pearly whites by replenishing those minerals that can be eaten away by acids in other foods.
7. Do – Drink Water with Fluoride.
This is one of the best drinks for children’s teeth. According to the ADA, fluoride is a major defense player in fighting tooth decay, helping to prevent it by at least 25 percent in adults and children. Water will help to wash away sugars and acids left on teeth from foods, and the fluoride absorbed into tooth enamel through water and toothpaste will fight the good fight. Please beware that not all bottled water contains fluoride, if you have safe drinking water from the faucet in your home, use it to refill your kids favorite water bottle and know that you’re getting them the fluoride their teeth need. We also recommend doing fluoride treatments, read more about why we recommend them and what not to eat after a fluoride treatment in our post, ‘Why is Fluoride Important to My Child’s Dental Health?‘.
8. Do – Drink Milk.
Is milk good for your teeth? If your kid likes to drink milk, no problem. Milk has nutrients that help to counteract the harmful acids produced by plaque bacterias. If you feel the need to give a sweet drink, consider adding your own mix of cocoa powder and a small amount of sugar. This gives you control over the amount of sugar going into the drink, as opposed to already sweetened cocoa which may be loaded with sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup.
9. Do – Drink Homemade Juices.
Pre-made juices, or juices made from concentrate contain large amounts of sugars. If you want to give your kids juice, consider making your own at home to have control over how much sugar is added. Tip, try to stick with fruits that are not acidic.
Now for the Don’ts list:
1. Don’t – Eat chewy candies.
It’s no secret that candy contains loads of sugars and is generally considered bad for your teeth. The chewy candies are more likely to get stuck in teeth nooks and crannies and cause enamel erosion. Sour candies are generally considered even worse for teeth because their high acidity in combination with the stickiness is a double whammy on teeth. If your kids do eat candies, be sure to brush well afterward and rinse with water!
2. Don’t – Eat chips, pasta, or white bread.
While these foods are admittedly delicious and often favorites of kids, beware! These starchy foods are simple carbohydrates and when broken down, transform into simple sugars that contribute to tooth decay. Try to convert your kids to whole wheat versions of these foods.
3. Don’t – Eat sugary cereals.
Sugary cereals appeal to kids because of their bright-colored boxes and fun mascots but know that those sugars and corn syrups can do a number on teeth. Look for unfrosted cereals, or even try making your own granola at home.
4. Don’t – Eat dried fruits.
You might think that dried fruits for a snack are a healthy option. The problem with dried fruits, unfortunately, is their stickiness and the reality that they often contain sugars.
5. Don’t – Drink sodas or other sugary drinks.
Soda is a bad one for teeth, not only does it contain zero nutritional value, but it’s sugar content combined with the acidic content from the carbonation are tough on tooth enamel. Bottled juices or sports drinks should also be avoided because of their high sugar content and acidity.
6. Don’t – Eat lemons.
Are lemons bad for your teeth? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients, but highly acidic fruits can wreak havoc on tooth enamel. Avoid grapefruits and lemons especially for this reason.
We know it can be tough monitoring these things, especially because some of the foods and drinks on the Don’t list are so prevalent and easy to grab when you’re on the go. Just do your best, and work on instilling the habit of brushing teeth twice a day, and flossing daily for healthy gums.
Here at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you get your children started with healthy dental habits early in life. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment for your child, it’s never too early to start!
Imagine having dark coloration or stains on your front teeth. Now picture yourself as a young child going to school with this type of tooth discoloration. As you could imagine (or maybe you experienced this first hand in your childhood), there is a great deal of stress, anxiety, and embarrassment that comes with this condition. This is especially true when you’re talking about stains that result from the medication tetracycline, which can be particularly noticeable and notoriously difficult to remove.
Teeth discoloration is a really common condition. There is good news. At South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we provide solutions for discolored and stained teeth. The type of teeth whitening service that is most appropriate for your child is going to depend on the type and color of discoloration that they are dealing with. Keep reading to learn more about pediatric teeth whitening from South Davis Kids.
Tooth Discoloration in Children: Culprits and Treatments
As a parent, it’s completely normal to feel a sense of dismay when you realize that your child is dealing with a smile that is not full of pearly whites. Whether they are stained completely or have streaks of various colors ranging from grey to orange, it’s disheartening to see your child go through this.
Tooth discoloration can be caused by many different things, and some of these are more serious and others are simply cosmetic problems. We’re going to review the different types of tooth discolorations and what treatment options are appropriate for each one.
Grey Tooth Discoloration in Children
There are a number of different causes of grey tooth discoloration. When one tooth is grey (usually dark in color), but the other teeth are white, this is usually a sign of trauma. When a child experiences blunt force trauma to the mouth, a tooth can slowly die, which leads to the grey discoloration.
Besides blunt force trauma, when a tooth is injured and subsequently receives an increase in blood flow, it can also create a greyish discoloration. When dealing with grey discoloration, it’s important that your pediatric dentist conducts a thorough examination and takes X-rays. Sometimes injured teeth can abscess and may need to be removed. However, depending on the type of injury, sometimes teeth can heal and return to their original color.
When the child presents with grey discoloration on many teeth, the culprit is usually antibiotic use. Tetracycline is a common antibiotic that has been used for many years, staining teeth all the while. In fact, this side effect is so powerful that if a woman takes this antibiotic while she is pregnant, her child may present with teeth that appear gray in color. Primary teeth and secondary teeth can both be affected by the use of this antibiotic, although it’s more commonly seen on baby teeth. Treatments to resolve this type of discoloration usually involve intense bleaching, veneers, or crowns. However, when it comes to pediatric treatments – usually bleaching and whitening services take care of it.
There is another antibiotic that is often prescribed that can cause temporary grey discoloration of teeth, and that is amoxicillin. These types of stains will go away with fastidious oral hygiene and vigorous brushing.
Yellow or Orange Discoloration of Teeth in Children
Poor dental hygiene can cause children to develop yellow or orange discoloration of teeth. In order to prevent these types of stains, parents need to encourage frequent brushing and ensure that their child is paying particular attention to the gum line, where the orange build-up is most common. Bringing your child in for regular six-month professional cleanings along with keeping up with daily brushings can help prevent these stains from getting worse.
Black Tooth Discoloration in Children
Black lines or patches on the teeth are usually a side effect from iron-containing medications. Iron overdose is quite dangerous for children, so it’s not often that parents will see these types of stains unless they have a child with severe anemia that requires iron medications.
White Patches on Children’s Teeth
Another type of tooth stain commonly seen in children is white patches. Naturally, teeth are ivory, or creamy in color, and any type of bright white patch is noticeably out of place. By far the most common cause of white patches on teeth is a condition called fluorosis. Too much exposure to fluoride during childhood can lead to fluorosis.
These types of stains are very difficult to remove because they are intrinsic to the tooth itself. If the white patches are very noticeable, caps, veneers, and bleaching can help to reduce this visibility. White patches may also be the first sign of tooth decay. If this is the case, you need to ensure your child is frequently brushing their teeth in order to prevent cavities.
Great Advancements Have Been Made in Aesthetic Dentistry
Aesthetic dentistry has come a long way in the past decade. New innovation makes tooth restoration possible, even for patients who were told there was nothing they could do for their teeth in the past. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the increased demand for pediatric dental whitening services. In their official policy on the use of dental bleaching for child and adolescent patients, the following is stated:
“The desire for improved dental esthetics has fueled innovations in dental materials. Patients, parents, and the news media request information on dental whitening for children and adolescents with increasing frequency. In addition, increased demand for bleaching materials and services has affected both the variety and availability of dental bleaching products on the market.”
Make Your Pediatric Dentist Appointment in South Davis County Today!
Are you concerned with tooth discoloration in your child? We can help determine the cause of the discoloration and provide appropriate treatment. Parents and physicians throughout Bountiful, Kaysville, Farmington, and Centerville trust the professionals at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry for children’s dental health needs, and you can too. Call us today at (801) 294-8880 to set up an appointment.
Should you take your child to the dentist when their first tooth erupts? Or, do you wait until all of your child’s baby teeth have come in? First birthday? Second birthday? Birth? Does anyone really know when the right time is to take your child to the dentist to begin regular checkups?
Dr. Jason Horgesheimer recommends that parents bring their child in for their first dental check-up between 12 and 18 months. Either way you look at it, it’s apparent that the sooner you start bringing your child in for regular dental checkups, the better. Here are five reasons why you should start bringing your child to the dentist as early as possible.
1. Get Your Child Used to the Dentist
Dr. Chuck Odion explains that there’s a lot of misconceptions surrounding when you should bring your child to the dentist. Many people falsely think it’s best to wait until the child’s teeth have all come in or that you should wait until the child is older so that they are not scared of the dentist. As he explains, “you’ve got to break that ice and the more you do it, the more often something becomes a habit.”
By introducing your child to the dentist office experience at a young age, you are helping them get used to the setting and the procedures common to a dental practice visit. These younger children will become more accustomed to their dentist and the staff and they will grow to trust their pediatric dental professionals more.
2. Preventative Pediatric Dental Care Saves Money and Teeth
It’s important that you start bringing your child in for regular dental checkups every six months at an early age in order to prevent future tooth decay and cavities. In fact, if you bring your child in for one dental visit while they have only one tooth, this means you can ensure they have and maintain zero cavities, as suggested by the AAPD.
In addition to taking your child in for regular dental checkups every six months starting as soon as possible, this also includes taking care of your child’s teeth until they are able to do so independently. When you make it a habit to bring your child in for regular dental checkups at a young age, your dentist can determine fluoride needs and you will receive instructions on how to perform proper dental care on young teeth, and receive information on proper oral and facial development.
3. Intercept Small Problems to Avoid More Serious Dental Issues
At South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we aim to intercept little problems before they become big problems. If you want to decrease dental treatments and prevent extensive needs down the road, it’s important that you begin appropriate preventative dental care as early as possible. Dr. Chuck talks about the importance of early identification of oral health problems:
“For the child’s oral health, we are able to identify things younger. We can only prevent cavities through instruction and good oral habits, and those habits start at seeing your dentist every six months. It’s a battle that we can win and it’s structured around early intervention with the dentist.”
4. Kids Enjoy Their Visit at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry
Your child will enjoy their experience at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry. Our pediatric dentists and professional staff members have specialized working only with kids and know how to treat them in order to make your child feel comfortable and to decrease their fears and anxieties about seeing a dentist. Dr. Chuck explains in the video:
“They actually like to come. They like to see the fish tank. They like the prizes. They like to laugh. They like to talk about princesses and superheroes, and that makes them comfortable and familiar.”
4. Babies’ Teeth are More Susceptible to Cavities
Baby teeth are highly sensitive to tooth decay. This is because, in comparison to adult teeth, baby teeth have a very thin layer of enamel (the hard outer surface of the teeth) covering them. Cavities can be infectious and spread, even causing infection in the adult teeth growing beneath them in certain cases.
First teeth usually make their appearance sometime between six months and one year of age, and they are vulnerable to tooth decay from the very moment they erupt in your baby’s mouth. Many problems can result from the associative pain that comes from tooth decay, including:
The child may experience difficulty eating correctly
The child’s overall health and development may be impacted
Untreated tooth decay can lead to infection, loss of teeth, and expensive restorative interventions
Early identification of pediatric dental problems and proper preventative treatment can prevent tooth decay and its associated issues.
5. You Can Save Money When You Take Your Child to the Dentist By Age One
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that children who first saw their dentist before age one had dental costs that were 40 percent lower in their first five years of life, than children who did not. The reason is most likely because the cost of dental and medical procedures that may be necessary due to poor oral health can be quite costly. A scientific paper published in the journal Pediatric Dentistry revealed that children who wait to have their first dental visit until age two or three are more likely to require restorative and emergency visits than those who started seeing the dentist by age one.
Set Up an Appointment for Your Child at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry
Ready to “Get it Done in Year One?” Call us today at (801) 294-8880 to set up an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Do I need a pediatric dentist? What’s the difference between a general dentist and pediatric dentist anyway?
Parents come to our pediatric dentistry with these questions often. Many times, the thought of using a dentist specifically for children doesn’t even cross one’s mind until they become a parent themselves.
Maybe your child’s teeth are just coming in and you want to get them started on routine cleanings as soon as possible. Perhaps your child is dealing with tooth decay and in need of dental treatments. Whatever the case may be, we are happy to educate you!
Check out our video where Jason Horgesheimer, DDS and Chuck Odion, DDS explain the difference between a general dentist and a pediatric dentist:
What is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is one who does not specialize in a particular area of dentistry, such as pediatrics, endodontics, or orthodontists, rather they provide a wide range of services. The primary goal of a general dentist is to prevent oral health diseases and promote healthy teeth and smiles. In fact, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Dental Association, nearly 65 percent of all dental procedures are diagnostic or preventative.
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentists must complete a two-year residency program after they’ve completed the education required to be a general dentist. During this time, a dentist will acquire experience and skills working with young patients. Knowledge is gained during residency programs for pediatric dentists in the areas of:
Child psychology
Child-related pharmacology
Child development
Safe pediatric sedation practices
Dental Care is Important for Babies
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children should see a dentist when their very first tooth comes in? At the earliest, the recommendation is six months, and at the latest, by their first birthday. It’s during this time in life that your child’s first teeth are making their appearance. During the first visit, your dentist will be able to assess the health of those teeth. Following that visit, it’s recommended that they see their dentist every six months.
Sadly, many children never see a dentist until there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Anxiety, stress, and unnecessary fear of the dentist may result in children who were not given a proper introduction and an opportunity to get familiar with the staff and setting of a dental office until they are actually in pain or require treatment.
What are the Advantages of Taking Your Children to a Pediatric Dentist?
Despite the fact that specialized pediatric dentists are available, many parents only take their children to a general dentist, or worse, no dentist at all. A general dentist is able to provide care for your child, but the following are several advantages of using a pediatric dentist.
Pediatric Dentists Can Help Prevent Dental Problems
Like general dentists, pediatric dentists also promote and teach the importance of preventative care with their patients. Children are highly susceptible to tooth decay for a variety of reasons. Dentists who specialize in pediatrics can offer treatments designed to help prevent tooth decay in young patients, such as:
Sealants
Fluoride Treatments
Space Maintainers
In the long run, it’s much easier and less painful to prevent tooth decay rather than to treat and react to problems after they arise. Pediatric dentists are quite familiar with the types of dental problems children deal with, which makes them highly trained to help prevent these from occurring.
Pediatric Dentists Have More Experience Working with Children
Pediatric dentists work exclusively with children. As such, it goes without saying they will most definitely have more experience working with kids than would a general dentist who works with people of all ages.
Why do you want a dentist with lots of experience working with children? Children have unique dental needs. Their teeth are more susceptible to cavities. For children, losing teeth is a normal part of growth and development. This is vastly different from adults whose teeth will be their last set in life!
In addition to having unique dental treatment needs, they also behave differently than adults. Some pediatric patients experience a great deal of stress and fear when it comes to dental treatments. This anxiety is enhanced when they are not used to visiting the dentist, or they have extensive dental treatment needs. Pediatric dentists, such as Dr. Jason Horgesheimer, Dr. Clark Walker, and Dr. Chuck Odion have unique experience in:
Talking with children
Dealing with their emotions around dental treatments
Easing their fears
Working with children who have cognitive, behavioral, or developmental special needs
Both of our pediatric dentists gained experience by working alongside hundreds of patients in a children’s hospital for training, making them well prepared to deal with pediatric dental patients every day.
Pediatric Dentists Know How to Help Children with their Dental Habits
Adults already know how to brush and floss their teeth regularly. As general dentists will typically re-iterate the importance of these habits, it’s unlikely they need to provide instructions on how to do so. With kids, it’s a bit different.
Children typically need a lot of help when it comes to learning how to brush and floss their teeth regularly. Pediatric dentists need to consistently work with their young patients to help them develop healthy dental habits for life. In addition to providing things like fun toothbrushes and toothpaste, pediatric dentists can also help parents develop plans to encourage children to properly care for their teeth.
Pediatric Dental Offices are (Usually) Less Scary than General Dentist Practices
Visiting the dentist can be scary. Even for adult patients, stepping into a dentist office can cause a bit of anxiety. Pediatric dentists are quite aware of this stress and go the extra mile to make sure kids are comfortable when visiting the dentist.
At South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we use smaller dental equipment that is specially designed to fit comfortably in children’s mouths. Each piece of equipment is introduced to the children just one tool at a time and an explanation is given as to why they are needed. By speaking with children and explaining each piece of equipment to them, the fear of the process is erased, without overwhelming the child all at once.
Pediatric Dentists Have More Training than General Dentists
All dentists have a bachelor’s degree and four years of dental school education, but pediatric dentists go even further in their training. In addition to the foundational education requirements, pediatric dentists go through an additional two years of specialized training, just as Dr. Jason and Dr. Chuck explain in the video.
During those additional two to three years of training, there is a special focus given to:
The treatment of developing teeth
Child psychology and behavior
How to make children comfortable at the dentist
Children’s physical growth and development
Special requirements for children’s dentistry
Treatment of children with special needs
Safe and effective pediatric sedation techniques
Are You Searching for a Pediatric Dentist in Davis County?
We can’t wait to talk to you! Children visit us from North Salt Lake, West Bountiful, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, and Kaysville for their pediatric dental needs. Get in touch with us today at our pediatric dentistry to set up an appointment for your child. Call us at (801) 294-8880.
Finding someone to trust with your child’s oral health needs can be stressful and exhausting. The moment your infant starts to develop teeth, you need to begin thinking about their oral health care. Here at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on helping parents find the right dentist (more…)
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