According to Kids Health.org, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, fluoride is a derivative of fluorine, a common and naturally occurring element in our planet. One of the most common natural sources that contain fluoride is water. The water we use for daily activities such as bathing, washing, cleaning, cooking and drinking, has fluoride. Fluoride in terms of health and wellness, help maintain strong bones and teeth. Fluoride can effectively prevent tooth decay caused by plaque buildup. Plaque formation happens when food substances, liquid irritants and harmful microorganisms accumulate in the teeth. Plaques formation causes tooth decays, more commonly known as cavities. Cavities make the teeth feel weak and painful; if they develop into larger cavities, wide spread infections can potentially occur. Worn out tooth caused by dental cavities may fall off on its own or may need extraction to keep the remaining teeth in place and properly aligned.

There are several reasons why fluoride plays a very vital role in oral health. The first reason is that, fluoride protects the teeth from irritants and harmful substances. Fluoride needs to be consumed and ingested for it to work, but it can also come in direct contact with the surface of the tooth giving extra protection to the teeth’s enamel. The second reason is that fluoride has anti-bacterial properties which can prevent plaques, cavities and tooth decay. The third reason is that, fluoride can aid in tooth repair, most especially in kids who have cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride is also found on most of the food we eat. In some cases, dietary fluoride is enough to compensate for our body’s daily fluoride requirement. Products like tooth pastes and tooth gels also contain fluoride. Manufacturers do this in order to protect the teeth from tooth decay, keeping them strong and healthy.  In terms of fluoride requirement, children younger than 6 months do not require any form of fluoride supplementation. For kids 6 months to 16 years old, fluoride dosage varies depending on the amount of naturally occurring fluoride they get from water and other sources. To make sure that your child is getting enough fluoride here are some points to remember.

1)      Use mouth rinses, tooth paste or tooth gels that contain fluoride – Products like these should be used properly and in moderation. Children under 6 years old can start using fluoride tooth pastes. The amount used must be very minimal. Children at this age group tend to swallow the tooth paste while brushing and if they swallow too much, they may get over exposed to fluoride.

2)     Tooth paste used must be pea-sized – This size is the right size for young children. The amount is not too much or too little. A pea-sized amount does not occupy the entire tooth brush but instead it only fills out half of it.

3)     Drinking water – Parents should know that most bottled waters do not contain fluoride. Tap water on the other hand has fluoride. Drinking tap water is generally safe but for those who prefer bottled ones, they can purchase the fluorinated kind.

Dental Hygiene is one of the most important things every person must possess and practice. Keeping the mouth clean and maintaining good oral and dental hygiene should be started as early as possible, even before the start of teething. There are several benefits of having a healthy set of teeth. Aside from being able to flash and flaunt attractive pearly whites and a smile that’s to die for, people with good teeth are less prone to getting oral diseases and dental cavities. These individuals are more or less exempted from experiencing frequent tooth aches, mouth sores and dental visits. 

Children who have good dental hygiene at an early age will most likely have less dental problems when they grow older. With a healthy set of teeth comes fresh breath. Children who have cavities, dental caries, tooth decays and plaques usually have bad breath and an unpleasant mouth odor. They may not feel extremely bothered by this flaw, but in time, bad breath will take its toll. Once they become bigger kids and start building social relationships with other people, bad breath will affect their self esteem and self confidence. If they have both bad teeth and bad breath, they’ll become the laughing stock and bully target of their peers. To prevent these things from happening, here’s an age by age guide to proper tooth brushing as well as dental care and hygiene.

For Babies below 1 year old – For those who haven’t started teething or for those who already have a few milk teeth dental hygiene is a must. Tooth brushing can’t be done yet but wiping the teeth and gums with a clean and damp cloth is a very good alternative. Wiping the mouth clean should be done most especially in between feedings to remove excess milk, saliva and fluids from the mouth. Doing so will prevent bacteria build up inside the child’s mouth. When the baby turns 1, ideally he should already have his first dental check-up.

For Toddlers 1 to 3 years old –These kids should already have a complete set of milk teeth in their mouths. To maintain dental hygiene, parents can use a small soft-bristle toothbrush containing a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. The amount of toothpaste used must only be pea-sized since too much of this can permanently stain the teeth and irritate the throat in case it gets swallowed. Brushing should be done 2 to 3 times per day.

For Preschoolers 3 to 5 years old – Children at this age group have already developed quite a few fine motor skills. During this time, children can already be taught how to do tooth brushing on their own. Similar to toddlers, the amount of fluoride toothpaste should only be minimal and the tooth brush used must have soft bristles. Flossing can already be started if his teeth are already touching each other.

For School-age children 6 to 12 years old – By this time, the child must already know how to brush and floss independently. Mouth wash and antiseptic gargles can also be used as part of the dental hygiene. Regular dental visits must be done at least 2 times a year.

Having bad breath is a problem among adults. However, halitosis or bad breath can also affect children. This may be a shocker to some because children are known to have sweet smelling breath. When you find out that your child has foul smelling breath, it may signal that something is wrong.

Normally a person has bad breath when he or she has poor mouth hygiene causing bacteria to accumulate and produce awful smell. A person can also have bad breath due to dental carries and cavities. Some have halitosis because of diseases like stomach cancer, infections of the gums, fungal infection of the mouth, and tongue cancer.

It is important to find interventions to stop your little angel from having that foul smelling breath before it can affect their self confidence and relationships with their peers. Here are some of the tips to curb bad breath in your child:

• Look for the root cause why your child has bad breath and address them. Your child might have conditions that caused them to have bad breath. When these conditions are not treated, the tendency is your child will have recurring bad breath episodes.
• Ensure that your child is brushing his or her teeth the proper way. Make sure that they are using a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste suited for kids. Most children skip tooth brushing because the toothpaste they are using is too hard on their taste, and their toothbrush irritates them. It would be best that you demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques to your child for them to follow.
• Supervise your child in doing proper flossing of teeth. This will help get rid of food particles that is not removed from brushing. If food stuck in between teeth is not removed, the bacteria will feed on them and destroy the teeth.
• See to it that your child brush their teeth every after meal.
• Make sure that your child drinks ample amount of water. Water helps increase saliva production that helps prevent bad breath and dry mouth.
• Make certain that your child eats breakfast. Not only it is considered to be the most important meal of the day, it is also good to combat bad breath. Breakfasts stimulate the production of saliva.
• Educate your child to rinse his or her mouth often. This will help get rid of mouth bacteria and promote flow of saliva.
• If your child already knows how to eat chewing gum, offer them sugar free gums. It can increase saliva production.
• Have regular appointments with the dentist. Dentists can assess the overall condition of the child’s oral health and suggest further treatments.

If your child’s bad breath is not relieved by doing these interventions, it is best to see your physician at once for further assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

As a parent, the first thing you would notice when you’re baby is growing is his teeth. When babies are born, they look like old people, minus the grey hair and wrinkly skin. They do not have any tooth at all. Their little mouths are lined with toothless gums that look so cute and adorable. Before turning 1, the first few teeth start to grow and appear and during this time, the baby might feel restless and irritable because of teething. The process of teething is slow and gradual; it changes frequently until the entire set become permanent. Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions about teething.

What is the order of teething in babies?

Around the 6^th and 10^th month, the first teeth to appear are located on the lower center part of the mouth. This is called the 2 front lower teeth. Between the 8^th to 13^th months, the next 4 teeth to appear are on the upper center part called the top 4 incisors. Between the 10^th to 16^th months, around the time when the baby celebrates his first birthday two lower teeth grow followed by the first set of molars in upper and lower back portion of the mouth. When the baby reaches the 16^th to 23^rd month, all four pointed side teeth would have already appeared, these teeth are called canines. Before the baby turns 3 years old, all molars would already be complete and he would have a set of 20 primary teeth all in all.

What are the tell tale signs that teething has started?

The first sign parents can observe on children who are teething is drooling. An increase in salivation indicated the gums are preparing for the first teeth to erupt. Aside from drooling, the baby will seem to be biting and chewing a lot and cries restlessly for several times a day. Teething is not very pleasant and comfortably, chewing and biting helps in relieving discomfort. In some cases, babies will develop a mild fever that resolves after a few days.

What can be done to help relieve teething discomforts?

Chewing and biting can effectively relieve teething discomforts, with this in mind; parents can offer teething rings to their babies. This device is safe for babies to bite and chew on. It’s non-toxic and it doesn’t contain pieces that the baby can accidentally choke on. There are also topical pain relievers and anesthetics that can be applied directly on the gums to relieve pain, soreness and inflammation. Oral and dental hygiene must also be continued to prevent the mouth from developing and form of infection.

Can teething cause diarrhea?

Teething causes mild to moderate fever that goes away in a few days. Teething does not cause diarrhea. Having loose watery stools may be a symptom of other medical conditions and diseases like ameobiasis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diarrhea is not a usual occurrence during teething. If diarrhea persists even after teething, keep the baby well hydrated and make sure to report his condition to a pediatrician.

Many new parents are clueless about when to begin dental hygiene for their little one. The foundation for your child’s dental health does not begin when the first teeth erupts, but rather should commence during pregnancy, when teeth start to form in the gums. That is why pregnant women are encouraged to increase their intake of calcium-rich foods and are often advised to also take calcium supplements. When a baby is born, he or she actually has 20 baby teeth (aka primary teeth) well-formed in his or her jaw.

This article provides an easy guide to help parents care for their child’s baby teeth. Baby teeth eventually are “temporary” and will be replaced by permanent teeth, but they are important because they will actually serve as placement guides for those permanent pearly whites.

 Caring for baby’s gums

Your baby may not be showing any teeth yet, but it is important to remember that the entire mouth area can be a breeding ground for bacteria which could easily gnaw away at those pearly whites once they start to erupt. The best way to care for your infant’s gums, tongue and the insides of the mouth is to clean the area with a moist washcloth. Make sure the cloth is clean and free from toxic detergents. Wet with lukewarm water, and wrap a portion of the cloth around your finger. Swipe the finger around baby’s mouth, making sure to gently wipe his or her tongue, and massage the gums lightly. This is best done after feedings.

Gum massages are also therapeutic and soothing for babies who are teething. Their gums are usually swollen and painful as teeth make their way out.

 Caring for baby’s first few teeth

Babies can start teething as early as their sixth month, or as late as their 3oth month of life. If your baby’s teeth are about to erupt, you must be well-prepared for irritability, loss of appetite, increased dribbling, and a disruption from his or her normal sleeping patterns. The first ones to show are the lower two front teeth. When your baby has a few pearly whites, you may purchase a baby toothbrush with soft bristles to gently clean the teeth as well as the rest of the mouth. If your baby is under a year old, ask your pediatrician about safe baby toothpastes. Baby toothpastes are usually fluoride-free.

 Caring for your baby’s primary teeth in the toddler years  

The toddler years are when cavities are most common, because children develop an interest in food, and may particularly like sweets. As toddlers begin to master toilet-training, they will also begin to assert their independence in little self-care deeds, such as putting their pants up, or combing their hair. This is the perfect time to teach your child how to brush his or her teeth correctly.

By this time, the canine and molar teeth will have already erupted. Fluoride toothpastes can be introduced to children aged 2-3.

The best way to stimulate a good habit of tooth-brushing is to play the follow-me game. Your stand side by side with your little tot and he or she can imitate you while you’re brushing your teeth. After your child has brushed his or her teeth at night, do not give him or her milk, as milk can cause bacterial build-up while the child sleeps.

When to see a dentist

Jus because you don’t see a cavity doesn’t mean your child doesn’t have to visit a dentist. Pediatric dentists take care of your child’s baby teeth and help make way for healthy secondary teeth. These professionals will help you prevent dental problems as well as treat those you may have missed. The best time to bring your child to the dentist is before he or she starts pre-school. Then, commit to routine check-ups to ensure that your child’s dental health is in optimum condition.

Bruxism is a clinical term for teeth grinding. This condition is characterized by the act of consciously or unconsciously grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw at any time of the day. Bruxism affects children and adults. Teeth grinding can happen when the person is awake during the day or when he’s asleep at night. This condition is considered both a medical and dental problem that is as common as snoring. According to Kids Health.org, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, in every 10 children two to three of them will clench their jaw and grind their teeth at some point in their lives. In most cases children who suffer from bruxism will usually outgrow the condition.

What causes bruxism? What are the reasons why children have this disorder?

 For kids, experts believed that the contributing factor to this condition is the improper alignment of the teeth. Babies develop their teeth around the fifth or sixth month, at age 3 most toddlers would already have a complete set of 20 milk teeth. Teething is not a very comfortable experience for children, their gums become tender and swollen from the pressure exerted by the erupting tooth, which is why they might resort to grinding and clenching to minimize the pain and discomfort. Having pain in the mouth is very distracting and disturbing even to adults. Measures are made to minimize this feeling; kids find bruxism as one of these relieving measures.  Bruxism is also done to ease pain in areas near the mouth including the ears and nose. Another reason for teeth grinding and jaw clenching is stress. Stress is very difficult to manage even for adults, much more for children. External stressors such as homework, school exam and even playing with other kids can influence the child to develop bruxism.  Underlying medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD as well as cerebral palsy can potentially cause this condition in children.

What are the signs and symptoms?  Treatment?

After knowing the causes of bruxism, it’s now time to figure out the signs and symptoms of this disorder. Parents can observe their children to have a sore face or jaw. They can also hear grinding noises when the child is asleep, after grinding the child will usually complain of pain when chewing. After diagnosis, bruxism should be treated by a dentist, or a medical specialist.

Treatment is done by examining the teeth, carefully checking for sensitive areas, worn out tooth and cracked enamels. The specialist will then assess for the cause of bruxism which could be a misaligned set of teeth, psychological stress or other medical conditions. Dentists can also advise parents to let their children wear a tooth or mouth guard, a devise that covers and protects the teeth, gums and jaw. Stress management is an effective treatment option for kids with bruxism.

If this condition is left untreated, it can cause an increase in tooth sensitivity, wear and tear of the tooth and its enamel and severe jaw and facial pain.

Dental hygiene is an important factor in maintaining your child’s health. Admittedly, it also remains as one of the most neglected aspect of health even amongst adults. Yet, the ill effects of not brushing one’s teeth, not going to the doctor or plainly the disregard for foods rich in calcium are the situations that can break your heart specially when your little one is involved.

Imagine trying to pacify your son or daughter experiencing a terrible toothache or convincing your child about a dental visit that should have been a pleasant and not a traumatic experience. Thus, prevention again is better than cure and that your best weapon is still the information you are armed with.

Teeth begins to form during second trimester; therefore, eating well as a mother during the formative years is important. When the first tooth already appears in your baby, then prepare that washcloth and run it over your baby’s gums and teeth to hinder any bacteria formation and invasion. A soft toothbrush can also be used but make sure that you are not inflicting injury in your baby’s sensitive organs. Simply put, starting them young will definitely help you when they grow older. This is because if you don’t start it as early, then, chances are, at the age of one, your child already suffers from cavities. Undoubtly, you would not want that to happen.

Make sure that your child visits your dentist by the time he turns one. Your dentist will identify potential problems and this will be the start of your child establishing rapport with his doctor. After some time, the application of Fluoride will be made as this element will harden the enamel and protect your child’s teeth from developing any cavity or dental disease.

As the visit is fixed, usually every three to six months, your kid will already be accustomed to the drill. Thankfully, the will not develop fear from visiting his dentist. The idea of brushing and flossing regularly will not be a major problem. When brushing though, always remind your child to spit the toothpaste and not to swallow it. Make it a habit to always check that your child brushes his teeth after meals. Supervision should be done for toddlers and a pea-sized amount as directed by toothpaste manufacturers is recommended.

Even if it sounds a bit strange, flossing should also be done with supervision especially with the younger kids.

Another important matter that should be tackled is the avoidance of sweets. This could be possible when your kid is still in the house. The problem happens when he already goes to school and has unlimited access to whatever he wants. The key is to instill discipline. Talk to your child about the importance of a healthy teeth. Your dentist’s role should not end in the clinic, it must extend in the home and in the school. Talk to your child’s teacher about your concerns. Your resolute determination in keeping your child’s teeth healthy will really make a difference until his adulthood.

Fillings, sealants, cleaning and other measures to keep the teeth healthy has evolved and will continue to change over time. Therefore, finding a dentist you can really trust will help a lot.

Ultimately, your child sticking to a healthy diet will ensure that everything that you are working on will pay off.

It happens from time to time… children get too excited, rambunctious, and aggressive at daycare.  Sometimes, one child will bite another.

As a parent, any number of thoughts could be running through your head.  You may be afraid of your child developing a bacterial infection, or that they may have transmitted a serious disease.

Thankfully, this is rarely the case.  Daycare bites rarely break the skin.  In cases where the skin has been broken, the biter would have to be in a high-risk category to cause any worry.

Children who have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B could be considered high risk biters.  The risk of transmission is low, and is non-existant if the skin was not broken.

An HIV positive biter, even when breaking the skin, has only a miniscule chance of passing the virus to the unfortunate bitten child.  In fact, the chance is so small that the risks of treating the bitten child with anti-HIV drugs are far greater.

If your child is bitten at daycare, carefully examine the wound.  If the skin is intact, gently wash the area and apply ice.  Depending on the pressure when the child was bitten, they may develop a small bruise. 

If the skin has been broken, allow the wound to bleed for a moment, to flush out any bacteria.  Gently wash the area and pat dry.  Apply a mild antiseptic and cover with a clean bandage.  If you are concerned, call your family doctor and ask them to examine the bite wound. 

Anytime a child is bitten and the skin is broken, check their vaccination records to be sure theit Tetanus shot is up to date.  If not, take them to the doctor immediately.