5 Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Anxiety about Going to the Dentist

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

little kid patient afraid of dentist while visiting dental clinicNearly a fifth of children are afraid of going to the dentist’s office. What about your child? If your kids are scared or anxious about going to see the dentist, here are some tips to help them overcome their fears and confidently take a seat in the dentist’s chair.

1. Start Them Young

The best way to reduce or eliminate fear of going to the dentist is to make it part of your child’s wellness routine early. We recommend your child’s first visit happens before his or her first birthday. When a visit to the dentist is a normal and expected part of your child’s life, anxiety and fears dissipate. Plus, regular preventative dental care can help reduce emergency trips to the dentist down the road.

2. Start a Conversation

Kids do best when they can predict what’s going to happen to them. Before you leave for your child’s visit to the dentist, start a conversation. Describe what will happen during the visit and who they’ll meet. Talk about what they may see, feel, hear, or taste. You don’t have to be overly specific, but provide enough information so your child feels comfortable, not apprehensive. Explain to your kids why your family goes to the dentist and how it’s necessary for a healthy life.

3. Encourage Them to Relax

Once you’re at the office, help your kids relax. Practice taking deep breaths and remind them to breathe while they’re in the dentist’s chair. Use positive words instead of focusing on the negative. Dr. Elizabeth, Dr. Jeff, and Dr. Furey are great at using positive phrases like “I’m going to check your smile” or “I’m going to count your teeth” to put kids at ease.

4. Bring Some Distractions

Favorite toys or comfort items can be helpful as long as they don’t interfere with the dentist’s work. Tell your dentist what your kid likes to do so he or she can tailor conversation to your child. Some dentists may even give kids a game to do while their teeth are being cleaned, such as counting the ceiling tiles. Of course, the cartoons the kids can watch at our office are always a hit.

5. Reward Them for a Job Well Done

We don’t recommend bribing your kids to come to the dentist, but it can be effective to reward them for brave behavior. Stickers, pencils, and temporary tattoos are fun and inexpensive rewards. If your child is particularly fearful, reward your child throughout the visit, not just at the end. Fear and anxiety can make a trip to the dentist miserable for you and your kids. That’s why it’s important to prepare kids for their visit before you even step in the door. It’s also important to find an experienced dental team, like those of us at Eggert Family Dentistry. To book your child’s next visit, request an appointment today.

Doing What’s Best For Your Baby – Caring for Baby Teeth

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Caring for Baby Teeth

Ah, your child has reached another milestone. A new tooth. Now it’s time to focus MORE attention to good oral hygiene!

Little cute newborn baby child first milk or temporary teeth smiling face white isolated

As your infant’s teeth start to appear, usually at six to eight months of age, it’s time to move from a washcloth to a baby toothbrush. By continuing to practice healthy habits, you can prevent or reduce tooth decay in infants and children.

It’s all about getting your baby used to teeth brushing as part of the daily routine.

Tips for brushing an infant’s teeth:

  • Look for a small brush with a small head and large handle
  • It’s best to use a non-fluoride toothpaste until your child can effectively spit out the excess, usually around age three
  • Only a tiny smear of toothpaste is needed for babies and use a pea-sized amount for children
  • The easiest way to brush a baby’s teeth is to have the child sitting on your lap with his or her head in the crook of your elbow
  • Brush the teeth gently, with circles on the front and back surfaces
  • Gently massage the gums

All children, even babies, should brush at least twice each day. You should brush for your child until about age four, but it is okay to give your child “a turn.” Children from four to eight year of age should be supervised when brushing and flossing, and should be helped at least once per day.

It’s important to know your child’s teeth and gums. Signs of baby tooth decay include pits or brown, black, or white spots on the teeth. Your child should be seen at Eggert Family Dentistry for a dental “well visit” by age one.

At first, teeth-brushing may be a struggle. Just try, try again. Make it fun by singing, counting, or telling a story – it shouldn’t be a battle. Again, it’s all about creating healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime.

Doing What’s Best For Your Baby – Avoiding Tooth Decay

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Avoiding Tooth Decay

Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease? In fact, dental issues result in the loss of 51 million school hours every year. Horrible, right?

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is a very important reminder of how to take care of your baby’s teeth. Not only do those first teeth help your child to chew and talk, they are placeholders for permanent ones. If baby teeth are ignored, they can be lost to tooth decay. This can seriously affect the spacing of permanent teeth.

You already know about taking care of your infant’s gums and about brushing your baby’s first teeth, but there are other healthy habits that can help to prevent childhood tooth decay:

  • Don’t ever put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or anything “sweetened.” These liquids feed bacteria in the mouth and can cause “baby bottle tooth decay.”
  • Only fill your baby’s bottle with formula, breast milk, or water.
  • Begin to wean your baby from the bottle as he or she begins to eat more solid food and can drink from a cup. Your baby should be finished with a bottle by age one.
  • Follow meals with a drink of water to wash off the teeth.
  • If your tap water isn’t fluoridated city water, ask your pediatrician about testing your well water for fluoride. It might be appropriate for your child to have fluoride supplements depending on the levels.
  • Regularly check your child’s teeth for white, black, or brown spots.

And, of course, there’s sugar. Children who eat sweets every day have nearly twice as much decay as those who eat sugar less often. Check sugar levels in baby foods and dilute juice with water. Also, provide naturally grown food as much as possible. You’d be surprised how much sugar is found in processed and boxed food items.

Healthy habits, along with a trip to Eggert Family Dentistry, will prevent cavities. Bring your baby to see us by the age of one. It is always best for us to develop a relationship BEFORE there is a problem!

Doing What’s Best For Your Baby – Caring for Gums

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Caring for Gums

Closeup Portrait of a smiling baby boy

Did you know that children are also at risk of developing gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums?

If you’re caring for an infant, with or without teeth, it may seem like you can wait on oral care. But that’s not so! It’s equally important to start taking charge of your child’s oral health before teeth appear.

A toothbrush isn’t required, just a washcloth and some tender loving care.

  • Use a soft, moistened washcloth or a piece of gauze
  • Cradle your baby with one arm
  • With your index finger around the washcloth, gently wipe your baby’s gums

Wiping the gums will remove bacteria, food debris, and sometimes yeast. It is a good habit to practice doing this at least twice per day.

Teething

Your baby’s teeth will generally begin to appear between four and seven months during a process called teething. Teething can make babies feel uncomfortable and fussy. Teething is usually completed before your child’s third birthday, but in the meantime, this period can be difficult on both you and your baby!

Teething symptoms include:

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Increased drooling
  • The desire to chew on things

To help relieve discomfort, you can try these methods:

  • Gum rubbing – use a clean finger to rub the infant’s gums
  • Chilled teething rings or a cold washcloth to chew or suck on
  • Use of a pain reliever – such as infant acetaminophen. Always talk to your pediatrician about the use of pain relievers and teething gels. Do not give your infant baby aspirin, as aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome.

If your baby has a fever, or is unusually irritable or inconsolable, call your pediatrician.

We all want what’s best for our children. By following these simple steps, you can transition easier from gums to teeth.

An Ounce of Protection

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A helmet and shoulder pads, or other pads, aren’t the only protection needed for sports. Make sure the athlete in your family also wears a mouthguard.

Boy putting in his mouth guard
Participation in youth and adolescent sports has grown steadily over the years. And, unfortunately with this growth we have seen a direct correlation with injury to teeth.

Did you know that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to teeth when not wearing a protective mouthguard? A custom-fitted mouthguard helps to absorb and spread the impact of a blow to the face, which could otherwise result in a mouth or jaw injury. Many times dental injuries end up requiring time off of school or work for lengthy dental treatment, and can be painful and even disfiguring. The cost of an injury to your athlete’s teeth or jaw can far exceed the small investment of a custom-fitted mouthguard.

We recommend that your athlete wear a mouthguard in sports with impact or collision, and that it’s worn during both practice and competition. Sports to include are acrobatics, baseball, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, snowboarding, soccer, softball, squash, surfing, tennis, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling, and some track and field events.

Mouthguards vary in price and style. They typically cover the upper teeth and also safeguard the soft tissues of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Your mouthguard should be comfortable, resistant to tearing, and resilient. It should fit properly, be durable, easily cleaned, and not restrict your speech or breathing.

It only takes a second to permanently damage teeth. Protect your athlete’s beautiful smile with the use of a mouthguard. We offer custom fit mouthguards in a variety of colors. Talk to us today about how we can help you provide the best protection for the athletes in your family. 651-482-8412

When Should Your Child’s First Dental Visit Be?

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Parents often ask us when a child should first be seen by a dentist. The answer to this question surprises them.

In order to prevent dental problems, plan on scheduling your child’s first trip to see us before his/her first birthday. A guideline that we typically use is about six months after eruption of the first tooth. Don’t forget, decay can occur as soon as a tooth appears.

mother teaching son child teeth brushing in bathroom

Studies show that many children are now getting cavities as early as age two. Sadly, we are seeing this. Taking your child to see us, at a very young age, is the best way to prevent these childhood cavities. It also helps acclimate your child to the dental office and paves the way for stress-free visits in the future.

Before bringing your child in, make sure to ask us what the child can expect at the first visit. This way, there won’t be any surprises for you, or your child. Bring a list of questions – we love talking about oral health!

At your child’s first dental visit, plan on discussing:

  • how to clean an infant’s or toddler’s teeth,
  • fluoride needs,
  • finger and thumb sucking,
  • dental milestones in a child’s early years, and
  • how a child’s diet affects his/her oral health.

Before leaving our office, you’ll have a clear idea about:

  • your child’s development,
  • what you can do to promote good oral health,
  • any foreseen problems, and
  • follow-up actions.

Bringing your child to the dentist early, and regularly, leads to a lifetime of good oral habits. After the age of two, plan on bringing your child in for a check-up every six months. Starting as early as age three, we attempt to take x-rays to check for decay between the teeth. Sealants are placed to prevent decay as soon as the permanent molars erupt, usually about age six.

With a little preparation, going to the dentist with your child can be stress free. The team at Eggert Family Dentistry works hard to provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for you and your child. Put your child on the path to excellent oral health and call us today at 651-482-8412.

Forget the Ghosts: Halloween Candy Is What’s Scary

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Witches, zombies, and ghosts aren’t the scariest things about Halloween. For young and old ghouls alike, Halloween candy is what’s most frightening about the upcoming spooky holiday. The main villains? Sugar and acid. Here’s a guide to the most frightening Halloween candy and some scrumptious options that are better for your teeth.

Halloween’s Most Frightening Candy Options

The worst options for Halloween candy are packed with sugar, highly acidic, and stay in your mouth for a long time. Candies that fit this category are a major source of tooth decay. Sour candies in particular are nasty sources of enamel erosion.

The most frightening Halloween candy includes:

  • sour candies
  • gummy candies
  • taffy
  • candy corn
  • caramels
  • candy bars with nuts
  • lollipops
  • jawbreakers & other hard candies

Great Halloween Treats

Not all Halloween candy options are bad for your teeth. There are a number of delicious treats that won’t cause significant tooth decay. Sugar-free treats are always a safe bet, as are candies that are easy to chew, since they don’t stay in the mouth too long.

Here’s a list of great Halloween treat options:

  • sugar-free gum
  • sugar-free lollipops & hard candies
  • chocolate with no nuts or sticky fillings
  • powdery candies

When you go trick-or-treat shopping for your neighborhood ghouls, choose options that won’t rot their teeth. To put your own kids on the path to excellent oral health, contact us at 651-482-8412. Happy Halloween!

Answered – Your Burning Questions About the Tooth Fairy

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Our young patients love to talk about the Tooth Fairy. Many times this is a child’s first experience receiving cash for something they did – as opposed to receiving money as a gift. The Tooth Fairy has been a frequent visitor in American homes for many years. This tradition has helped generations of children through the sometimes unpleasant process of losing their baby teeth.

Tooth

There are numerous stories and rituals about the Tooth Fairy  Reportedly, hundreds of years ago, European children would bury their teeth. This symbolized that a new tooth would soon grow in its place. In other countries, a widely documented ritual involved offering the lost tooth as a sacrifice to a mouse or rat. The practice was done with the hope that the child’s adult teeth would grow in as strong and sturdy as a rodent’s.

By the 1900s, Tooth Fairy stories had migrated to the United States, and soon after became an established part of American folklore. But how did we get to a point of envisioning the Tooth Fairy as a flitting sprite? With a lot of help from movie animation. It could also be the fact that a child would rather have a fairy sneaking around his/her room at night rather than a rat.

Plus, fairies have pixie dust. What’s more fun than that?

The Tooth Fairy serves as a source of comfort during an experience that can sometimes be scary or even traumatic. The loss of a baby tooth is the first rite of passage in a person’s life, and probably the most frightening. As part of that rite of passage, it is also seen as a way to introduce children to the concept offiscal responsibility.

According to the August 2015 Visa annual survey, the Tooth Fairy is leaving an average of $3.19 per tooth under kids’ pillows. The Tooth Fairy must be feeling the pinch of economic times. For two years now, lost tooth amounts have steadily dropped – decreasing 24 cents from 2014 and 51 cents from 2013.

The Visa survey, of 4,000 people, found that the most common monetary gift from the tooth fairy is $1. [Interestingly dads report Tooth Fairy gifts being 27% more generous than reports from moms.] Kids are collecting about $64 in all when converting to a mouthful of adult teeth, which is down about $10 in the last two years.

Looking for some cute and creative Tooth Fairy ideas? Try:

Remember, children should be seen soon after the eruption of their first tooth. The team at Eggert Family Dentistry works hard to provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child. Put your kids on the path to excellent oral health by calling us at 651-482-8412. We even have tooth fairy boxes!

Adult Teeth = Adult Dentist

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

As many of you know, we are happy to see children of all ages at Eggert Family Dentistry and successfully do so every day. Yet, we understand how some parents may feel that the environment of a pediatric dental office might suit their child best initially. However, when children start getting their adult teeth, around age 6, it’s time to see your family dental team who has experience in caring for those adult teeth. Adult teeth are more susceptible to plaque and calculus, which lead to cavities and gum disease, if not removed completely. Special care needs to be taken to clean the teeth thoroughly of this bacteria. Our hygienists have extensive training in removing calculus and plaque from teeth and are also trained to remove the bacteria that surround orthodontic braces. Failure to pay special attention to these areas can result in permanent damage to the adult teeth, including noticeable white spots, or cavities that form around the brackets.

A routine visit for your child in our office is spent with one of our licensed dental hygienists April or Joanna and Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff. Our hygienist will first review with you your child’s past dental and medical history. They will then take a series of bitewing x-rays once each year to check for cavities and development. Our hygienist will clean your child’s teeth, removing calculus, plaque, and food debris. Our hygienist will apply fluoride to your child’s teeth once each year to help prevent cavities. An oral cancer screening is also performed on your child along with a caries risk assessment where we will discuss healthy habits for oral health with you and your child. Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff will complete the exam and suggest the best practices in maintaining good oral health. Your child will leave with a new toothbrush, dental floss, and tooth paste to help them practice their healthy habits at home!

Our caring staff makes your children feel right at home during their visit. We explain the procedures throughout the visit while educating children on proper hygiene habits and the importance of eating a healthy diet. Children can watch age appropriate television shows and movies both in the waiting and hygiene rooms. We also have a selection of reading and coloring books, games, and other toys for children to enjoy. We offer children comfort items while they are in the chair to make their visit enjoyable, including sun glasses for the light, a variety of flavors of polish and toothpaste, and headphones to wear to listen to the television. At the end of their visit, children love choosing a reward from the prize box!

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As a small office we can take the time to really focus on your child. Many pediatric dental offices see multiple patients at a time and do not always have the same luxury. A thorough exam paired with x-rays taken consistently every year is our best tool for detecting decay so we can treat and change habits early.

Why are we so passionate about seeing your whole family, including your children? Unfortunately, we have seen many young adults, who have been seeing their pediatric dentist on a somewhat regular basis for years where we note significant decay on multiple teeth at their initial exam in our office. By the time we see some of these patients in our office, the teeth need more than just a filling and these young adults and even children have to experience root canals and even extractions at a very young age. With the advanced technology we employ at Eggert Family Dentistry, we are able to catch decay often before it advances, keeping necessary treatment to a minimum.

As always, we are excited to meet more members of your family. Summer is a perfect time to get your kids scheduled. Call us today 651-482-8412!