National Children's Dental Health Month: Baby teeth matter!

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Here are some facts about children’s teeth and tips for childhood tooth care:

Baby teeth are important. Children need to have healthy, strong baby teeth to eat, speak, and smile.  Just because children lose their baby teeth, “decay is not okay.” 

Babies are born with their baby teeth already formed under the gums. Baby tooth care should start early, before the teeth appear in the mouth! A baby’s gums should be gently wiped with a soft, damp cloth after drinking a bottle or eating. This gets baby used to his or her mouth being cleaned. 

Baby teeth start to come in at about 4 - 7 months of age. As soon as the first little tooth appears, it can be brushed with a soft toothbrush and a tiny smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

Gum pain gels are not necessary and can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia. It is better to let baby chew on a cold cloth or spoon if teething. This should relieve baby’s discomfort.

Always use a separate spoon to test baby’s food. Caregivers and parents can spread their own mouth’s germs this way. This is especially important if a caregiver has cavities or gum problems.

Never put baby to bed with a bottle with formula, milk or juice. Toddlers should not walk around with a sippy cup with formula, milk or juice.  These drinks are for meals. Frequent exposure to the sugar in them can destroy baby teeth quickly. Children should be encouraged to drink only water between meals.

Lift the lip to check baby’s teeth at least once a month. White spots or lines near the gums may be the start of cavities. Baby teeth should be smooth and all one color. White, brown or black spots indicates cavities. If the teeth are being wiped or brushed daily, this should not happen.

By the time kids are 3 years old, they will have 20 teeth! Teeth should be brushed twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft child-sized tooth brush. 

Children start to lose their front teeth at about 6-7 years of age. The loss of front baby teeth and the front permanent teeth coming in are obvious. Not so obvious are the first permanent molars that erupt in the back of the mouth around the same age, making daily brushing and flossing all the more important.

Flossing, too? Yes. While baby teeth usually have space between them that the tooth brush can reach, sometimes they don’t. As soon as “teeth touch” they should be flossed to remove plaque germs that grow in between the teeth.

Baby teeth fall out over time. Kids may still have some until they are 12-13 years old. Baby teeth hold the space for the permanent teeth coming in. Tooth crowding due to early tooth loss can increase risk of decay, gum problems, and needing braces.

Cavities are the NUMBER ONE chronic disease in children, more common than asthma. A cavity is a bacterial infection in a tooth!

Dental pain affects a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Dental emergencies cost parents and kids thousands of lost school and work hours. Emergency room visits for non-traumatic dental visits have risen to over $3.5 billion dollars annually.

The cost of an amalgam (silver) filling can be well over $100 dollars depending on how much of the tooth surface is affected. Composite (white) fillings cost even more. If a tooth needs to be “capped” it can run into thousands of dollars! Compare that to the cost of a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

Dental decay is preventable! Brushing and flossing at least twice a day keeps cavities away. Diets high in sugar and sugar sweetened beverages also lead to cavities. A well-balanced diet helps the mouth and the body stay healthy!

Preventing childhood cavities is so important and can be easy to do but young children need a hand. Pediatricians and dentists recommend the first dental visit by age one. Children up until age nine should have help and supervision while brushing.

Please visit the websites listed below for more on the information found in this article and additional resources.

Resources and sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/index.html

https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month

https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/topic/health-observances/national-childrens-dental-health-month

https://oralhealthsupport.ucsf.edu/news/dental-care-in-crisis-tracking-the-cost-and-prevalence-emergency-department-visits-for-non-traumatic

This blog and its posts are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or advise about any dental or medical condition. Please see your dentist or doctor for any treatment or information you need regarding your health.

LA is hip on teeth

Lights, camera, action! Los Angeles may be known as the movie capital of the world, but did you know they are so 'with it' when it comes to tooth health? LA County has embarked on a massive campaign around tooth health on social media, TV, and radio. Included are great videos and engaging materials to bring the health of the mouth, especially for children, top of mind. 

Here is an adorable video they created:

  

Check out the entire campaign here:

https://choosehealthla.com/Teeth/

Teeth are for everyone

February is National Dental Children’s Health Month but it’s a good time to think about the health of your mouth no matter what your age. Dental health is a life-long endeavor and teeth need to be taken care of at every step along the way.

Women thinking of getting pregnant should go for a dental visit! Men who plan to be dads should go, too. Anyone planning to care for a child can decrease the risk of that child getting cavities by taking care of problems with their own teeth.

During pregnancy, dental care is totally safe and regular dental visits are encouraged. Inflammation in the mouth can affect the unborn child and is even associated with preterm birth.

Babies are born with all their baby teeth under their gums. Infant gums should be wiped with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to keep the mouth healthy because teeth start to come in at about 5 months of age. Breastfeeding a child is important to a child’s mouth development as it helps widen the roof of the mouth and contributes to having teeth that come in straight. A baby should never be put to bed with a bottle with anything in it but water as this can cause cavities. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association recommend a child’s first dental visit by age 1.

From the first tooth on, teeth should be brushed daily with a smear of fluoride tooth paste up to age three, a pea-sized amount ages three and up, and with supervision of brushing till age nine. Baby teeth really matter because they help with speech development and nutrition, and since kids lose them slowly until age 11 or 12, baby teeth are needed to hold the space for the adult, permanent teeth coming in.

Children should be encouraged to eat whole fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary drinks. A rule to live by for dental health is water anytime, milk with meals, sweet drinks - skip it! This goes for adults as well because ‘we are what we eat and drink’ and good nutrition is as important to teeth as it is to the rest of the body.

Adolescents, teens, and college-aged kids can really slack-off with personal hygiene and should be encouraged to continue with daily brushing and flossing. Scheduling regular dental visits during school breaks and summer breaks is a good way to ensure any dental problems are caught early. Adults are busy and can slack off on regular dental visits and hygiene, too.

total health-ym

There is especially a lack of flossing, which is needed to get rid of germs between teeth. Keeping floss handy and within reach at home, in the car, in your pack or purse, helps keep this good habit top of mind. Flossing keeps the gums healthy. Bleeding gums are not normal. Brushing and flossing regularly reduces bleeding and helps avoid worse problems with the gums and teeth down the road. It is important to see a dental professional right away if you are concerned about your teeth, gums, or having any mouth pain.

Finally, keeping your mouth healthy is not only good for your whole body, it is good for your wallet. A permanent, adult tooth that gets a cavity (which is an infection of the tooth) is now a weakened tooth. If the mouth continues to be neglected, that cavity can come back under a filling, get bigger, need a crown, a root canal, or even be lost and need to be replaced with a bridge or implant. It is estimated that one tooth can cost well over $6,000 to repair over a person’s lifetime.

Taking care of your teeth truly can pay off!

This blog and posts are not intended to diagnose or treat and should not be taken as medical or dental advice. If something is bothering you, say something. Your medical and dental professionals can help.

Interview With a Vampire: Taking a (healthy) Bite Out of Fall

October and thoughts turn to pumpkins, pumpkin spice, pumpkin lattes, (let just say all things pumpkin), fall leaves, crisp air, and Halloween. My thoughts, as they often do, turn to oral health and healthy teeth. Pondering this intersection of autumn with a sugar-laden holiday, who better, thought I, to ask about healthy teeth than a vampire? After all, their “lives” literally depend on good, strong teeth! But I was at a loss as to where to find such an enigmatic being. So, I did the only thing I could think of and posted an ad on Craig’s List as follows: “Looking for a vampire to interview for a blog post on oral health. Please respond to this ad using the job posting number indicated above.” I received only one reply but received it surprisingly quickly. What follows is a transcript of that interview.

Y: Hi. It’s so nice to meet you!

Vampire: Likewise. It is my pleasure.

Y: Do you mind if I record our conversation? Wait. Is it possible to record you?

Vampire: Audio, of course. Video, no.

Y: I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me.

Vampire: I appreciate that you were able to meet in the evening.

Y: (laughing) No problem. It’s not so late - it gets dark earlier this time of year.

Vampire: I also appreciate you meeting me at my home.

Y: Again, no problem. You do live in a rather remote area so thank you very much for having your driver pick me up. I would have never found it. By the way, that’s a beautiful car.

Vampire: It’s quite old, a classic. And thank you for not prying regarding the address. You understand, it’s important that I protect my privacy.

Y: Certainly, certainly. I understand. (sneeze)

Vampire: Bless you.

Y: Wow. You can say that?

Vampire: Sure. Just can’t do it. (laughing) I hope you don’t have a cold.

Y: No, it’s these darn allergies. It happens every fall. Hope I don’t ‘fall’ asleep. I had to take some antihistamines.

Vampire: I’m sorry you are suffering so.

Y: Really, it’s nothing. Shall we begin?

Vampire: Let’s.

Y: This is silly and I totally do respect your privacy, but you were rather reluctant to give me your name. What should I call you?

Vampire: Please call me Dave.

Y: Dave.

Vampire: You sound disappointed.

Y: Well, I kinda thought, you know, vampire, pretty mysterious, conjures up far off, mist-covered mountains….

Vampire: Well, Dave’s not actually my name but I thought you’d like something that’s accessible, for your readers. Is that all right?

Y: I do like that feeling of accessibility. You know, Dave, I think you’re right. Dave. It’s perfect.

Vampire: Terrific.

Y: So let’s jump right in. As a dental hygienist, I’m terribly interested in good oral health, and particularly in people who keep their teeth in great shape and how they do it.

Vampire: Naturally, you would be. You seem to have a wonderful, innate curiosity.

Y: Thanks. The thing is, Dave, and I think what makes this interview unique, is I can think of no other beings that would have more stock in maintaining oral health than vampires.

Vampire: You are right, of course. Our lives, well, you know what I mean, depend upon it.

Y: Now, when you say ‘lives’, you mean that you’re actually undead.

Vampire: Well, I think of it as living. There are others that would disagree. But I say, let’s agree to disagree. (laughing)

Y: (laughing) You are charming! I’d love for my readers to know what you do to maintain such wonderful oral health, such strong, shiny, white teeth, over centuries.

Vampire: It’s rather simple, really. I brush two times a day for two minutes each time, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Y: Anything else?

Vampire: Yes. I floss at least once a day and more often if I get someone – thing, stuck in my teeth.

Y: It’s that simple, isn’t it, Dave?

Vampire: Absolutely, yes.

Y: Let me ask you a more personal question.

Vampire: Yes.

Y: Have you ever have a cavity?

Vampire: I did. Back as a child, when I was mortal. The tooth decayed and I had to have it pulled. Dentistry was so awful back then. But I learned my lesson and took great care of my teeth from that day forward. Haven’t had any problems since.

Y: Let’s explore that experience a little more. How did you feel about it? To have decay, have a tooth pulled.

Vampire: It was a horror. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

Y: It’s so gratifying to meet someone who values his oral health as much as you do, Dave. It is really such a pleasure to hear.

Vampire: Again, the pleasure is all mine.

Y: I do have another question.

Vampire: Please, go ahead.

Y: Let’s say, hypothetically, someone puts a wooden stake through your heart. Is anything left? Do the teeth remain? Movies are so sketchy on this point and other than some books, I have no point of reference. Sometimes the vampire dissolves, sometimes bursts into flames…I’m sorry. Have I offended you?

Vampire: No. However, I am a little uncomfortable with this line of questioning. You know, I have heard that teeth can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Y: Actually, up to 2,000.

Vampire: That is interesting. I really admire your knowledge and passion about this subject.

Y: It’s what I do, Dave. Thanks.

Vampire: You’re welcome.

Happy Halloween. (Photo YM)

Dave was such a great interview but the recording cuts off here and I have to admit I don’t remember much of the rest of the evening. Antihistamines really knock me out! My eyes seem to have developed a bit of sensitivity to light as well, but my doctor assures me it’s the allergies. Happy Halloween!

For another Halloween post from this blog click here: https://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2015/10/

This post is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease or condition. Please visit your dentist or medical professional if you are not feeling well, and if you are feeling well - go for your regular check-ups. Do not contact Dave. 

What's in the (sparkling) water?

I often get questions about sparkling waters, seltzers, and club sodas. Do they damage the teeth? Are they healthier to drink than soda? What about fruit-infused, fruit-added, or fruit-flavored water?

Seltzer

Sparkling water, seltzer and club soda differ only slightly from each other. Seltzers and club sodas are injected with carbon dioxide gas to make them bubbly, however, club soda also has minerals added. Sparkling water is naturally bubbly and has minerals that are naturally from that water source. Sparkling water and club soda may have sodium in small amounts. Usually, all three have zero calories. If "natural flavors" have been added that means the drink also contains fruit flavors, spices or oils.

The important thing to remember when it comes to tooth damage from drinks are the things that need to be present to cause damage in the first place: plaque germs, sugar and acid.

Although sparkling waters, club sodas and seltzers are healthier than sweetened colas and sodas, they are somewhat acidic compared to plain water. If fruit flavorings are added, the nutrition label should be checked for sugar. Plain water with fruit slices or juices added contain sugar and acid from the fruit. Brushing and flossing should be done daily to ensure that the mouth and teeth are as germ-free as possible. Brushing should not be done immediately after drinking an acidic drink. It is best to wait at least 30 minutes. 

The best drink for mouth and teeth health is plain water. If the water in your community is fluoridated, that's even better. If you need more pep in your drink, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, club soda or water with some added fruit slices, are healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened sodas and other beverages like sweet teas or sports drinks.

(Don't make the mistake of grabbing tonic water! Tonic is sometimes used in cocktails. It contains quinine, which tastes bitter and was once used used as a medicine in higher concentrations. Tonic also contains sugars and is high in calories.)

What's your favorite bubbly?

Here's a link to a classic Seinfeld clip "I wanted seltzer, not salsa!": https://youtu.be/evYSwr_D8OU

For more on unhealthy and tooth friendly drinks check out some of my previous posts!
https://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2016/04/soda-skip-it.html

https://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2015/11/you-are-what-you-drink.html



This blog and posts are not intended to diagnose or treat and should not be taken as medical or dental advice. If something is bothering, say something. Your medical and dental professionals can help.

Teeth can be a real grind

What causes people to grind their teeth? Some people may experience teeth grinding, or bruxism (bruchk-siz-uhm,) throughout their lives, others report teeth grinding more often or only when stressed. It can occur during the day or may happen only at night. A person may be unaware of it until pain in the teeth, mouth, face, neck, and/or jaw cause him or her to seek relief. The person’s partner may be the one who is aware of it first, waking up in the middle of the night to a noise that sounds like bones cracking. Dental health professionals are trained to recognize signs of grinding in the mouth, such as worn down teeth, so regular check-ups are important. Teeth grinding may cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) or make it worse.

In conditions such as autism, tooth grinding can be quite common and worrisome to caregivers. There is also evidence that taking certain medications, such as those for depression or gastrointestinal disorders, may cause or increase teeth grinding because of how these drugs affect the body. If it can be determined that teeth grinding starts upon taking a new medication, a doctor may switch the patient to another drug or reduce the dosage. But if teeth grinding develops over time, a medication may not be easily identified as the cause.

Treatment for teeth grinding typically involves alleviating pain and discomfort through the use of night guards, dental appliances, and pain relievers. Some people love night guards, others find them difficult to tolerate. It is important, however, to seek treatment in order to relieve pain and prevent damage to the teeth. Dental night guards can be bought in drug stores or dentists can make them custom-fit for patients.

When evaluating teeth grinding or pain, it is important to look at a person’s entire dental and medical history, including any medications. People being treated for mental health issues may not think to report to their doctor that they are having tooth, face or jaw pain. People often neglect to write their complete medical histories and medications on their dental forms. They may be embarrassed or figure that their medical treatment is not information that a dentist or dental hygienist needs. However, when it comes to medication and oral health, it can matter quite a bit.

Are you experiencing tooth grinding, or waking up with an aching face or jaw? Speak with your doctor or dentist to get the proper treatment you need.

This post is not intended to advise, diagnose, or treat any condition. If you are in pain, please see your dentist or doctor.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2934876/; Sutin AR, Terracciano A, Ferrucci L, Costa PT. Teeth Grinding: Is Emotional Stability related to Bruxism? Journal of research in personality. 2010;44(3):402-405. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2010.03.006. Accessed August 26, 2018

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941; TMJ disorders. Patient care and health information, diseases and conditions. Mayo Clinic Web site. Accessed August 26, 2018

Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2014 Oct;13(10):1319-26. doi: 10.1517/14740338.2014.947262. Epub 2014 Sep 6.

Psychotropic drugs and bruxism. Falisi G¹, Rastelli C, Panti F, Maglione H, Quezada Arcega R.Accessed August 26,2018

Mind Your Mouth. Part 2.

My first post on the relationship between mental health and oral health focused on risky behaviors like drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, and the damage they cause the teeth, gums, mouth and throat. (http://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2018/01/mind-your-mouth.html )

The link between oral health and mental health, however, is a two way street. People who don’t like how their teeth look or who have crooked, missing, or decayed teeth can suffer from low self-esteem. They may not want to smile or talk and lack confidence because they feel ashamed by the condition of their mouth. They may avoid social situations and have difficulties finding or keeping a job. Isolation, worry, and lack of employment can further deepen a person’s depression. They may blame themselves for how their mouth looks, even if it is not their fault. Some people have dental conditions which may stem from childhood or may be economic in nature, such as a family’s inability to afford braces or to have trauma to the teeth repaired. This can further cause a person to feel helpless and hopeless about the condition of their mouth.

Many people feel anxious about dental treatment but those who avoid going to the dentist out of fear may develop oral health problems due to a lack of regular care and check-ups. Dental phobia, the fear of going to the dentist or having dental treatment, is a recognized condition and a very real problem for some people. It can be caused by fear of pain, lack of control, feelings of shame over neglect of health, or traumatic past experiences. People may wait to seek care until they are in extreme pain, their condition is much worse, or they may not seek treatment at all, which can result in severe or life-threatening infection or tooth loss. Lack of dental care, dental anxiety and oral health problems can be a very damaging combination for a person’s physical overall health and their mental well being.

People with self esteem or depression due to oral health problems and people suffering from dental phobia need help from both dental and mental health professionals. Receiving proper dental care can help to restore a person’s confidence and motivate them to get help for the mental health issues they developed as a result of their poor oral health. Behavioral and cognitive therapies can help a person explore the reasons for their phobia and develop the tools that they need to help get them through dental care visits. Some people may require anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications.

Dental health professionals should recognize that dental phobia affects many people and is more common than people realize. It is estimated that between 9 – 15% of Americans have true dental phobia. Pain management in the dental office through the use of good and proper anesthesia based on a person’s medical, dental, and mental health conditions is needed, as is empathy about the person’s phobia. Patients should be asked about their fears and be invited to use coping strategies, such as listening to music on headphones, or relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Open discussion can help to build trust and get patients to the resources they need to help them heal.

Sources

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/what-is-dental-anxiety-and-phobia

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/controlling-dental-pain#2

Kisely S. No Mental Health without Oral Health. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie. 2016;61(5):277-282. doi:10.1177/0706743716632523.

This blog is not intended to diagnose, advise, or treat any condition. Please get help from your medical, dental or mental health professional if you need it - you'll be relieved that you did.

2-22 Dental Day

Happy February 22! Today marks the first 2-22 Dental Day. I created it to celebrate the two-two-two dental hygiene rule: Brush two times a day for two minutes and have a dental check-up two times a year. The mouth and it's health is so important and taking care of it can really pay off.

There are other dental themed days and months in the United States. November is National Dental Hygiene Month and February is National Children's Dental Health Month. On the first Friday of February, called Give Kids a Smile Day, many dentist and dental professionals donate their time and services to kids needing dental care. April marks National Facial Protection Month to promote the use of mouth guards and sports safety.

It is estimated that over 80%-90% of adults have dental issues so there is room for improvement. Each February 22^nd can be a reminder to everyone to care for their mouths and teeth. The mouth is such an important part of the body but is often neglected. 2-22 Dental Day is a day to celebrate the importance of having a healthy mouth. Brushing twice daily for two minutes and getting regular dental check-ups two times a year along with daily flossing, can prevent cavities, save time and money and contribute to overall health. It’s such a simple way to treat oneself to good health.

Please visit my 2-22 Dental Day FaceBook page, too. It contains some fun and interesting information. I hope you enjoy it.

(FYI: 2-22 Dental Day is not sponsored by or associated with any organization or agency nor does it sell or promote or endorse any product. The 2-22 Dental Day logo, media, and content were created by Yvonne M. for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a replacement for, or diagnosis of, any dental or medical condition. Persons needing medical or dental help should consult their personal health care providers.)