An inevitable part of a child’s growth is that time when primary teeth, commonly known as baby teeth, fall out and adult teeth come in. For many children, primary teeth loosen and fall out on their own, but every child is different.

When you bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation, we take the development of primary teeth into consideration. Here are some things to remember about your child’s teeth.

Is My Childs’ Tooth Development on Track?

Many parents come to us concerned that their child’s primary teeth have not yet fallen out. Remember that each child’s mouth is going to be unique. Typically, your child will lose their first tooth between ages 6 and 8. This usually continues through ages 10 to 13, when the last of their primary teeth are pushed out by the permanent teeth. Many children experience a break between ages 8 and 10, so don’t be alarmed if your child hasn’t lost any teeth for a while.

Reasons to Remove Primary Teeth

Crowding is an issue when a permanent tooth begins to grow next to a baby tooth. We usually recommend removal in this instance, but it is important to note that this does not solve the issue of crowding. Sometimes, palate expansion is a solution for overcrowded teeth.

Our office uses x-rays and scans to keep track of your child’s dental development. These are valuable resources in determining whether tooth extraction is advisable.

 When to Wait

Sometimes, the best course of action is to wait it out. Your child’s baby teeth have an important function in holding the required space needed for permanent teeth to come in. With it comes to missing teeth, our pediatric dentist in 20003 will decide if the space in between needs to be closed. Keeping teeth in place is also good for keeping gums healthy.

What This Means for Orthodontic Treatment

We start any examination with a careful examination of your child’s teeth. We look at how many they have lost and what teeth still must come in. Your child might lose teeth at a slower pace, and this usually is not cause for concern. However, as children reach age 12 and older, we might consider removing baby teeth when planning orthodontic treatment.

If your child is getting their second molars and has yet to lose some of their baby teeth, we might consider extraction. Rest assured we will keep a careful watch, knowing fast-developing young mouths should be examined regularly.

For more information about tooth development, orthodontics and oral care for children, please contact our pediatric dental office in Washington, DC.

When your child has a fever, cough or other sickness, it is natural to concentrate on the issue at hand, not worry about oral health at that moment. However, keeping their mouths clean can be even more important during illness. Here are helpful tips for keeping your child’s mouth healthy when they are sick.

Continue Brushing and Flossing

Daily use of a toothbrush and dental floss helps prevent buildup of harmful germs and bacteria in your child’s mouth. A clean mouth helps keep their immune system stay focused on fighting the cold, flu, or whatever ailment is keeping them in bed. If your child’s illness includes vomiting, their teeth are exposed to acids that can weaken teeth. Help them rinse thoroughly and brush their teeth to avoid damage.

Watch Out for Sugary Medicines

There may be truth to the song lyrics, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” but it’s not helpful advice when it comes to children’s teeth. Some cough drops and syrups contain high amounts of sugar to improve medicinal flavor. The downside is they can leave sugary residue on the teeth. Look for sugar-free options when possible and have your child rinse well after taking any medicine formulated with sugar.

Keep Your Child Hydrated

A sick child needs plenty of water to stay hydrated, soothe a sore throat, and keep sinuses moist. In addition, dry mouth can occur during illness and increase risk of tooth decay. Drinking water helps combat both dry mouth and congestion.

Disinfect Dental Appliances

If your child has a dental appliance, such as a night guard, retainer, or athletic mouth guard, be sure it is cleaned thoroughly between uses. Contact our office for information on the type of cleanser that is appropriate for your child’s device.

Keep Toothbrush Clean

When your child is well again, replace their toothbrush. Even a clean toothbrush may retain some bacteria or germs following use. To help protect your child from reinfection, discard the used toothbrush in favor of a new one, and disinfect it in between with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly after disinfecting.

Should You Keep a Dental Appointment?

Yes, your child can go to our pediatric dentist in 20003 if they are recovering from sickness, but there are exceptions. If your child has severe congestion, it will be too difficult and possibly distressing to keep their mouth open for an examination. If your child is vomiting, has a fever, or is contagious, it is better to stay home and reschedule the appointment.

For more tips on keeping teeth healthy through an illness, contact our pediatric dental office in Washington, DC.

Seeing a child’s first tooth erupt provokes mixed emotions in parents. That cute gummy smile will soon give way to a child’s smile. It can be frustrating when teething pain makes babies irritable, yet it is exciting to witness this human milestone. Understanding the different tooth development stages can help you set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Birth to 3 Years Old

Although they eventually fall out, primary teeth, commonly called baby teeth, play an extremely important role in the different tooth development stages. They hold space in the jaws for the upcoming permanent teeth. Baby teeth begin appearing at about six months of age, almost always starting with the lower central (front) incisors. Primary teeth not only enable your child to chew solid foods; they are important for proper speaking and appearance.

3 to 6 Years Old

By the time your child is 3 years old, they will most likely have all 20 of their primary teeth. This is a critical time for oral health. You should demonstrate proper technique and help your child brush their teeth twice a day, and floss daily.

6 to 12 Years Old

Between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, your child will gradually lose all their primary teeth and their first permanent (adult) teeth will move into place. Permanent teeth affect the position and health of the other adult teeth that will grow in later.

12 to 17 Years Old

After the age of 12, your child will likely have most of their adult teeth. Oral hygiene and health becomes critical because these are the teeth they will have for the rest of their life. Stress the importance of avoiding excess sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. If your kid plays sports, insist they wear a mouth guard to protect tooth trauma. If your child appears to have crooked teeth or an odd bite, visit us so we can evaluate them for braces.

17 to 21 Years Old

The last teeth to appear are wisdom teeth. Often, our pediatric dentist in 20003 recommends that these teeth be removed to prevent overcrowding which can lead to many oral health problems later in life.

Teeth are constantly changing throughout childhood. How you take care of your child’s teeth at different tooth development stages impacts their future oral health. Contact our pediatric dental office in Washington, DC today to schedule your child’s first appointment. Their smile is important; let us partner with you to protect it.

Since 1900, pacifiers have been one of the most common ways to soothe fussy babies, but they can be a difficult habit to break as children get older. Excessive use can cause improper mouth development, which leads to abnormal tooth growth and additional complications later in life. Here is what you need to know about whether pacifiers hurt tooth development and impact a baby’s smile.

How Pacifiers Affect Teeth

Pacifiers, also called pacis, binkies and dummies, can influence the shape and alignment of a baby’s teeth and jaw. Used excessively and for a long period, they can push the front teeth forward, leading to crooked teeth or overbite. Pacifier use can also change the shape of the roof of the mouth. Using it after the age of six months can lead to a higher risk of otitis media, a common and painful type of ear infection. 

Benefits of Pacifiers

While they may contribute to oral health complications, pacifiers do offer several benefits. The sucking action itself is calming to babies, teaching them to self-soothe and relax. Pacifiers can relieve pain during minor procedures like immunizations and heel sticks, as well as relieve ear pressure during flights. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), pacifier use at night may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies one to six months of age.

Use Pacifiers in Moderation

The AAP and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend weaning babies from pacifier use at around six months of age. Research shows prolonged use after two years, and definitely after age four, has the most adverse effect on teeth.

Up to 85 percent of children in the western world use a pacifier at some point, and most do not suffer dental problems as a result. Breaking the habit of pacifier use should begin after six months. The process should be gradual to avoid distressing your child. Talk to our office about the many ways you can wean your baby off of the binky. By following our tips and recommendations, your child can experience the calming effect of pacifiers without developing pacifier teeth.

We also recommend that you visit our office for an examination as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts so we can monitor tooth development. It is never too early to start good dental habits in a child’s life. Call and schedule your child’s next appointment with our team in Washington, DC today.

It’s not easy to get your child to practice good oral hygiene on their own. They need your help, and it’s worth the time and patience. Good dental care at a young age reaps long-term benefits. Here are a few ways to make daily oral hygiene more exciting for your kids.

1. Let Them Accessorize

When your child gets to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste, they’ll feel like they’re in control of their own oral care. Children like to make their own decisions, and this is a harmless one that will get them excited.

2. Reward Good Behavior

Incentivizing your child can have a huge effect on their motivation to brush daily. Try setting up a reward system based on how often they brush each month. Keep track of their daily brushing and consider giving them a small prize on good months.

3. Brush Together

Brushing and flossing can be more exciting for your kids when you do it as a family. By brushing with someone else, your kids will better understand the necessity of daily hygiene while feeling more relaxed.

4. Teach as You Go

Educate little ones about proper brushing and flossing techniques so that they can develop a solid understanding of oral hygiene. Make sure that they understand the long term benefits of good oral health.

Try to make daily brushing a fun part of their day rather than a chore that they dread. You know your child better than anyone, so make sure to do what you can to help them practice good oral hygiene for years to come.

Contact our kid-friendly team in Washington, DC today to schedule an appointment for your child and learn more about making oral hygiene into a fun activity.

Braces are perfect for achieving straight, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Braces tend to be most effective while the patient is young and their mouth structure is still forming. If you think your child is ready for braces, here are a few things to help you make informed decisions.

What’s the Point of Braces?

Braces are used to correct teeth that are growing in a crooked position and to compensate for gaps between teeth. In addition, if your child’s teeth are causing an overbite or underbite, braces are an effective way to correct those conditions.

Benefits of Braces at a Young Age

While orthodontics can benefit the right patient at nearly any age, they tend to be more effective in younger patients because the jaw structure is still malleable. The American Dental Association (ADA), found that a majority of orthodontic treatment cases typically begin between the ages of 8 and 14. While starting at a young age helps, the quality of treatment will depend on many factors.

Braces Will Change Your Life

Your child may be unhappy that they’ll have to avoid sticky foods like bubblegum for a while, but you can help them to see how braces will provide countless benefits to their long term oral health. Not only will straighter teeth improve your child’s gum health, they can also prevent dental complications later in life. By getting braces when your dentist recommends, kids can possibly avoid more advanced corrective procedures in the future. Once your child sees their straight, beautiful smile, they’ll understand why it was worth it.

Contact our office in Washinton, DC to discuss the benefits of using braces to help your child’s smile. During your appointment, our team will provide your child with an examination and recommend a treatment plan that will work best for them.

The development of your child’s mouth is an important part in their overall growth, and part of the transition is the loss of primary (baby) teeth. For most children, these first teeth will loosen and fall out on their own; however, this is not always the case. Our doctor will evaluate your child’s mouth to ensure they are on track to developing a healthy smile.

Is My Child’s Primary Teeth Loss on Track?

It’s not uncommon to wonder if your child’s oral health is on track with their overall development. According to the Mayo Clinic, a child’s 20 primary teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out around the age of 6. This usually continues until age 12, when most children lose their primary second molars. However, this can vary. Some kids can lose their first tooth at age 4 or 7. 

When Will My Child’s Primary Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Our doctor will examine all of your child’s teeth to determine how many they have lost and how many adult teeth still need to come in. Every child is different, but if their primary teeth have still not fallen out when they reach their teenage years, our doctor may recommend removing those teeth in preparation for orthodontic treatment. In addition, if your child is beginning to get their second molars but still have some of their first teeth, we might consider removing them at that time.

Why Would My Child’s Primary Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Crowding is an issue when a permanent tooth begins to grow next to a primary tooth. We usually recommend removal of the primary tooth in this instance. Even with removal of the primary tooth, our doctor might recommend a palatal expander as part of the treatment protocol.

Why Wouldn’t My Child’s Primary Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Every mouth is different and sometimes the best course of action is simply to wait. Your child’s primary teeth have an important job in holding the required space needed for permanent teeth to come in. With missing teeth, our doctor will decide if the space between teeth needs to be closed. Keeping teeth in place is also good for keeping the gums healthy.

Our doctor can determine if your child’s primary teeth need to be removed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office in Washington, DC.

Have you ever struggled with helping your child maintain healthy oral hygiene habits when they’re feeling under the weather? When dealing with a fever, cough, or vomiting, your child’s oral health might be the last thing on your mind. Our team is here to help provide tips for keeping your child’s mouth clean and teeth healthy, especially when they’re sick. 

Brush and Floss

Regular brushing and flossing help prevent build-up of harmful bacteria in your child’s mouth, which helps keep their immune system focused on fighting a cold or the flu. If your child’s illness includes vomiting, their teeth are exposed to acids that can weaken them.Try encouraging your child to rinse thoroughly and brush their teeth to avoid this type of damage.

Hydrate

When your child is sick, water can help them stay hydrated, soothe a sore throat, and keep sinuses moist. In addition, congestion can cause mouth breathing, resulting in dry mouth. This lack of saliva can lead to increased risk of tooth decay. While sports drinks and ginger ale can help ease some symptoms, remember they contain sugar and can make the problem worse. Water should be your go-to to prevent dry mouth and congestion.

Be Aware of Sugary Medicine

Like sports drinks and soda, cough drops and cough syrups can contain high amounts of sugar. While sweeteners can make medicine more pleasant-tasting, they can also leave a residue on teeth and lead to decay. Look for sugar-free options when possible and have your child rinse well after taking any medicine containing sugar.

Disinfect Dental Appliances

If your child has a dental appliance such as a retainer, athletic mouth guard, or night guard, be sure it is cleaned thoroughly between uses. Contact our office for information on the type of cleanser appropriate for your child’s device. When your child is well again, replace their toothbrush to prevent reinfection. Even a clean toothbrush may retain some bacteria or other germs following use.

For more tips on keeping teeth healthy through an illness, contact our office.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children also may suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.

Children’s Dentist in Washington, DC 20003

There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, however diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, chronic gingivitis is common in children. Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

• Sore
• Swollen
• Red
• Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular cleaning and exam appointments will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun, our team can help. Contact our office for your child’s periodontal screening today.

Resource: https://www.perio.org/newsroom/periodontal-disease-fact-sheet

Many parents don’t realize that babies derive comfort from non-nutritive sucking. It’s been shown that some babies begin to self-soothe by sucking on their fingers or thumbs even before birth.  By allowing your child a pacifier, you may be able to more easily break the habit as the child reaches an age where this self-soothing behavior is no longer needed, by removing or cutting the pacifier. If a child learns to self-soothe by thumb sucking, it may be more difficult to break this habit. 

Children’s Dentist Washington DC

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, If your child is still using a pacifier at the age of 3, the habit should be discouraged. This is because the upper front teeth may tip outward or come in improperly as a result. If you’re unsure if your child’s pacifier or thumb-sucking habit is interfering with the healthy development of teeth and jaws, please contact us. We’re happy to advise you with behavior modification techniques. 

Here are a few additional guidelines for pacifier use: 

• Never dip the pacifier into a sweet substance such as honey.
• Do not use a string, ribbon or cord to secure the pacifier to clothes or cribs.
• The pacifier shield should be larger than the child’s mouth.
• Discontinue use if the pacifier fits into the child’s mouth. 
• Discard pacifiers that are worn or deteriorating
• Do not allow the child to sleep with the pacifier. 

Remember, the AAPD recommends your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist by the age of 1 or with the eruption of the first tooth. If you’ve yet to find your dental home, we welcome you to become a part of our dental family. For more information, please contact our 20003 children’s dentist, today.