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!