National Children's Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Each year, the American Dental Association decides on a theme for our child education programs, and this year’s is how to use fluoride toothpaste.

The most common children’s oral health problem is caries: the bacterial infections that secrete acid and damage tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. Fluoride shields teeth against acid, which is why we provide fluoride topical treatments during cleanings. It is important for children to develop a habit of brushing their teeth regularly since this will serve them well their entire lives. Although their baby teeth will fall out, pain from decay can interfere with their sleep, eating, and speech development, and make them more irritable and easily distracted.

Children, and everyone else, should brush for two full minutes during each session. They should use soft-bristled toothbrushes and be sure to brush on every tooth surface, and on the tongue. Fluoride toothpaste should be spat out after use because absorbing too much of it could cause the teeth to become discolored.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

Bad Breath in Children

We hope that none of the children at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven are ever embarrassed by bad breath. Halitosis isn’t just bad for their social lives. It also indicates an oral health problem, which is why we’re here to help.

Bad breath is the result of bacterial build-up. There may be an underlying medical issue, but usually, the child needs help with their hygiene habits. Brushing the tongue is just as important as brushing the teeth. The back of the throat can be cleaned with non-alcoholic mouthwash. Sometimes, if the child suffers from nasal drip, the discharge may be caught in the back of the throat and feeding bacteria. Because children are prone to sinus infections, this happens to them frequently, but it may also be necessary to have them tested for allergies.

Some medical conditions which contribute to bad breath are dry mouth and diabetes. Dry mouth allows larger bacteria build-up because saliva is one of the body’s defense mechanisms, while diabetes makes it harder for the immune system to fight off infections in general. If medications are contributing to a child’s halitosis, it may be worth trying to find alternatives.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

Children's Biannual Check-Ups

No child should have to endure a toothache. To clean and restore children’s teeth before decay progresses, we recommend that they visit the dentist twice a year. If yours have not done so yet, now is a good time.

The most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in five children have untreated cavities. This contributes to several problems. Young children’s speech development may be delayed by dental pain. Children of all ages may be reluctant to eat and have difficulty sleeping, making them unfocused and irritable. People who suffer from chronic stress are likelier to engage in nighttime teeth grinding, which also causes dental pain.

When children do have tooth decay, it is best for them to be treated as early as possible so that the decay does not get bad enough to require a root canal or replacement crown. Children who do not have tooth decay should also be brought in for regular check-ups so we can provide sealants, which will make them less likely to get cavities in the future, and so we can determine whether their permanent teeth are coming in correctly.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit NewHavenDental.care and fill out a contact form.