3 Tips to Help Keep Your Child's Smile Safe

The Western World is currently facing a childhood obesity epidemic that has threatened adolescent populations with a myriad of health issues including increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Public health authorities and community stakeholders have pushed back hard against advertising companies who had previously targeted children with sugar-loaded snacks draped in the names and faces of their favourite cartoon characters. This movement targeted sugary foods as the culprit for rising levels of childhood obesity, but this sweet substance has also been fingered as the leading antagonist for failing oral health among adolescents. Over 26,000 primary school children were admitted to the hospital for tooth decay in the past year, suggesting that parents could use a few tips to reduce their child's exposure to sugar. Read on for 3 simple tips to improve your child's oral health care outcomes.  

• Make brushing fun. When faced with the choice between allowing their child to eat a more sugary food option, such as fruit, or having their child refuse to eat, most parents will concede to their child's wishes. There is nothing wrong with this, especially since fruits have a variety of oral health-boosting properties, but even natural sugars must be brushed away. Find a fun song for your child to brush along to, and join them in their morning and evening routine to make it fun.

• Limit sugary foods to meal-times. Try to choose low-sugar snacks for your child. Some classic favourites include nuts, carrots or celery and dip, or a spoonful of peanut or almond butter. If your child must have a sugary snack, try to fit it into regular mealtime so that their teeth are not exposed to sugars throughout the day when brushing and rinsing is not likely. 

• Educate yourself on nutrition. Most parents aren't aware of the amount of sugar contained in a glass of fruit juice, or that even fat-free yogurt is brimming with added sweeteners. Always read the labels on foods and try to cut out excess sugar where possible. Your child is depending entirely on you to provide them with adequate nutrition. 

What Foods to Avoid Over the Holidays

Holiday spreads offer a lot of variety for the enthusiastic seasonal snacker, but scattered across festive table cloths are a variety of foods that should be avoided at all costs! Nobody is suggesting that you deprive yourself or kids of festive treats, but making oral health-conscious choices can save you the stress of facing a dental bill in the holiday aftermath. Read on to learn about which festive foods put your oral health at high risk! 

• Wine – Most people see no issue with having a festive glass or two of wine to toast the holidays, but proceed with caution! Red wine is a notorious staining solution, but many people would be surprised to learn that even white wine can be problematic, as its acidity causes enamel to deteriorate. Try to have your glasses of wine over dinner, rather than sipping on it throughout the evening, as this prolonged exposure will increase your chances of staining and erosion. Drink your wine and wash it down with a tall glass of water. 

• Sweet treats – Sugar is a prime culprit for dental decay and cavity formation. The holiday season abounds with sugary treats, from pudding, candy-canes, and clementines, to even the dreaded fruit cake. Try to resist the temptation where possible, and to either rinse thoroughly or brush when you find yourself indulging. Your children will be receiving lots of candy this time of year, ensure they are eating it in moderation and not frequently throughout the day. Try and have them drink water if possible while enjoying their sweets. 

• Pop or soda – Most adults will steer clear of carbonated high-sugar soda-pop throughout the year, but may indulged when the holidays roll around and mixed alcoholic drinks are being poured. Try to avoid the rum-and-Coke if possible, and opt instead for a gin and tonic, or some other beverage that uses a soda water in place of syrupy pop. Steer your kids away from pop and sugary drinks, try replacing with a flavoured water instead. 

Smile-Survival Tips to Get Your Teeth Through the Holiday Spread

Turkey, gingerbread, and chestnuts roasting on an open fire – it is obvious that food is important over the holidays. One of the central components of a big seasonal celebration is the holiday spread. Many people submit to packing on a few extra pounds over the holidays, but indulging doesn't have to mean trouble for your teeth as well. Read on for some simple guidelines to help steer you towards the spread's smile-friendly offerings. 

• Say cheese! Most respectable holiday gatherings will include the customary cheese-and-cracker tray. Holiday snackers will be happy to hear that cheese gets the nod of approval from the Woodbridge Dental team, as its calcium-rich nutrient profile promotes tooth health, while also creating an ideal PH balance in your mouth to offset the damages wrought by wine's acidity. 

• Nut-up for the holidays. When your hands are hovering over the snack bar, try to resist the chips and candies. Instead, encourage a move towards the obligatory bowl of mixed nuts. Packed with calcium, vitamin D, folic acid, iron, and much more, nuts are a great dietary choice for oral health, and will fill you up quickly so that you can resist the sugary snacks. 

• Eat your vegetables. Forget the holidays – most party spreads in general are incomplete without crudités, the traditional French appetizer made up of an array of raw chopped veggies served with a dipping sauce. Broccoli and carrots promote strong oral health because their vitamin A-rich nutrient profile builds strong enamel, and because chomping on raw veggies both cleans your teeth and stimulates healthy blood flow. 

Top Take-Away to Avoid For Tooth Health

The cold Canadian winter has settled over us now, and as the days begin to shorten, so too does our patience for cooking. Nothing can sap your motivation to fire up the stove and launch into home-cooked meal preparation quite like arriving home in the dark and cold. Similarly, the snow-slicked roads have discouraged many people from making the drive out to their favourite restaurant, making take-out food a very appealing option. Italian, Indian, and Chinese fare is only a phone call away, and can be ordered from under a particularly cozy blanket. Before you make the call, though, have you ever considered how these foods rank in terms of their effect on your oral health? Read on to see how international fare stacks up in your dentist's eyes! 

Italian food - a perfect storm to wreak oral health havoc!

Commonly comprised of white dough-based pasta and pizza slathered in rich and acidic tomato sauces, Italian food can be trouble for your mouth's condition if eaten carelessly. White dough is a highly-refined carbohydrate that is predominantly made up of simple sugars. Worse still, their high gluten consistency puts every chewy bite at risk of getting lodged between teeth, putting the sugars in prime problem areas. Adding to the risk, the acid content of tomato sauce can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. If you are in the mood for Italian this evening, be sure to floss away the gummy high-gluten sugars, and to brush away acidic tomato residue. 

Indian and Chinese – sweet, salty, and spicy tooth-staining tyrants!

Everybody knows the staining potential of wine, tea, and coffee, but did you know that any pigment-rich foods risk discolouring your smile? Curry powder is a prime suspect in serial teeth-staining cases, with its deep yellow, red, and green hue. Richly-coloured sauces, whether they be an orange-red sweet-and-sour, or a simply black soy, are both highly likely to stain teeth. Keep a glass of water handy for rinsing, and try to choose an appetizer of cruciferous greens like beef-and-broccoli or a spinach dish, as these vegetables form protective layers on the teeth that can ward off staining. 

Canker-sores

Canker-sores are also known as aphthous ulcers, they usually appear inside he cheeks and lips, at the base of the gums and sometimes under or on the tongue.

The cause for canker-sores is still unknown but people who have nutritional deficiencies of folic acid, B12 and iron seem to develop them more often. Sometimes canker-sores point to an immune system problem.

Canker-sores appear as round open sores that are usually white or yellowish gray in colour with a red ring surrounded it. They are usually small and shallow. Most of the time there will be a singular canker-sore, but the possibility of a small cluster does exist.

On average, canker-sores take 2 weeks to heal. They are fairly painful for the first few days but the pain will diminish slowly. They heal on their own, without any scarring. If your child complains about pain then over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen can help. There are also topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthwashes than can provide your child with temporary relief.

Some tips on caring for your child's canker-sore;

• Avoid abrasive foods like nuts or potato chips which irritate gums and mouth tissue.
• Avoid spicy,salty or acid foods – lemons, tomatoes
• Brush their teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and be gentle
• Brush and rinse their teeth with pastes and mouthwashes that dont have SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)

Although canker-sores can be a pain to deal with, most of them are not a big problem. Your child may be uncomfortable if they get a canker-sore, but if you teach them how to properly care for them and reduce any pain then they will be prepared.

Childrens Teeth & Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, fresh and salt water as well as various foods. Fluoride from drinking water and in toothpaste can help to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride has positive effect on oral health, but there are many questions about fluoride and how it can help children.

Why do children need fluoride?

Fluoride intake is important. Bacteria in the mouth combines with sugars and create an acid. This acid chews away at the enamel of your child's teeth. Fluoride helps to protect teeth in two ways - protects from demineralization by protecting teeth from this acid, and remineralizes the enamel by strengthening it. Although fluoride cannot repair cavities, but it can help prevent new ones.

When should my child use fluoridated toothpaste?

Children over 2 years old should use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, but it should have the Canadian Dental Associations seal of approval to ensure levels of fluoride are safe. Children that are younger than 6 should be supervised when brushing to make sure they are spitting out the toothpaste not swallowing it. Any child under age 6 should not be using fluoridated mouth washes unless your dentist approves it.

What are other sources of fluoride?

The water that comes out of your sink tap has been fluoridated. The fluoride in the water helps reduce tooth decay by almost 40%. Fluoride is also found is food and beverages. Make sure your child is eating a healthy balanced diet that has lots of calcium and vitamin D.

Decay Prevention Tips – Developing Teeth

• Do not share saliva with your baby. Avoid licking their pacifiers, pre-chewing their food or sharing spoons.
• After every feeding ensure you are wiping baby's gums with a clean and damp washcloth. This will assist in plaque removal.
• When the first sign of teeth start poking through the gums, brush them gently with a childrens toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste.
• Help brush your child's teeth until around age 8 when they can do it themselves. When they brush alone, supervise them making sure they brush thoroughly and spit out the toothpaste after.
• Only put formula, breast milk or water in bottles for baby. Infants should not be put to bed with a bottle.
• If your child uses a pacifier do not dip it in anything sweet such as sugar, honey or other sweet liquids. Use a clean one every time.
• By your child's 1st birthday, try to encourage them to drink from a cup. Try avoiding using sippy cups with sweetened drinks.
• You know the benefits of eating healthy, so encourage healthy eating habits for your child. A diet with lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains.
• During snack time serve nutritious snacks, and try to limit sweets to mealtimes.
• Talk to your dentist to make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride needed.

If you have any questions, or concerns call Woodbridge Kids today and set up an appointment.

The History of Toothpaste

Around 5000BC is when Egyptians started using paste to clean their teeth, this is even before the invention of toothbrushes. The Greeks and Romans have used toothpaste, and people in China and India began using it around 500BC.

In the past, ancient toothpastes were created to treat the same concerns we have nowadays – to keep our gums and teeth clean, white and having fresh breath. A drastic difference between the toothpaste of our time and back then is the ingredients. Some ingredients that were used include ox hoof powder, ashes, and burn eggshells that were combined with a pumice.

 

Greeks and Romans liked their paste more abrasive so they added crushed bones and oyster shells. The Romans added more flavour to help with bad breath including powdered charcoal and bark. In China they added a variety of substances over time including ginseng, salt and herbal mints.

 

More modern toothpastes started in the 1800's. The ingredients around that time included soap, and chalk. Ground charcoal and betel nuts were used as well. Before the 1850's toothpastes were actually powders. Around the 1970's Colgate began to mass produce toothpaste in jars, and as an actual paste. The tube toothpaste was introduced in the 1890's.

 

In 1914, toothpastes were formulated to treat or prevent specific diseases like tooth sensitivity. Fluoride was introduced to help prevent decay, and toothpaste with low abrasiveness were developed to help prevent any issues caused by overzealous brushing.

 

We have advanced toothpaste to help us battle plaque, gum disease, caries, bad breath and to help whiten teeth. Toothpaste has come a long way, so don't forget how important it is to brush!

Gummy Vitamins & Safety

For people that have a vitamin deficiency, or finicky children with diets that are inadequate there are vitamins in the form of gummies. Gummy vitamins look like candy gummies, and taste good too. They provide children (or adults) with additional nutritional support. Gummies provide the same support as the chewable vitamins but considering their close resemblance to candy, they pose more of a risk of overdose and possible vitamin toxicity.

Vitamins are a group of organic compounds that are essential for growth, nutrition and helps your body to perform tasks of daily life. They are only required in certain quantities because they cannot be synthesized by the body. If your diet is lacking certain vitamins, then by taking gummies you are ensuring an adequate amount for daily needs.

Vitamin Toxicity
There are vitamins that when consumed in excess, leave leftovers that store themselves in fatty tissues, making toxicity more common. These vitamins include A, D, E and K, fat soluble vitamins.

Other vitamins including C, B(6 and 12), riboflavin, folate and niacin are water soluble. This means if you consume an excess amount of there, they are eliminated through urine. The risk of toxicity is reduced greatly.

Gummies and Teeth
The sticky and glutinous texture of gummies assist them in clinging to tooth enamel. It is likely they will get stuck in-between teeth as well as in the grooves of teeth. Bacteria like to feed on the sugar in the gummies and after 20 minutes that bacteria creates enamel-destroying acid.

If you are going to give your child gummy vitamins, give it to them with meals or before daily brushing to minimize the effects of the bacteria.

Flossing for Children

Often overlooked, flossing your child's teeth is critically important for development as well as cavity prevention. Flossing is an important because it allows you to clean in-between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach and where cavities are likely to form.

When the baby teeth begin to make contact with each other, you can begin flossing. Sometimes it happens with the first front four teeth just shy of a year old. If there is more spacing between the teeth they do not need to be flossed until the back teeth begin to come in, and touch. 

The easiest way to floss a young toddlers teeth is with a floss stick. They are super easy to find in any drug store or grocery store. Floss sticks allow bigger adult hands to reach inside the toddlers mouth allowing you access to the back molars without actually putting hands inside their mouth.

When flossing for your child, the position is key. The easiest way is to have your child lie on their bed with their head in your lap. You should be flossing their teeth until they are able to tie their own shoes. They lack the coordination to floss on their own until they have reached the age of 6 or 7.

Until then, they will learn habits from watching you. Lead by example and teach the importance of good oral hygiene.

Teeth Stains from Pool Water

Summer time is great for spending time with your children and indulging in fun activities like swimming. Unknown to most, you are putting your child's teeth at risk when entering the pool, as there are hazards in the water. If your child spends six or more hours in a pool every week they are at risk for developing yellowish-brown or dark brown stains on their teeth. 

Pool water is treated with large amounts of chemicals which gives it a higher pH content (making it alkaline) than saliva causing the proteins in the saliva to break down faster than usual. Once the proteins are broken down they can form deposits on the teeth that is often called "swimmers calculus." The stains will most likely form on the front teeth.

Pools that are poorly maintained or overly chlorinated which makes the water acidic. Continuous exposure to the water causes the discoloration and enamel erosion of the teeth.

Fortunately, these stains can be removed with professional dental cleanings. As soon as there is any signs of stains call the dentist and make an appointment. During summer season if you will be taking your children swimming on the regular, have their teeth cleaned every 3 months.

Visit Woodbridge Kids Dentistry to learn about preventative and restorative dentistry!

Why Food Tastes Funny After Brushing Your Teeth

If you or your child ever wondered why everything tastes pretty awful after brushing your teeth in the morning, here's the answer!

There is a chemical added to toothpaste that makes it foamy, assisting in spreading around your mouth more easily. The chemical is called sodium laureth sulfate which goes by multiple names including sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), as well as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). You can thank SLS for ruining your morning glass of orange juice. 

These chemicals are called surfactants . A wetting agent that helps to reduce the tension of a liquid, in this case the toothpaste. This is how you're able to get so much out of that little bit on your brush. Beyond creating the foam effect in your mouth, SLS and SLES also affects your taste buds in two ways;

• Suppresses the receptors that perceive sweetness which makes it more difficult for us to pick up any sweet tastes in anything we eat or drink afterward.
• Breaks up the phospholipids on our tongue. These are fatty molecules that inhibit the receptors for bitterness not allowing us to be overwhelmed by foods that are very bitter, but after you brush, the bitter taste is enhanced.

We know that the side effects are temporary but if the little one doesn't like it, there are alternative options. Opt for toothpastes that are SLES/SLS free, but make sure they contain fluoride as that is essential for healthy teeth.

Contact Woodbridge Kids Dentistry today for a check up on your child's teeth to ensure optimal health!

Home-Cleaning Solutions for your Retainer

If you have spent hundreds of days and dollars correcting your smile with braces, you had better be wearing your retainer! After prolonged use, your retainer may begin to show some signs of build-up that looks very similar to the tartar that collects on unbrushed teeth. Worse still, this build-up may begin to smell vaguely like rotting fruit, indicating some serious bacterial action. The good news is that you do not need to choose between proper hygiene and retainer use. For best results, review the following tips on how to give your retainer a proper home cleaning. 

What you will need:

• A toothbrush. Choose a spare manual brush for this task. A denture brush is also suitable.
• White vinegar. You can buy this food-grade distilled vinegar in any local market. Be sure that the variety you choose is rated at a mild acidity of roughly 5%.
• Small bowl and warm water. It is important not to use boiling water, though you may be tempted in thinking it will have a greater cleaning and sterilization effect. Boiling water can damage your retainer.
  

How to proceed:

First, you combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a bowl. Soak your retainer in this solution for 20 minutes. This soaking stage allows the barnacled tartar to weaken and loosen.

Next, you should brush your retainer with the toothbrush. Use small, circular strokes with slightly more force than you would apply while brushing. This should remove the majority of the calcified tartar.

Mix another solution of white vinegar and warm water, and repeat the soaking process you undertook in the first step. You have the option of extending the time frame of the soak past 20 minutes, even leaving it in the solution overnight if you desire.

Many patients wrongly believe that soaking their retainer in an Efferdent cleaner will suffice, but a manual debridement is required. In fact, some dentists caution against Efferdent cleaners, which can dry out both the mouth and retainer because they contain alcohol and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Easing Your Child into Their First Dental Check-Up

Getting your child to cooperate with any new experience can be a tricky task, so a trip to a dentist's office filled with whirring electrical tools, needles, and strangers is often problematic for parents. The good news is that you are not alone. All parents struggle to get their kids to the dental office peacefully. You can be sure that your child's outburst is not the first tempter-tantrum that your dentist has seen. 

Many parents wonder about the best way to prepare their child for their first trip to the dentist, and sometimes turn to sugary bribes or outright lies to get them in the chair without any fuss. Read on for some healthy and helpful hints about the best ways to prepare your child for their first dental check-up.

Start early!

It is extremely important to get your child into the dentist's office as early as possible. Most professionals recommend doing so no later than age 1, or at the emergence of your child's first tooth.

By getting your child into the office early in life, you are building a positive association as the foundation of their understanding of the dentist's. This means that your child will be more comfortable as procedures intensifying, and that their peers' horror stories and phobias will have no effect.

Keep your talks simple and honest.

It is important to discuss what to expect prior to your child's first visit, and to set their expectations in a healthy and positive way. Going into gruesome detail about cavity procedures is obviously a mistake, but lying about the experience can be even more damaging. Lying to your child causes a loss of trust in you and in their dentist, allowing future anxieties to multiply with little hope of reassurance. Stay positive with your child, and make uplifting vocabulary choices, framing the visit to the dentist as a way to get "strong, healthy, and good-looking teeth."

Introduce the dentist through play.

Preparing your child for their trip to the dentists can be as fun as you want to make it. A variety of picture books are available involving some of your child's favourite TV characters, and these are all excellent options for introducing dentistry in a fun way. Playing dentist with your child is also a great way to build a positive association with their upcoming check-up. This can involve role-playing, holding a mirror up to check their smile, and reviewing brushing technique.

You can read more about kid's dentistry here. 

Oral Hygiene Tips to Beat Bad Breath

Known formally as halitosis, bad breath plagues a good portion of the population, as demonstrated by the commercial success of the chewing gum and breath-mint industries. Blamed for everything from bad interviews to sour dates, unpleasant breath can be a real turn-off, but more importantly, it is often an embarrassing indication that something is wrong. The causes of bad breath are extensive, and range from sub-par dental hygiene and gum disease to more serious systemic infections in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. The following hygiene tips will solve bad breath problems for most people, but a medical professional should be consulted in the case that they persist. 

Clean your mouth thoroughly!

Bacteria and rotting food particles are two of the most common causes of bad breath, both of which can be taken care of with a strong cleaning routine consisting of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.

It is important to recognize that there is a difference between cleaning your teeth and cleaning your mouth. While the teeth are important, they constitute only a small portion of your mouth as a whole. Your tongue is a biological shag-carpet that picks up all sorts of bacteria and food residue. Using a manual toothbrush, the edge of a spoon, or a specialized tongue-cleaner device, you should scrape your tongue to remove bacteria as part of your brushing regimen. You should also include the sides of your cheeks in your routine.

Leave your morning breath in bed.

Morning breath is caused by having a dry mouth, as saliva production is naturally slowed while we sleep. Bacteria loves dry mouths that do not threaten to wash it away. Increasing your saliva production physically washes away bacteria, and also taps into saliva's natural antiseptic properties. Mouth-cleaning gums are often little more than saliva-production stimulators. You can lessen the severity of bad breath simply by chewing sugar-free gum between meals, and by drinking as much water as possible throughout the day to keep your mouth moisturized. 

Gum Disease Prevention Primer

Gum disease is extremely common, with roughly 70% of Canadians experiencing it to some degree at some point in their lives. Many of these cases go undiagnosed until they have progressed to the point where a periodontal specialist must be called in. This occurs because mild forms of gum disease are often painless, with early symptoms difficult to spot by the untrained or uninformed eye. For this reason, prevention is extremely important, and awareness is the first step in the fight. 

How does gum disease begin?

As with many dental afflictions, gum disease is the result of improper oral hygiene. When plaque forms below the visible gumline and is given the chance to harden into tartar due to negligent brushing habits, bacterial infection can occur. In its early stages, this bacteria infection is known as gingivitis. Reddened gums may be visible at this stage to indicate the onset of infection, but many untrained eyes struggle to identify this redness in the pink-hued gums.

How does gum disease progress?

If left untreated, and further worsened by poor cleaning habits, tiny pockets of infection begin to form, causing the gums to become puffy. The gums will become more prone to bleeding during brushing and flossing, but will still be relatively pain-free. The lack of pain is perhaps the most sinister component of gum disease, as it allows the infection to creep along unnoticed until it is too late. By the time you are feeling pain, the infection will have begun to destroy the gum tissues, which can result in loss of teeth.

How do I fight gum disease?

The first step in preventing gum disease is the basic upkeep of healthy oral care habits. Flossing and brushing as advised by your dentist go a long way towards fending off this creeping gumline affliction. Booking and having your child attend regular appointments with your dental professional is also crucial for early identification. If your child is already in the early stages of gum disease, the best treatment is a professional cleaning to remove built-up calculus that cannot be accessed with brushing and flossing alone. 

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

In terms of cleaning, there is no major difference between using a manual or an electric toothbrush for your child. The brush is only as good as the person operating it, so teaching your child good oral health is important.

Sometimes, making brushing fun is in the details. Manual toothbrushes can have images on them of your child’s favourite cartoon character, or even just nice details they are attracted to. Electric toothbrushes can be much more elaborate and attractive – beyond images, they can light up, have the character on the brush say something encouraging, or play music for the length of time your child should be brushing. 

Other times, it could be flavour of the toothpaste or mouthwash that enhances the brushing experience. Essential information to pass on to your child is that it isn't how hard they brush their teeth, its how long.

When choosing a toothbrush look for bristles that are soft, and rounded. Make sure the handle portion of the brush is appropriate for your child’s hand. For electric, beyond those previously mentioned features look for a small rotating and oscillating head.

Let your child pick the toothbrush that they want to use, if you are using an electric one they may want to see what it is all about – but if they still prefer the manual one do not force the electric on them. Your child should be at least 3 years old before using an electric brush by themselves. You should always be supervising them as they brush.

Children & Thumb Sucking

As a natural habit for babies, thumb-sucking is routine for finding comfort and soothing themselves. During the first few months of life, this habit can be used as a way to fall asleep, to calm down or just to feel good. During these stages, sucking is considered harmless to a child’s speech development.

For most infants, thumb-sucking is an exploratory stage that ends after a few years, but for the ones who don't break the habit as they grow up, problems may begin to occur. 

The difference between an infant and a child thumb-sucking has to do with the formation of their mouth and teeth. As a child develops, the baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth begin to grow. If your child is still sucking their thumb beyond the age of 4, their likelihood of developing malocclusion (over/under bites), buck teeth, infections or other dental issues is increased.

How you can help reduce the habit & potential risks;

• Try to limit thumb-sucking to a “bed-time” activity only
• Do not tell your child “You cannot do this” - praise when they are not doing it instead of criticizing
• Talk to your child about the habit, and tell them when they are ready to stop you will be there for support.
• If your child has been injured and falls back to thumb-sucking for comfort, don’t prohibit the action as he is putting himself in a comfort zone.

• Try and come up with creative ways to help your child. For example; you can ask them if Dora the Explorer or Caillou suck their thumbs. This will put the idea in their mind, and start the ' i don’t need to do this anymore' process.

What to do in Case of an Accident or Pain?

As children grow up there are many things that can happen to their teeth. Here are some scenarios that your child may go through, and how to handle them.

Baby Tooth Knocked Out;

Baby teeth have a bigger crown (part of tooth that shows) than the root, so they are easier to be accidentally knocked out. If this happens, make sure you find to tooth to ensure it wasn't swallowed. The tooth may be able to be re-implanted by the dentist but if it was already loose because of the permanent tooth coming out, you are better off to leave it. To decide which is the best option always see the dentist. 

Bleeding Gums;

Can be caused by rough brushing, injuries to the gum tissue or gum disease. If you notice that your child’s gums are bleeding your first step is to rinse their mouth with a salt water mixture and put light pressure on the affected area, also a wet tea bag (the tannic acid) helps reduce bleeding. If gums are bleeding more heavily, make an appointment as soon as possible, or head to the emergency.

Bitten Lip or Tongue;

Apply pressure directly on the bleeding area with a gauze, or a clean cloth for at least 10 minutes. If any swelling is present, apply a cold compress. Any mouth injuries will usually heal within 3 to 4 days.

Teething Pain;

Teething pain occurs in the first two and a half years, and its most common symptoms include irritated skin on the chin or cheeks from excessive drool, tender gums, cheek rubbing or ear pulling, and crankiness. To help reduce the symptoms ensure you have rubber teething rings that can be chilled to help relieve pressure, gently rubbing your child's gums with your finger, and always keep a soft baby cloth to wipe away any drool.

Toothache;

if your child is having a toothache, use warm water as a rinse to wash out any debris that may be there. Gently floss their teeth to remove anything that may be trapped between teeth. l. Avoid medications that can be applied to the gums as the saliva will wash it away. If needed use Children's Advil or Tylenol.

Fighting Decay With Gum!

Fight decay with gum? Yes, you read that correctly. We've always been told not to chew gum, because it is sugary and not good for teeth. Nowadays we have gum that assists in whitening teeth, and better yet, gum that helps prevent tooth decay, reduce bacteria growth and helps repair enamel. 

The key ingredient you should be looking for when buying gum, is Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is derived from plant fibers. When you are selecting gum, take a look at the ingredient list on the back, it is usually listed in order of highest to lowest concentrated. In gum, Xylitol is used as a sweetener, look for it as the first ingredient

There is a bacteria that naturally occurs in your mouth which loves to feed on sugar, and when it does it breaks down into acids that wear away tooth enamel. Xylitol helps maintain a neutral pH level in your mouth as well as prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth, which is how it protects from tooth decay.

When you chew gum, you are stimulating saliva flow which in turn neutralizes those pesky acids that cause tooth decay. By reducing the level of bacteria and plaque, the gum helps to remineralize and strengthen weak teeth.

There are a variety of gums available with Xylitol as an ingredient, find one that you and your kids both enjoy.

How old should my child be before I give them gum?

Usually, children younger than at least 4 years old should not be given gum. Your child should completely understand that gum is something that is meant to be chewed only, and never swallowed. 

Why do Cavities Happen?

We've all been there before – sitting in the dentist chair when they say "you've got a cavity."

You cant help but wonder why or what caused it, but we are all too familiar with them.

Cavities happen to everyone, from babies to adults over the age of 40. The threat of having cavities is not something people will outgrow.

Most of the causes of cavities are from different strains of bacteria including:

Lactobacillus acidophilus - A bacteria that houses itself on the surfaces of your chewing teeth also known as your molars, this bacteria causes rampant tooth decay in children between the ages of 2 and 12.

Streptococcus has 6 strains of bacteria that attack the smooth sides of your teeth. This can lead to cavities on the sides of your teeth which are harder to detect.

When you are told that eating sugar causes cavities it is very true, and here is how it works. The streptococcus bacteria feeds on sugar that accumulates in your mouth, which in turn creates acid. The acid inside your mouth works on your teeth to weaken the enamel. Your body has a natural mechanism to neutralize the acid by producing saliva but that does not take effect for at least twenty minutes. Within those twenty minutes is when cavities are being formed.

The longer that sugar and acid stay on your teeth the more they can ruin the enamel and enamel does not regenerate itself.

Some easy ways to avoid getting cavities include; not eating or drinking before bed time, not eating candy everyday or multiple times a day, and definitely do not skip bed time brushing

Crowns: The What , Why, and How

What is a crown?

A dental crown can be considered as a tooth replacement, it is an artificial and hollow cap that is placed on top of your tooth. It looks very natural so you don’t have to worry about it being extremely noticeable. It restores the appearance, shape, and function of a regular tooth.

Types of Crowns

• Metal – Usually made of gold. These crowns last very long and will not chip or break, the downside is that the colour does not look natural
• Ceramic or Porcelain – These options look the most natural. They are mostly used on the front teeth because they chip more often
• Composite – Also looks natural, this crown is not as prone to chipping as the porcelain but brushing removes the polished surface which may cause it to stain more easily 

Why would my child need a crown?

Some reasons that a parent should look into getting a dental crown for their child would be the following:

• Your child's tooth is severely damaged but not completely lost 
• A tooth is misshapen or badly discoloured 
• Holding together a tooth that is cracked or weakened from decay 
• Restoring a worn down tooth 
• Guiding permanent teeth into position
  

Is it worth it ?

Dental crowns should last about 10 to 20 years, so the process is absolutely worth it to keep your child's smile looking perfect.

Tips for Your Child's First Visit

Follow these steps to make your child feel more at ease for his or her first dental visit.

Try to bring your child to the dentist as young as possible, that way they will get more comfortable with the visits.

Try and be obscure when telling your child about the dentist and what will be done at the appointment. Leave it to the dentist to sugar coat the procedures he will be performing.

Before heading to the dentist don’t use words like shots, pain, or hurt. The misconception that the dentist is scary has been around forever, use positive phrases like strong and healthy to make the dentist seem less scary.

Role play with your child before you go to the dentist. Do some activities such as counting each tooth by number or letter to give them a feel for what the dentist might do. Teach your child how to brush appropriately as well.

There are a ton of kid friendly TV shows like Dora the Explorer, or Sponge-Bob Square Pants that have episodes about visiting the dentist. Watching these with your child can help relieve them from any fears they may have. There are also books with similar content you can read together.

If you can, avoid bringing your son or daughter to your own dentist appointment. Kids dental offices are designed to look much friendlier than an adults. Your child may get the wrong impression and be afraid.

Last but not least, teach your child that visiting the dentist is not a choice, it is a necessity. They will thank you in the future.

For great pediatric and orthodontic dental care visit the Woodbridge Kids Dentistry

Teeth Sensitivity

If you notice that your child's teeth hurt when they've eaten or drank something that is hot or cold they could have sensitive teeth. Teeth sensitivity happens when the root of a tooth, or the dentin, which is the middle layer under the enamel, is exposed.

Dentin is home to these tiny openings called tubules, and inside each of the tubules is a nerve branch that comes from the center of the tooth. When the dentin is unprotected, pressure and temperature affects the nerve branches and that is what is causing your child's teeth to hurt.

Sensitive teeth can happen for a variety of reasons including but not limited to; brushing teeth too hard, poor oral hygiene, untreated cavities, old fillings, or receding gums that expose the roots.

There are many ways to help your child deal with sensitive teeth. Specific toothpastes are made for sensitivity that begin to work within 1 to 10 weeks. You can also start by having your child use a soft bristled brush so that they are damaging less of the enamel on their teeth when they brush. Buying products like a mouthwash with fluoride that can help to strengthen the tooth’s surface are beneficial as well. Also try to keep your child away from acidic foods that erode teeth and cause sensitivity.

Make sure your child is visiting the dentist on a regular basis to ensure that it is nothing more severe than sensitivity. Also take your child to visit the dentist if a singular tooth is sensitive or if they have pain lasting more than an hour.

Thumb Sucking

Children may find thumb sucking comforting as they fall asleep or have a nap. Many infants have this habit and it is not uncommon for young toddlers to continue sucking their thumb. Most youngsters may begin sucking their thumb while in the womb. Thumb sucking can be used as a security mechanism for little ones. It may also be relaxing which is why so many babies suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.

Most children quit thumb sucking between the ages of two and four. They grow out of the habit which isn't necessary for them to continue doing. However, some kids keep thumb sucking beyond the preschool years. If your child is sucking their thumb when permanent teeth begin to come in, it's time to help them quit the habit.

You should be aware of how your child sucks their thumb. If they suck gently with the thumb resting inside the mouth they are unlikely to cause damage. On the other hand, if your child is aggressively sucking their thumb they may be putting pressure on their mouth and teeth which can result in alignment issues and deter proper mouth growth.

As a parent there are steps you can take in order to break your child's thumb sucking habit. You should always be encouraging and positive. Putting a band aid over their thumb at night may help to deter your child from sucking. Make sure your child is aware that they are not being punished, rather being reminded to avoid sucking their thumb. Notice the times when your child is sucking their thumb, while watching television, at bed time, and try to distract them during these situations.

At Woodbridge Kids Dentistry we are committed to providing you with the necessary tools and knowledge to equip your child with excellent dental practices for life.

Dental Hygiene Habits

As your child's teeth begin to grow in you should be brushing their teeth twice a day. Your child should be practising healthy eating habits and avoiding sugary treats. Brushing with a soft bristled tooth brush is recommended. Once your child is old enough you should teach them how to properly brush and clean their teeth.

Flossing is also a key aspect of strong oral hygiene practices. Your dentist will tell you at what point you should begin flossing your child's teeth. If you see any signs of decay on your child's teeth you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Tooth decay is caused by sugars and simple carbohydrates that are left in your mouth and turn into acid which can break down your teeth. Children are at an increased risk for tooth decay as most children do not practice strong oral hygiene habits. With proper oral hygiene habits and regular dental appointments, tooth decay can be prevented.

Your child should have a dental appointment every six months for routine dental cleanings and checkups. Fluoride treatments are also encouraged to keep your child's teeth strong. Sealants are also highly encouraged as they seal the grooves in your child's teeth in order to prevent decay. Sealants last for various years and are checked on at your child's routine appointments.

To read more about preventative care at Woodbridge Kids Dentistry click here.

Taking Your Child to the Dentist

It is normal for young children to cry, make a fuss, and move frequently while at the dentist. They may not know the dentist and therefore do not trust this stranger poking around in their mouth. Our specialized team at Woodbridge Kids has dealt with children of all ages and temperaments.

Our team will guide you during these situations and let you know what to do to improve the situation. This may be reminding them you are nearby, holding a hand, or staying at a distance.

Some parents bribe their child with candy or a treat after the dentist. They promise their child if they do not fuss they will be rewarded with a goodie. However, promising your little one something sugary and sweet after the dentist just finished explaining how to maintain healthy teeth by avoiding sweets is sending opposite messages. Praise your child for their good behaviour and bravery, use a small toy or stickers as a reward in place of sugary treats. 

Teach your child how important it is to attend the dentist on a regular basis. Also explain to your child that going to the dentist is not an option but necessary to maintain good strong teeth. Tell your child the dentist is doing their job to make sure they have a beautiful smile forever!

At Woodbridge Kids Dentistry we are committed to making your child as comfortable as possible. Our dentists will make sure your child learns proper oral hygiene techniques that they will utilize for the rest of their life.