Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Eggert Family Dentistry is celebrating Children’s Dental Health month this February! Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff visited Pike Lake Kindergarten Center and presented to 5 classrooms about teeth, cavities, keeping teeth healthy, and healthy food choices. The children were excited to go home with tooth brushes and floss as well as the favorite item – a 2 minute timer!

Our hygienist Joanna also presented to 2 classrooms at the North Oaks Pre-School where the goodie bags were also well received. Our team loves to do these community outreach events, and we always enjoy our time with the kids. We are happy to come to your school too, just call us at 651-482-8412 to arrange it!

Parents can start building healthy oral health habits in children as soon as they’re born! Wiping down a newborns gums twice a day with a soft moistened wash cloth or a bit of damp gauze is very important to the health of their gums. When your little one’s first tooth appears it’s time to get them a toothbrush! Start a soft-bristled brush with a large handle and some water. You can upgrade to fluoride free toothpaste when they turn 1 and as soon as they are able to spit into the sink it’s important to add in a fluoride-based toothpaste to protect their teeth.

          

Good oral care in children is important in preventing cavities, decay, and infection that could compromise their overall health. Kids should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. It’s a great idea to use a timer in the bathroom to ensure your child is brushing thoroughly and to make it more fun! Flossing removes the plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach so it’s vital that kids get into the habit of flossing once per day.

Finally, bringing your children to us at Eggert Family Dentistry for their regular recare visits is an essential step in maintaining their healthy smile for a lifetime!

 

 

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Good dental health starts when your child is very young and actually even before birth. The development of cavities in primary teeth increases the risk of developing cavities in permanent teeth. Cavities can then lead to infection of the teeth and can result in tooth loss. So what are some ways you can set your child up for a bright dental future and help create healthy habits in the early years?

Let’s take a look at 10 great tips for taking care of your little one’s teeth because it’s never too early to start!

1. 1. Begin the habit of daily brushing even before the first tooth erupts. For a child age 3 or younger, fluoride-free toothpaste the size of a grain of rice or water is all that’s needed. Once your child is 3 you can increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount and switch to a children’s fluoride toothpaste.
   2. As soon as your child’s first tooth appears and before your child’s first birthday it’s time to make their first dental visit. This may seem early but a cavity can start to form as soon as a tooth erupts.
   3. Fluoride is important for protecting enamel and keeping teeth strong. In addition to introducing children’s fluoride toothpaste around age 3 be sure your child is drinking a sufficient amount of fluoridated tap water. The American Dental Association states that drinking water with fluoride can reduce the risk of cavities by 25%! Also, once your child knows how to swish and spit, help them incorporate mouthwash into their daily dental routine.
   4. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch introduce the habit of flossing. Flossing with a plastic flossing tool is likely the easiest way to assist them until they learn how to floss independently.
   5. Don’t share utensils with your child or “clean off” their pacifier by putting it in your mouth. Cavity-causing bacteria called Streptococcus mutans is passed on from parents to children through saliva. Even blowing on food to cool it down can pass this bacteria from parent to child. This bacteria increases your child’s likelihood of developing cavities in their baby and adult teeth.
   6. Baby bottle tooth decay – caused by prolonged exposure of your child’s teeth to sugary beverages –is a very real threat to their dental well being. If you must put your child to bed with a bottle opt for fluoridated tap water over a bottle filled with milk or juice.
   7. Sugar is one of enamel’s biggest enemies. Substitute water with fluoride for juice or other sugary beverage choices. Also, limit your child’s intake of fruit juice to 4oz. a day to minimize exposure to sugar.
   8. A pacifier certainly has its place but try and wean your child off of it before the age of 2. Long-term pacifier use can cause crooked teeth and a misshapen palate. We now know that a narrow or vaulted palate due to thumb sucking or pacifier use will cause airway complications throughout childhood and often into adulthood.
   9. It’s ok to incentivize good dental hygiene! Invest in a toothbrush for your child that flashes or plays music, create a star chart or give your child a sticker each time they brush. Also, many parents find that brushing with their child is motivation enough to ensure compliance.
   10. Head it off at the pass and assist or encourage your child to brush, floss and rinse early in the evening – perhaps right after dinner – to avoid bedtime resistance and meltdown.

If you would like to discuss how to implement good dental habits with your child we would love to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us at Eggert Family Dentistry!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Cavities are miserable and, as adults, most of us take every precaution to avoid them. It’s important to be aware that kids are just as susceptible to their presence and their fury. In fact, cavities affect more kids than asthma and diabetes. Let’s take a look at ways that kids develop cavities, how cavities in kids are treated and best yet, how to help your children prevent them.

COMMON CAVITY CULPRITS
Paul Casamassimo, D.D.S., professor of pediatric dentistry at Ohio State University College observes, “Children now have much more sugar in their diets at an early age” contributing to their increased propensity to develop cavities. Sugar, when introduced to your mouth, causes bacteria in plaque to produce acids that war against tooth enamel. Plaque is sticky and holds these acids against your teeth causing the enamel to break down over time. This is when cavities form.

Another culprit of cavities in kids is their lack of exposure to fluoride. In our society today, kids and adults alike consume less fluoride-induced tap water in favor of bottled water, which often does not contain fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and wards off enamel erosion.

Probably a lesser-known but equally prevalent cause of cavities in kids is a bacteria called mutans streptococcus. When babies are born, their mouths are free from these harmful mutans. This bacteria is often introduced, however, from mom or dad. When babies put their fingers in mom or dad’s mouth, eat off the same spoon or share a toothbrush, they easily transfer it to their baby. This child then grows up with an increased likelihood of developing cavities in his/her baby and adult teeth. In fact, Dr. Burton Edelstein, D.D.S., founder of Children’s Dental Health Project, states that, “80% of all cavities occur in just 25% of kids,” which speaks to the presence of this hereditary bacteria.

HOW CAN I SPOT A CAVITY IN MY CHILD’S MOUTH?
Cavities or dental caries are essentially holes in teeth that can, with time, grow bigger and deeper. If you notice a dark spot on your child’s tooth you can safely assume a cavity is forming.

HOW ARE CAVITIES TREATED?
In most cases, treatment consists of removing the decaying part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling. Fillings come in a variety of materials. Most often we are using the white composite material with children and adults. Cavities in baby teeth are treated just as seriously as cavities in adult teeth since baby teeth hold space for future adult teeth. When baby teeth fall out prematurely or have to be pulled because of excessive decay, the child is at risk for improper spacing or positioning of adult teeth, making him/her a more likely candidate for braces down the road.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREVENT CAVITIES IN MY CHILD’S MOUTH?
There are numerous precautions you can take as a parent to minimize your child’s risk of cavities.

• Take your child in for regular dental checkups starting at the age of 1. This cannot be emphasized enough and pediatricians still aren’t always reminding parents even though the American Academy of Pediatrics has had this guideline for years.

• As you’re able, wipe your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth after eating. Even breast milk and formula contain acid-inducing sugars. As soon as your baby gets the first tooth begin a daily brushing routine.

• In addition to thorough daily brushing and once your child has two teeth next to each other, introduce flossing. At the age of 2-3, when your children are able to spit, and not swallow their toothpaste, introduce children’s toothpaste with fluoride. Talk to us at Eggert Family Dentistry about protective fluoride varnish or sealants for your child’s teeth. Many insurance companies cover these preventative measures.

• Don’t share utensils or toothbrushes with your children. If you suspect you have decay-causing bacteria in your mouth, which nearly all adults do to some extent, consider an antibiotic mouthwash treatment that can reduce bacteria levels.

If you’re concerned about your child’s smile and want to ensure proper care we would love to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact Eggert Family Dentistry with any questions you may have!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Many children experience varying levels of apprehension when it comes to visiting the dentist. Fortunately, there are a number of things parents can do to minimize anxious thoughts and help prepare their children for successful early visits.


Tip #1 – KEEP IT POSITIVE
Perhaps you had a negative experience at the dentist when you were a child or are ill at ease when it comes to regular recare visits. It’s crucial to set those anxieties aside in order to set your child up for a successful first experience. It is often our first experiences that determine our perspective on all subsequent experiences and this is certainly true when it comes to dentistry.

Tip #2 – PLAN A FIELD TRIP
Maybe your child was young enough at their first visit that they don’t remember much or anything about it. Now, however, your child is a toddler and has a million questions! One thing to consider is scheduling a tour of our office beforehand. It will give your child something concrete to anticipate – your child can meet Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff as well as our team of assistants and hygienists that will be working with your child. This helps so there will be a familiar face at the next visit. It will also give your child an opportunity to role play a bit. They can go for a ride in the dentist’s chair and see a lot of the dental equipment which may help answer questions and calm pre-visit nerves.

Tip #3 – TALK ABOUT IT
Talk with your kids in an age-appropriate way about why it’s important that we take care of our teeth and how the dentists at Eggert Family Dentistry help us do that. It might also be helpful to talk with your child about what will happen at the upcoming visit. If Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff is going to count their teeth, your child might enjoy practicing counting his or her teeth with you in the mirror at home. Keep it fun and positive! Again, role playing is a great way to put a child at ease about something new.

Tip #4 – DIG INTO RESOURCES
There are a multitude of resources available that help prepare a child for a visit to the dentist. Look for books on the subject at your local library. Search for apps, shows and songs that help familiarize your child with the subject. Browse our patient resource page which includes a download on how to have a successful dental visit with your child.

You have an important role in your child’s dental health and can help lay a solid foundation for lifelong dental wellness. We would love to partner with you in making this process a success! Call Eggert Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Baby teeth are more than just placeholders for your child’s adult teeth. They help young children chew and even speak clearly. Taking good care of your child’s baby teeth lays a healthy, strong foundation for their permanent teeth, too.

Gum Care Starts at Birth
You can start building healthy oral health habits as soon as your little one arrives. Wipe down your newborn or infant’s gums twice a day, preferably just after feeding. Use a soft, moistened washcloth or a bit of damp gauze.

When It’s Time for the Toothbrush
When your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time for the toothbrush. Choose one with soft bristles and a large handle. The bristles and head will be comfortable for your baby, while the large handle is easier for you to handle.

Parents often ask us if it’s okay to use toothpaste for their young children’s new teeth. We recommend just using water at first, and then introduce fluoride-free toothpaste around age 1. When your child can adequately spit into the sink, it is time to start using fluoride toothpaste, generally using the standard pea-sized amount.

Another question we get is when it’s okay to have your kids start brushing their own teeth. If your child can hold their brush themselves, they can start brushing their own teeth—with your supervision, of course! This means mom or dad should ALWAYS follow up the brushing, looking for and pointing out any areas that were missed, especially in the far back. Children really don’t have the dexterity and understanding to fully brush completely alone until age 8-10.

Why Good Oral Care Matters for Kids
Can wiping down your newborn’s gums and brushing your child’s single baby tooth really make that much of a difference? Yes. Baby teeth are susceptible to tooth decay just like permanent teeth are. Brown or white spots on baby teeth, pits in baby teeth, cavities, and other signs of decay can be painful for your child and prevent them from chewing properly.

To prevent tooth decay in young children, we suggest you stick to breast milk, formula, and water before 6 months. After your child is eating solid foods, continue to avoid sugary drinks, including soda and juice. Never put sugar or honey on your child’s pacifier.

A Quick Word on Teething
Teething is a natural process that occurs through age 2-3, when most baby teeth have been pushed through your child’s gums. Erupting teeth can cause discomfort or even pain for your child. If your little one is drooling more than usual, has swollen gums, or a higher than normal temperature, chances are he or she is teething. Alleviate the pain with a cold washcloth or teething ring. Rubbing their gums with a clean finger can also provide relief.

We look forward to seeing your little one for their first dental appointment around their first birthday. We’ll help you build healthy habits and can give you tips on tooth care, teething, and thumb sucking. Schedule your child’s recare visit today.