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Many young children suck their thumbs. Childhood thumbsucking is a natural reflex, and whether they suck on their thumbs, other fingers, pacifiers or other object, it may make babies feel happier and more secure. But when does thumbsucking become a problem? And how can thumbsucking affect your child’s teeth?
How to Prevent Gingivitis
If you notice any redness in your child’s gums or they’re complaining of soreness, it may be an early sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. But even before symptoms appear, a child may be at risk of developing this dental problem, which is why preventative care is so very important.
Top Foods That Damage Teeth
Keeping your child’s teeth healthy isn’t an easy job. Even if your family practices healthy dental hygiene, with daily brushing and flossing plus regular trips to the dentist, there are other factors at play. Diet plays an important role in dental care from an early age. There are certain foods such as leafy greens and cheese (which both contain calcium) that support healthy teeth. But are there foods you should watch out for? Here is a list of the top foods that damage teeth. The list is quite similar to “top foods that children love to eat,” but we’ll also suggest healthy alternatives!
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What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
There is nothing more worrying for a parent or caregiver than when a baby or young child has an accident. Accidents involving the teeth, tongue, gums or lips can be very painful and can also lead to further complications. The first thing to do? Remain calm! There are steps you can take to minimize the damage, prevent infection and provide temporary relief for the pain until you can get the child to their pediatric dentist or an emergency room.
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What Should I Do After My Child Experiences a Tooth Fracture?
As many precautions as you take with your kids, a chipped or broken tooth is quite common, especially among toddlers just learning to walk or preschool children engaged in vigorous play or sports. It might not even be rough play, but just a chewed piece of ice or biting into a piece of hard candy can ultimately cause some damage. There are many kinds of injuries to the tooth that can occur, from a minor chip to a fracture (a cracked or broken tooth). It might happen to one of their baby teeth or to a permanent adult tooth.
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Missing Baby Teeth: What It Means and Why Parents Shouldn’t Panic
The arrival of your baby’s first teeth is an important milestone in their development. It’s understandable that a parent may become anxious if months pass and there’s no sign of those little chompers. However, there are several reasons why there may be a delay, and the age at which a child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) arrive can greatly vary. If your child’s teeth are coming in slowly or you’re noticing missing baby teeth at an age when other children already have theirs, don’t panic! Read why this might be the case and what you can and should do about it.
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5 Tips to Prevent a Toothache
No parent wants to see their child suffering from the pain of a toothache. Besides making a young child miserable and uncomfortable, a toothache can indicate a more serious dental problem. As explained by the American Academy of Pediatrics on their HealthyChildren.org blog, a childhood toothache might be more than just a stuck piece of food. It may indicate tooth decay, cracked enamel, gum disease or a dental abscess. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend these 5 tips to prevent toothaches.
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How Much Fluoride Should My Child Receive?
Fluoride is a mineral that is essential to maintain strong, healthy teeth. Knowing the right amount of fluoride exposure for your child, however, can be a bit tricky. Even in adults, too much fluoride can be harmful to your health, and this is even truer in children’s more delicate systems. To help you understand your child’s fluoride needs and whether a fluoride treatment may be helpful to protect his or her developing teeth, we’ve got all the details you need to know about this mineral below.
How To Care For Your Baby’s Teeth
Knowing how to care for your baby’s teeth actually starts before a single little incisor emerges. But, how exactly do you make sure your baby has a healthy mouth, and what’s the right way to take care of those cute little baby teeth? It’s actually quite easy, and starting a regular oral hygiene routine from infancy can help your child develop healthy dental habits later on in life. Below, check out our complete guide to caring for your baby’s mouth to help your little one be on their way to a lifetime of bright, white smiles.
4 Ways To Help Your Baby Through Teething
As your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, they can cause a bit of discomfort. The gums will be sore, and you may find that your baby is crankier, has trouble sleeping, and begins to chew on toys — or anything else within reach. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to help soothe the irritation that comes with teething, so your baby (and you) can rest a little easier.