Encourage a Proper Diet to Prevent Tooth Decay
When your children's teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Avoid serving carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks (and even fruit juices) as they leave deposits on your children's teeth.
These deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your children's mouth and form plaque. In turn, the plaque forms acids which can damage the mineral structure of your kid's teeth and results in tooth decay.
Sensitive Teeth Can Cause Discomfort When Eating
Your children's teeth expand and contract in reaction to temperature changes. Sensitive teeth react to hot and cold food or beverages, causing pain or irritation.
Over time, your kid's tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks. When this happens, the interior of the tooth is exposed and nerve endings are irritated. Sometimes, just breathing cold air can be painful for children with extremely sensitive teeth.
Certain toothpastes can help when your child is experiencing sensitive teeth. Ask the pediatric dentists at The Super Dentists for their recommendations.
Gum or periodontal disease (also known as gingivitis) can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque.
In the early stage of disease, gums can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist.
Help Your Kids Avoid Gum Disease
One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. If your child tells you he/she notices a bad taste in their mouth, tell your kid's dentist about it.
The Super Dentists are happy to provide recommendations that encourage good dental hygiene among your children. Daily brushing and flossing are two great ways to help prevent gum disease. And, our pediatric dental team can show your kids the proper way to do both.
Brushing and flossing daily helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your child's mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath (also known as halitosis).
Help your child by encouraging a healthy diet. Certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create bad breath temporarily. However, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.
What To Do When Your Child Has Bad Breath (Halitosis)
If your child complains about bad breath or you notice it, make an appointment with your kid's dentist. The Super Dentists are happy to offer suggestions to assist you and your children.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth (with a white or gray base surrounded by a red border) that can return repeatedly. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by using antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents.
The pediatric team at The Super Dentists can recommend mouthwashes or topical agents that work best at eliminating annoying canker sores.
Eliminate Annoying Canker Sores
When your child's bite isn't quite right he/she may need to see an orthodontist. A bite where the teeth do not meet properly (known as a malocclusion) can be inherited or the result of missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking for an extended time, may also cause malocclusions.
If you're concerned about your child's bite, The Super Dentist's orthodontist can help. Read more about the orthodontic team at The Super Dentists here. Or, make an appointment with Dr. Hoss' office by calling (619) DENTIST.
Overcome Orthodontic Problems
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually stop thumb sucking when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Typically, children stop between the ages of 2 and 4 years.
However, if your child continues to suck his/her thumb beyond the eruption of primary teeth, it can result in improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your kid's dentist about it.
Need Help Getting Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking?
The pediatric team at The Super Dentists offer these tips to help your children outgrow thumb sucking:
- Don't scold your children when they exhibit thumb sucking behavior; instead, praise them when they don't do it.
- Focus on eliminating the cause of anxiety—thumb sucking is a comfort device that helps children cope with stress or discomfort.
- Praise them when they refrain from the habit during difficult times.
- Place a bandage on the thumb or a sock on their hand at night.
Live in Oceanside, Eastlake, or Chula Vista? Make an Appointment to See a Children's Dentist Today
Browse this Web site for more details about The Super Dentists' San Diego pediatric practice. You'll find lots of detailed information designed to help you make a smart decision regarding your children's dental care.
Then, when you're looking for a kid's dentist in north or south San Diego county, call our office at (619) DENTIST (336-8478). If you prefer to e-mail us first, please do so at WhatsNew@TheSuperDentists.com. One of our friendly team members will respond to you promptly. For our office hours, San Diego locations and maps, simply click here.