Teething Tips and How To Help Comfort Your Baby

Teething Tips and How To Help Comfort Your Baby

Teething is a normal part of baby development, but it can be challenging for both baby and parents. As new teeth begin to appear, babies may experience pain and discomfort.

Knowing how to help your baby through this process can ease the distress it causes. We share some teething tips and ideas for how to help comfort your baby with teething discomfort.

Signs of a Teething Baby

A baby’s first tooth usually starts to show around six months. However, the teething process depends on the baby and can start as early as three months.

You may be able to tell if your baby is teething by looking for the following signs and symptoms.

Crying and Irritability

It’s normal for a teething infant to cry more than usual. Teething can be uncomfortable and cause an infant to experience pain, making them fussier than usual. They may also have difficulty sleeping or refuse to eat.

Drooling

Drooling is a sign that your baby is teething. While all babies drool, excessive saliva can be a telltale indicator of teething pain. The excess saliva helps cool and soothe sore gums.

Chewing and Biting

When babies are teething, they may start chewing on their fingers, toys, clothes, blankets, or anything they can get their hands on. You may even see them biting their cribs or playpens to soothe the ache in their gums.

Fever

Teething can cause a low-grade fever in some infants. If your baby has a fever, contact your pediatrician for further advice.

Different Ways To Soothe a Teething Baby

The worst thing about teething is the pain and discomfort it brings to your baby. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help soothe your baby.

Teething Rings

Teething rings are a great way to help comfort your baby, giving them something soft and safe to chew on. They come in many textures and sizes and can be filled with liquid or gel for relief.

Ensure the ring is cold, which can provide additional relief for teething gums. If you don’t have an appropriate teething ring, consider freezing a clean washcloth, plastic spoons, or plastic toy.

Massage

A gentle massage can do wonders for teething pain. Use your fingertips to massage the inflamed areas of your baby’s gums gently. This can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

Cold Food

Cold foods and drinks like yogurt, smoothies, or frozen fruit can be soothing for a teething baby. Just make sure that whatever you offer is age-appropriate and easy to eat.

Gels

Gels and ointments containing topical anesthetics are available to help relieve teething pain. Make sure to talk to your pediatrician about the best products for your baby’s age before using.

Pain Relievers

If other methods fail, you can opt for over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check with your pediatrician first to ensure it’s the right choice for your baby and make sure you use the infant version.

With these tips in mind, you’ll help comfort your teething baby and make this process easier for both of you. The most important thing is to stay patient and understanding as you journey through the teething process.

Caring for Your Baby’s New Teeth and That First Dental Visit

Once your baby’s teeth start coming in, keeping them clean and free of plaque and cavities is essential. Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants, and use water only to brush their teeth.

You should also make sure to schedule your baby’s first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. A pediatric dentist can check that your baby’s teeth are growing correctly, offer advice on proper oral hygiene and diet, and answer any questions you may have about baby teeth and dental care.

Give Your Baby a Beautiful Smile

Teething can be challenging for you and your baby, but you can make it a little easier by understanding the process and how to help soothe your baby.

Visit the experts at Bay Area Kids Dentist. Our board-certified pediatric dentists provide world-class care and will ensure that your baby has beautiful and healthy baby teeth.

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New Year, New Toothbrush: When To Switch to a New One and Why

New Year, New Toothbrush: When To Switch to a New One and Why

The new year represents new life, new goals, and new aspirations. It’s the best time to refresh your life and make the necessary changes to create better and healthier routines. A great way to do this is by doing something as simple as switching out your old toothbrush for a new one.

We know how easy it is to overlook this task, but it’s one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining strong and healthy teeth, especially for your children.

How To Tell If You Need To Switch Your Toothbrush?

Before waiting until the end of life for your or your kid’s toothbrush, here are some clear signs to watch out for to know when it’s time for a replacement.

It Has Frayed Bristles

This is one of the first telltale signs you’ll notice when it’s time to change your toothbrush. Over time, the brush heads of your toothbrush get frayed from overuse. When you see that the bristles are bending and your toothbrush doesn’t look how it used to when you first opened it, then it’s time for a change.

Your Teeth Don’t Feel Right After Brushing

Another clear sign to watch for is the effect of your toothbrush on your teeth. If your teeth still feel fuzzy or dirty after brushing, chances are, there’s something wrong with your toothbrush. Perhaps there’s bacteria and plaque build-up on the toothbrush that’s affecting your mouth. Or maybe the bristles are so frayed that they cannot clean your teeth properly anymore. Make sure to check in with your child and ask them how their teeth feel after brushing. They may not notice or realize that it’s time for a new toothbrush!

There’s a Bad Smell

The final telltale sign is that there’s a bad smell. A bad odor indicates that there’s mold or bacterial growth on your or your child’s toothbrush. When this happens, be sure to throw out the existing toothbrush and get a new one immediately. You don’t want to risk putting bacteria back in your kid’s mouth.

How Often Should You Switch?

Rather than waiting for these signs to appear, we at Bay Area Kids Dentist recommend a more proactive approach — replacing your toothbrush as frequently as possible. For adults, we suggest switching to a new toothbrush every three to four months.

For children, we recommend replacing their toothbrushes more frequently. Since toothbrushes for children are often softer and more delicate, their bristles tend to fray more easily than adult toothbrushes. It’s best to replace your child’s toothbrush every two to three months, or when the first signs of fraying appear.

What Kind of Toothbrush Should You Choose?

So, what’s the best toothbrush to choose for my child? It depends on how old your child is.

For babies and toddlers ages 10 to 36 months, we recommend a manual toothbrush that can double as a teether. At these ages, your toddler is still developing their teeth, so you don’t need anything too fancy or too complicated. As long as it’s soft, durable, and safe to chew, then it’s a good product in our book.

Once your child reaches age three, you can explore other options to achieve the best dental care, including electric toothbrushes. A great electric toothbrush to explore for kids this age is Colgate Kids Extra Soft Battery Toothbrush. It has a gentle oscillating feature with flat bristles, making it easier for kids to learn to brush their teeth on their own.

When they get older and more comfortable with brushing their teeth on their own, you can introduce them to more advanced products like the Oral-B Junior Smart Electrical Toothbrush. This has built-in features, such as gum care and pressure sensors to help kids get more comfortable with brushing their teeth independently.

Electric Vs. Manual: Pros and Cons

If you’re choosing between manual or electric toothbrushes, we think that electric toothbrushes have the upper hand. Electric toothbrushes have some impressive features that manual toothbrushes don’t have. For example, they have gum care, pressure control, and oscillating motions that can clean teeth more effectively. The only downside to electric toothbrushes, however, is that they tend to be more expensive and require regular maintenance.

Contact Us for Personalized Dental Care

As professional, board certified, pediatric dentists, we can’t stress enough the importance of replacing your children’s toothbrushes often to achieve optimal oral care. After all, good oral hygiene starts at home. If you want further guidance and consultation on your children’s dental care, we at Bay Area Kids Dentist are here to help.

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What Are Tooth Sealants and Are They Important?

What Are Tooth Sealants and Are They Important?

When children reach age six, they become eligible for dental sealants to further protect their teeth and smiles from tooth decay. Most children get their first molars around this age, which may also require some adjustments when brushing their teeth. Some children might forget to brush these new teeth and risk tooth decay.

According to the CDC, more than half of all children between ages six and eight have had cavities. Luckily, you can help prevent cavity formation and tooth decay early with sealants. Here is a closer look at this dental service and how your child can enjoy its benefits for years to come.

What Are Tooth Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that shield teeth against cavities. Cavity-causing bacteria hide in teeth’s hard-to-reach surfaces — particularly the molars. Moreover, toothbrush bristle designs are not enough to remove bacteria in these places, which explains why kid-friendly mouthwash is a common recommendation.

Getting these tooth coatings is a preventative care solution for clean and healthy teeth. It’s a fairly quick procedure, where a pediatric dentist will clean your child’s teeth before applying the sealant. Cleaning may involve some drilling that some kids might find scary, but we will help your child understand that the process is painless.

Why Do We Recommend Tooth Sealants for Kids?

Our pediatric dentists recommend dental sealants for tooth cavity prevention purposes. As your child grows more teeth, there are more potential areas for cavity formation. Considering children’s relationship with sugary treats, they may become even more prone to cavities and tooth decay.

Although regular brushing, mouthwash, and flossing are all important, taking that step of extra protection can surely add that additional sense that your child’s teeth are maximally protected. We recommend this method to give your child another layer of defense against dental problems, including cavities, tooth decay, and plaque buildup. Essentially, tooth sealants keep bacteria out and make it easier to maintain good dental hygiene.

How Long Do Tooth Sealants Last?

High-quality dental sealants for kids can last up to a decade. According to current American Dental Association facts, cavity formation among children and adolescents with tooth sealants reduced by 86% after one year and 58% after four years. These percentages may rise to 90% even after 10 years with appropriate follow-up care.

In addition, sealants may also extend beyond the expected lifespan if your child follows the best practices for maintaining good oral hygiene, like replacing their toothbrush when necessary, eating healthy food, drinking enough water, brushing teeth regularly, rinsing with mouthwash, and flossing.

Are Tooth Sealants Safe?

Dental sealants are safe and effective methods of preventing tooth diseases. The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs recommends tooth sealants for protecting the primary and permanent molars of children and adolescents against cavities and tooth decay.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recognizes the safety and benefits that tooth sealants offer children and adults. With these established organizations giving their position on this tooth-protection measure, we urge parents to highly consider getting sealants for their children.

What Long-term Benefits Do Tooth Sealants Offer?

Dental sealants can potentially last for your child’s lifetime if you get a dedicated pediatric dental professional to perform the procedure. Although some cases involve chipping, wearing, and falling, you will not have to worry about them if the right person applies the correct techniques.

Moreover, sealing teeth pits and fissures to protect them against decay also helps prevent associated conditions, such as tooth loss and infections. Tooth and gum infections from decay can further lead to pain, abscess formation, facial swelling, and fevers.

Most parents might agree that the benefit of protecting their children against dental diseases using this simple solution outweighs the risks of chipping sealant. Be sure to let an experienced pediatric dentist check your child’s condition to determine whether tooth sealant suits them.

Final Word: Protect Your Children’s Teeth Early With Professional Tooth Sealants

Tooth sealants are great solutions that reduce your children’s risk of cavities. The procedure is safe and effective with recognition from the ADA and FDA. It’s also a long-lasting solution. Our team at Bay Area Kids Dentists recommends sealants to help keep your kids’ teeth clean and healthy. Contact us to set an appointment today!

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How To Help a Child Who Is Nervous About the Dentist

How To Help a Child Who Is Nervous About the Dentist

Dental anxiety is common among people of all ages, especially children. Statistics show that around 20% of children are either nervous or afraid to go to the dentist.

Some children develop dental anxiety as a result of a previous unpleasant experience. Others experience fear for a less obvious reason, like the perception of pain or the feeling of powerlessness. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to pinpoint the underlying cause so you can help your child overcome their fears.

As a parent or guardian, you need to remember that your child is still learning and trying to understand the world around them. Even if they haven’t had a negative experience with a dentist, just the thought of being in an unknown environment can be scary for them.

Techniques To Help Children Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist

There are several ways to help your child feel more at ease before, during, and after a dentist visit. Often just visiting a pediatric dentist with imagery, décor and staff geared toward a child’s point of view can help. Based on our experience, here are some overall effective methods you can try.

Communicate With Your Kids

First thing first: talk to your kids about their dental visit. Even if they’re only going in for a straightforward checkup, it’s vital that you give them a step-by-step summary of what they can expect. Doing so can help lessen the unknown and help them understand what they’re getting into. If they have further questions, be sure to answer them as honestly as possible. If you need help explaining to them in clear and comforting language, you can search for images online to help them visualize the process better.

Play Games or Read Stories Involving Dentists

Other than communicating with your kids, you can also relieve their stress or anxiety by playing games or reading stories about dentists in the safety and comfort of your home. You can roleplay dentist visits with the help of toolkits to give them a glimpse of what goes on inside the dental office. Alternatively, you can also read fun storybooks about children visiting the dentist to help ease their anxiety.

Use Positive Reinforcement

If there’s one thing you need to avoid, it’s using dental procedures as threats to encourage good oral hygiene. While it may seem useful at first, it may cause your kids to develop a fear of the dentist. Instead, try to use positive reinforcement to entice them to practice proper oral hygiene.

For instance, you can have a reward system for every time they finish their teeth cleaning routine. Whether that’s extra 20 minutes of screen time or buying them their favorite toy, having something to look forward to can be a great motivator for kids.

Bring a Toy Every Time You Visit

Bringing their favorite stuffed animal or toy to the clinic can be an added layer of comfort and support for your kids. The stuffy can act as their friend in times of fear and stress.

Visit a Pediatric Dentist

To ensure that your child gets the best oral care possible, be sure to visit a pediatric dentist near you. Unlike regular dentists, pediatric dentists have more knowledge and experience in dealing with children. Hence, they are more equipped at easing their worries and relieving their anxiety.

Want to learn how you can find the best pediatric dentist for your kids, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Get recommendations from friends and other parents
Check their qualifications and reviews
Schedule a consultation

Pediatric dentists are trained in providing the care your developing kids need to achieve the best oral health. From oral hygiene instructions, check-ups and cleanings, and dietary counseling to preventive sealants and digital x-rays, you can get the treatment you need to ensure your kid’s teeth, gums, and mouth are in optimal condition.

Should your child require more serious dental work, pediatric dentists are also trained in sedation.

Sedation Dentistry Options To Calm Children

Although some parents have concerns about the use of sedation during dental procedures, know that this option is completely safe and effective. There are two main options to choose from, so to help you get a better idea, we’ll discuss the choices in more detail below.

Mild Sedation with Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this is when a pediatric dentist administers your child a gas to breath to reduce their anxiety. https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_UseofNitrous.pdf

Monitored Anesthesia Care: For children who are younger or more anxious, a pediatric dentist may opt for monitored anesthesia care where an anesthesiologist injects an IV to directly inject sedatives into their bloodstream.

Find the Best Pediatric Dentist at Bay Area Kids Dentists

Want to find the best children’s dentist for your children? Look no further than Bay Area Kids Dentists. We have board-certified pediatric dentists who are trained to examine and treat children in the safest and most comfortable way possible.

With our expertise in handling infants, children, teens, and those with special needs, Bay Area Kids Dentists have the equipment needed to ensure that every child receives the care they need.

Book an appointment today and start your child’s oral care journey with Bay Area Kids Dentists.

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How To Help Brush Your Toddler’s Teeth

How To Help Brush Your Toddler’s Teeth

A common mistake parents make is assuming that caring for their child’s baby teeth isn’t important because they fall out eventually anyway. What caregivers don’t realize is that losing a baby tooth too soon or developing tooth decay early can have a major effect on the health of future adult teeth. That’s why we at Bay Area Kids Dentist place so much emphasis on how to brush kids’ teeth.

It’s Never Too Early to Start

A good oral healthcare routine starts long before your baby’s first tooth erupts. It’s important to clean the gums to remove the residue of breast milk or formula as well as baby food. To do this, just rub a damp cloth over your baby’s gums several times a day.

Most children have their first tooth appear around six months of age. We recommend scheduling your baby’s first appointment with us by the time he or she turns one or has had teeth for at least six months. This helps to get your baby off to the best possible start with oral health.

Also, families without dental insurance and/or access to quality dental care are found to be more likely to develop cavities. If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a sliding scale for payment and accept a number of dental insurance plans.

When to Start Brushing

Once your baby’s teeth start coming in, you can begin brushing them with a grain of rice-sized amount of toothpaste up to age 3 and a pea-sized amount after 3 years old, with a soft bristled toothbrush. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. You can usually tell if a product has the ADA Seal if it says so on the packaging.

For best results, have your toddler use a soft bristled toothbrush with the recommended amount of toothpaste. Rub the brush in gentle circular motions against your toddler’s teeth and gum line at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to brush the inside of each tooth and use a back-and-forth motion on the chewing surfaces of molars. Finally, once your toddler is done brushing, have them spit out the toothpaste.

You should brush your toddler’s teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It is best if you can brush after every meal, but at least brush after the last meal of the day. If your toddler is resistant to brushing their teeth, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier:

● Let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. There are many kid-friendly options available that will make brushing more fun.
● Remind your child to brush teeth gently and not to swallow the toothpaste.
● Try singing a song while you brush or let them watch you brush your own teeth. Make sure they see you brushing your teeth, so they know that it is important.
● Be patient and understanding, it may take some time for them to get used to the process.

If you have any questions about how to care for your toddler’s teeth, be sure to ask us or schedule an appointment so we can help you look after your kid’s teeth and gums in the best possible way.

Teach by Example

We advise parents to brush their child’s teeth with a toddler-sized toothbrush until around the age of two. It’s fine to use the toothbrush with only water until your child has the ability to spit toothpaste out and rinse his or her mouth. Because your child looks to you to set an example, be sure to demonstrate how you brush your own teeth and act enthusiastic about it. To prepare for independent tooth brushing, try brushing your child’s teeth and then request him or her to repeat the process alone.

When you think your toddler is ready, allow him or her the chance to try tooth brushing independently. Instruct your child to spend at least a few seconds scrubbing each tooth in a circular motion.
You can even count 1-2-3 for each tooth. Offer plenty of praise and remember that your toddler will probably make a lot of mistakes before mastering tooth brushing for good. You will probably want to continue supervising the process until early elementary school to ensure quality results.

What Are the Risks of Not Brushing Your Toddler’s Teeth?

Again, the misconception that baby teeth are temporary and not important leads many parents to believe that there are no risks associated with not brushing their child’s teeth. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Just like permanent teeth, baby teeth are susceptible to decay and cavities.

If left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. In addition, poor oral health has been linked to problems with eating and speaking, as well as issues with self-esteem. When your child grows up and their baby teeth fall out, their permanent teeth may be affected. They might come in crooked or crowded or have other issues if their baby teeth were not properly cared for.

Therefore, it’s very important to start teaching your toddler how to brush their teeth as soon as they get their first tooth. Not only will this help them develop good oral hygiene habits, but it will also set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Taking a proactive approach to your child’s dental health will pay off in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Taking good care of your kid’s teeth is important for their overall health — and it starts with you. As a parent or caregiver, you can help your toddler brush their teeth and develop good dental habits by leading by example and being patient.

If you are looking for more tips, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Bay Area Kids Dentist. We are always happy to help. We are always just one call away and we are always willing to go the extra mile for our patients.

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Santa’s Watching: Don’t Let Kids Forget Dental Care During the Holidays

Santa’s Watching: Don’t Let Kids Forget Dental Care During the Holidays

The holidays are here. Of course, along with time spent with family and friends, that also means delicious treats! Cookies, candies and traditional sweets are present at every gathering and event. And while we’d never expect our kids to munch on veggies while everyone else was eating cookies, it is important to be aware of what all the extra sweets do to your kid’s teeth.

Some of the worst foods for your teeth are unfortunately also beloved holiday staples. Because it’s especially hard for kids to avoid sweets and treats at this time of year, it helps to reinforce dental care around the holidays. Continued care of your kid’s teeth and gums can prevent problems that could creep up next year.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your children’s teeth will continue to shine throughout the holidays.

1. Encourage Healthy Treats

While it might be difficult to break away from tradition, you can still find treats that can keep your teeth healthy. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all great choices. If you’re looking for something sweet, try to opt for sugar-free options like sugar-free cocoa or candy. While it will be impossible to eliminate sugar, you can try to limit the amount. Too much sugar can lead to cavities, so try to stress enjoying treats in moderation.

2. Drink Water

Staying hydrated is key to preventing cavities. Drinking plenty of water helps to wash away sugary residue and bacteria in the mouth. It also stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes plaque acids. Plus, there is no sugar in water, making it the perfect drink. So keep those water bottles handy and encourage drinking water instead of sugary beverages.

3. Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing are essential to keep your kid’s teeth healthy during any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. Make sure to have them brush twice a day and floss regularly to get rid of any food particles that may be stuck in between teeth. And as more sugary foods are around for holiday gatherings, getting them to brush and floss after eating can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

4. Regular Dental Visits

Keep those regular dental visits and checkups. If your child is scheduled for a routine cleaning or checkup during the holiday season, don’t skip it. Preventative care visits are so important for healthy teeth and they establish good dental care habits for your kids that will last a lifetime. During these checkups we are able to perform a good cleaning and address hardened plaque that may have formed and is not able to be removed with a toothbrush at home. We also check the development of your child’s smile and ensure their bite is developing properly. If we find anything, it is much easier to address them early while they’re easier to treat.

5. Don’t Forget Santa

Why not add a few tooth-friendly holiday gifts into the mix? Older kids might like an electric toothbrush or new water bottle, while a really fun, colorful toothbrush or toothbrush holder makes a good stocking stuffer for little ones.

Taking care of your kid’s teeth year-round is important for their overall health. By following these tips, you can help your kids enjoy the holiday season without compromising their dental health.

If you are looking for more tips, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Bay Area Kids Dentist. We are always happy to help. Have a happy and healthy holiday season!

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Baby Teeth and What Parents Need To Know

Baby Teeth and What Parents Need To Know

Having a baby is thrilling, especially for first-time parents. There will be endless “firsts,” like the first word, first laugh, and first steps. Another first that every parent looks forward to is the baby’s first tooth. When that first baby tooth appears, it’s a sign that your baby is growing and flourishing.

While baby teeth may be temporary, they are still important. Often parents are unaware of the importance of taking care of baby teeth, not realizing that they should care for them in the same manner that they would care for their child’s permanent teeth. So, what do you need to know about baby teeth?

When Do Baby Teeth Appear?

Baby teeth, or primary teeth, typically start to erupt between six months of age until about 12 months. However, some babies can start teething before they hit six months. By age three, all baby teeth should be in place. Take a look at this eruption chart, a baby tooth timeline that can help you track when your baby’s teeth should come in.

When all baby teeth have erupted, there will be 20 primary teeth, including:

Second molars
First molars
Cuspids/Canines
Lateral incisors
Central incisors

How Do You Deal With Teething?

Teething can be stressful for some babies. While it doesn’t hurt at all for some, parents can observe the following symptoms in others:

Red and sore gums
Mild temperature
Flushed cheeks
Rash on their face
Rubbing their ear
Gnawing and chewing
Dribbling more than usual
More fretful than usual
Not sleeping well

If your baby is having a hard time, there are ways you can make the phase more bearable. You may give them teething rings or healthy food to chew on, such as fruits and vegetables. You can also try teething gels if you find that nothing else is working effectively. Ensure you choose a teething gel designed for young children.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with the pain, but talk to your baby’s pediatrician first. To comfort babies, you can massage their gums with a clean finger. To prevent rashes, wipe your baby’s face more frequently to clean their dribble.

How Do You Keep Baby Teeth Clean?

Every parent should remember that developing healthy oral habits for a child’s teeth starts the moment the baby teeth come in. Yes, baby teeth are temporary and will eventually fall out, but taking care of them is essential in keeping your baby’s mouth healthy.

Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and give your baby’s face a normal shape. They’re also essential for proper chewing and help in proper speech development. When you keep the baby teeth healthy, you also help the permanent teeth grow healthy.

When brushing baby teeth at least twice a day, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush baby teeth in small circles, and cover all the teeth surfaces.

Some parents will find it hard to make babies love brushing their teeth. Be creative and try making it fun for them by singing or making funny faces. You can also let your baby chew on the toothbrush for a while to get them used to the sensation.

Try to avoid giving kids sugar–sweetened drinks. And, for complete oral health, regularly visit a pediatric dentist.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out and Permanent Teeth Emerge?

At four years old, the jaw and facial bones start to grow, providing gaps for permanent teeth that are larger than baby teeth. At around age six, baby teeth begin to fall out, and permanent teeth start to erupt. The process can last until age 12. So, by age 13, all permanent teeth should be in place.

When Should You Start To See a Pediatric Dentist?

The best time to see a children’s dentist is when the baby teeth start to come in. Pediatric dentists can help you develop a dental care routine for your baby and ensure that their baby teeth are healthy. Dental visits should be every six months or as recommended by the dentist.

At Bay Area Kids Dentists, our services focus on the dental health of toddlers, kids, teens, and families. We are committed to providing an exceptional dental experience for every child, and we’re ready to check your baby’s teeth as soon as they emerge. Whenever you’re ready, book an appointment with us!

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What To Do If Your Child Has a Dental Injury

What To Do If Your Child Has a Dental Injury

Dental emergencies for children can quickly bring parents to a panic. While taking the child to the dentist is usually the first idea that comes to mind, the interval between the injury and the dentist is a crucial time, especially for kids’ teeth. Here’s what you should know as a parent.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Dental Injury in Children?

The usual causes of dental trauma in children include falls, fights, and sports injuries. The last one is something you can guard against as a parent but the first two are mostly surprises for parents. This makes it more important for parents to be prepared in the event of problems.

What Should I Do if My Child Has a Bleeding Mouth?

This depends on where the bleeding occurs. If it’s from the lips, apply steady pressure on the area for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Any blood coming from inside the mouth requires quick attention.

Your child needs to clear the blood first by gargling cold water to help soothe the wound. This should also help remove any dirt or debris that has settled inside the mouth. Once the mouth is clear of any blood, the inside of the mouth should be assessed to find out where the blood is coming from.

What Should I Do if My Child Has Dental Pain?

Blood is not the only indicator of an injury. Sometimes, there’s a significant amount of pain that your child will experience. If this happens, ask them to gargle cold water to clean out the mouth before assessing the damage. Ask the child to pinpoint the exact location of the pain. You can also perform a tap test to narrow down the cause of the injury.

How Do You Assess a Tooth Injury?

Right after a good gargle, have your child open their mouth for a quick assessment. Use your phone’s flashlight and check for the source of the blood or pain. Chipped, cracked, or dislodged teeth can be easily noticed through a physical check. Note that even if you don’t see anything, it’s a good idea to bring your child to the dentist if they complain of any pain. Hairline chips can happen and are best diagnosed by a dentist.

What’s the First Aid for a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth?

First, be sure to clear the area of any blood and check if your child is in any pain. Do not try to re-insert the baby tooth as this could cause further damage. A knocked-out baby tooth is less severe than a knocked-out adult tooth, but it’s still important to get your child to a dentist to assess any damage to the area.

What’s the First Aid for a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth?

If your kid’s teeth are already permanent or if your child is over 10 years of age, the first step is to quickly rinse the tooth using warm water. Once clean, slot it back into place, making sure it occupies its original position. Grab a piece of foil and cover the tooth with it to prevent jarring. For added security, have your child bite down onto the foil so that it locks in place. Visit the dentist quickly!

What’s the First Aid for a Chipped or Cracked Tooth?

For a chipped or cracked tooth, have your child bite down on a soft cloth to prevent further movement. Use a cold compress to avoid swelling. From there, go to the dentist as quickly as possible to help assess and manage the pain.

When Should You Call the Emergency Dentist?

Severe swelling, knocked-out adult teeth, and any extreme pain warrant a visit to the emergency dentist. Difficulty breathing should be quickly addressed with a visit to the emergency room. This can happen if there’s massive swelling of the throat or if the blood pours down heavily which can block the passage of air.

How To Prevent Dental Injury in Kids

Mouth guards are the best way to prevent mouth injury if your child is participating in sports. Make sure the mouth guard is well-fitted and that your child understands the importance of wearing them during games. There are many guards available on the market including some custom fit options available directly from your dentist.

Should I Call the Dentist or the Pediatrician?

For a chipped tooth, seeing a dentist is usually best. However, if it happens often, a pediatrician may be an option for the job. Fortunately, there are medical practitioners who are dentist pediatricians, giving parents the best of both worlds.

Be Prepared for Any Dental Injury

Chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth shouldn’t be the only reasons for your child to visit the dentist. Annual checkups are strongly encouraged for all the stages of their dental health from the emergence of baby teeth to the onset of permanent teeth.

Ideally, you should bring your children to a dental clinic that caters specifically to children, guaranteeing that they’ll be able to properly work with your child. Places like Bay Area Kids Dentist help your child through the process while making sure that they’re developing healthy oral hygiene habits and positive attitudes towards dentistry! With a board-certified pediatric dentist, parents can rest assured that their children’s dental health is in good hands.

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Should My Teen Still See a Pediatric Dentist?

Should My Teen Still See a Pediatric Dentist?

At our Bay Area Kids Dentist practice, some questions we often hear from concerned parents are, “What’s the suggested protocol for my teenager and what type of dentist should they see? Is a pediatric dentist still the right choice for my teenager? Why?”

The teenage years can be a difficult time for your children, rife with complex social, mental, and physical changes — changes that include their teeth. You might be wondering if that warrants making the switch to an adult dentist from the pediatric dentist they’ve grown used to seeing.

Generally, a pediatric dentist is still a good fit for teens. Even if they’re no longer little kids, they’re still in an in-between state between childhood and adulthood. Their pediatric dentist is the best equipped to look after them during this phase and ensure that their teeth get the care they need. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why your teen should continue seeing a children’s dentist.

Reasons Why a Pediatric Dentist Is the Best Choice for a Teen

Here are the three main reasons why your teen should still see a pediatric dentist:

Teens Are Still Growing

No matter how tall they’ve gotten since they were a toddler, your teen isn’t done growing just yet. Even if their baby teeth have all been replaced by permanent teeth, the structure of their mouth, jaw, and face is still changing.

Because certified pediatric dentists have specialized training and education, they’re the ones who best understand the effect of your teen’s growth on their oral health. A pediatric dentist can monitor any changes and ensure that your child’s health and development are as they should be.

Pediatric Dentists Can Cater to Early Orthodontic Needs

Early orthodontic inventions, like braces, can help address future problems before they worsen (e.g. crowded teeth, overbites, teeth impaction). A children’s dentist is very familiar with the signs of possible issues because that typically pop-up during middle to high school — and they’re specially trained to treat that age range. What’s more, when a pediatric dentist works with your teen throughout their childhood, they’ll constantly be on the lookout for any irregularities.

If your teen ends up needing braces or other orthodontic interventions, a pediatric dentist will often be the first person to notice and they’ll be more than capable of working with an orthodontist to give your child the orthodontic care they need.

Wisdom Teeth Monitoring

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the backmost part of the mouth. They usually grow in during the late teens to early 20s, around the ages of 16 to 25. When wisdom teeth emerge, they have the potential to cause harm to your teen’s oral health, especially if they come in sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause extreme pain and cause other teeth to shift around.

You can trust a pediatric dentist to monitor the development of your teen’s wisdom teeth and point out concerns before they become painful problems.

What Age Should They Switch?

Going to a pediatric dentist can help your teen as they navigate growing up and learning to take care of themselves. Your teen’s dentist can give them pointers about taking responsibility for their own dental health and overall well-being — making healthy nutritional choices and avoiding the typical pitfalls of teen diets (namely a lot of carbohydrates and sugars), caring for orthodontic appliances (such as braces, retainers, brackets, etc.), mitigating the risks of sports injuries, and more.

Typically, we recommend teens to continue seeing a children’s dentist up until they turn 18. By this point, most of the changes to their face and jaw structure will have slowed or stopped, orthodontic issues have already been identified and addressed, and wisdom teeth have either erupted or have begun to show up on x-rays.

Takeaway: Consult With a Professional

In the end, the best way to figure out if your teen should still see a pediatric dentist is to consult with a professional. They will have the best advice for your individual situation and child.

At Bay Area Kids Dentist, we provide professional dental care for infants, children, and adolescents and we always want to provide the best care possible. If you have any questions about your teen’s dental health, feel free to give us a call.

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Five Simple Steps To Take Care of Your Kids’ Teeth This Halloween Season

Five Simple Steps To Take Care of Your Kids’ Teeth This Halloween Season

Halloween is that spooky time of the year overloaded with spectacular tricks and sugary treats. Aside from ghosts and vampires, more spooky entities could haunt your household throughout October going by the names of tooth decay and dental cavities. We don’t want to discourage the appetite of a strong sweet tooth this time of the year, but how can you keep your children’s teeth safe and healthy while still allowing a bit of fun to happen? Here are some tips to take care of your kids’ teeth this Halloween season.

Identify the Best and Worst Candies for Dental Health

Oral bacteria love to feast on the sugar remaining in the mouth after eating. While it may sound strange to think that there are better candies for preserving oral health, some candies can wreak more havoc on your children’s teeth than others. Here are just some of the topmost offenders.

Sticky and Chewy Gummies

Small tidbits of these types of candies — which include gummy bears, gummy worms, and caramel taffy — can easily get stuck in the gaps and grooves of your kids’ teeth, making them difficult to rinse away.

Sour Candies

Sour candies contain high acidic content, which can strip away protective tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Keep their consumption of products like Sour Patch and PixieStix in moderation.

Hard Candies

Hard candies increase the duration of time that teeth are exposed to sugars, which then increase the supply of leftovers that oral bacteria can feed on. Aside from this, biting on candies like lollipops or jawbreakers can also pose the risk of chipping a tooth.

Instead of these dental destroyers, why not try other alternatives like sugar-free candies and snack-sized morsels instead? These treats are much lower in sugar content and promote saliva production, which can help to neutralize acid levels in the mouth and dissolve food particles.

Don’t Forget To Brush and Floss

Halloween can be a busy time of the year for families that participate in trick-or-treating, but you need to make sure to remind your kids to regularly brush their teeth and floss thoroughly. Brushing and flossing are the most classic ways to prevent tooth decay. Making them a habit can help keep your children’s teeth safe and healthy.

After consuming sweet treats, make sure to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging sensitive tooth enamel. Remember that it takes two minutes to clean the nooks and crannies of the mouth. Flossing after brushing ensures that remaining sticky plaque has been removed from the surface of your kids’ teeth.

Keep Sweet Treats in Moderation

Trick-or-treating sessions wouldn’t be complete with just the tricks; there has to be some treat involved! Still, make sure to set ground rules for your kids this Halloween. Have a specific schedule where they’re allowed to eat treats — whether it’s after meals or when they’re finished with their homework — to balance the amount of sugar they get in their system. Moderation is key in maintaining oral health!

Drink Water Often

Aside from keeping your kids hydrated and increasing their energy levels, drinking water can help to flush away remaining sugars within the mouth that bacteria can easily feed on. Remind your kids to drink water regularly to prevent frightening oral issues.

Visit Your Pediatric Dentist Regularly

Of course, any steps that you employ to take care of your kids’ teeth this Halloween will be greatly supplemented by a visit to your pediatric dentist. Regular check-ups and cleanings can ensure that hidden dental problems are addressed as soon as possible.

Contact Bay Area Kids Dentist for consultations from board certified pediatric dentists about your children’s teeth. This Halloween, we’ll make sure to drive away any terrifying tooth problems from your household