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Is There a Link Between Childhood Obesity and Oral Health?

September 26, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Talk to your child’s pediatrician and their pediatric dentist about how to implement good eating habits.

Child obesity is an increasing problem in our modern society. More often than not it is associated with unhealthy eating habits and a poor example set by parents, role models and peers. Obesity in children can lead to many problems that manifest directly or over the years. Could there be a link between poor oral health and child obesity?

If your child has gained some weight and you start noticing that their figure is modifying, it is best to ask your pediatrician if there is any reason for concern. Depending on the child’s age, his weight may or may not be excessive.

As a child grows older, the weight and height graphs modify, so make sure you use the right measurement and reference system to determine if your kid truly has a weight problem. The BMI score is one of the indicators that can lead to obesity diagnosis. BMI (Body Mass Index) shows the proportion between the child’s weight and his height.

What Are the Leading Causes of Child Obesity?

There are many reasons your child may gain an unhealthy amount of weight. First of all, you need to evaluate the family’s eating habits. Do you often eat out or prepare highly processed meals? Are you drinking large amounts of soda drinks or fruit juice? Do you indulge, often in sweets or fatty snacks? These habits can lead to a weight problem not only for your child but for all the members of your family too.

Another leading cause of childhood obesity is the lack of proper exercise. Children are increasingly giving away their physical activities in favor of playing video games indoors. If they spend too much time indoors, they lack the minimum amount of effort needed to stay in shape.

If your child is obese despite having a healthy diet and a proper amount of daily exercise, you might want to investigate possible hormonal causes.

Is Child Obesity Linked to Oral Health?

A study conducted in 2017 by the University of Gothenburg explored the possible links between childhood obesity and oral health problems. The study showed that children who had the most risks of having cavities also had unhealthy eating habits and weight problems.

To put it simply, children who have unhealthy eating habits may also be more prone to having oral health problems. Eating too much sugar leads to child obesity as well as cavities. One of the solutions proposed by the researchers conducting the study was to bring the discussion about child obesity into the dentist office. If dentists would be more involved in promoting good eating habits, child obesity may be easier to prevent.

If you are interested in your child’s health, giving your child a proper diet, proper amounts of exercise and promoting good oral health habits are essential. Talk to your child’s pediatrician and their pediatric dentist about how to implement good eating habits.

“There’s a Gap Between My Baby’s Front Teeth – Should I Worry?”

September 13, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

In many cases, the gap between the front baby teeth is harmless and it will disappear once the adult teeth emerge.

Your child’s smile might simply be the best thing in the world for you! However, many parents are often worried about the development of their baby or all the possible issues they may have. Being cautious is not a bad thing unless you start worrying excessively and without having a rational basis for it.

When it comes to your child’s baby teeth, you probably have a lot of questions since the first one emerged. Now you see a gap between your baby’s front teeth, possibly not the only one, and you are wondering if it is normal or not.

Let’s discuss when you may want to have your baby’s gap checked out and when to keep enjoying your little one’s contagious smile.

The Gap is Caused by the Frenulum

The labial frenulum is the small, stringy piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums or the upper maxillary. We all have it. Some individuals have a frenulum that connects to the gum quite low, getting all the way between the two front teeth. Check if that’s the case with your baby, and if you do notice a frenulum that is planted low in the gum, you may have found the cause.

While a front teeth gap only has a cosmetic impact in most cases, a tight frenulum can cause a number of other issues. If you notice other symptoms besides the gap, your child may need a frenectomy. These symptoms include improper latching and painful breastfeeding, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, issues when weaning. Check with your pediatrician or with a pediatric dentist to get a proper diagnosis.

The Gap is Caused by Small Teeth or Natural Development

In most cases, the gap between the front baby teeth is harmless and it will disappear once the adult teeth emerge. Some babies have small teeth or they simply get them more spaced in the beginning. This is a good thing because it gives them enough room to grow nicely aligned and prepare the ground for beautiful adult teeth.

The Gap Might Be a Sign of Unusual Proportions or Development

If you feel that the gap between your baby’s front teeth is too big and something to worry about, schedule an appointment with your St. Louis pediatric dentist to see if there is an underlying cause for it. In very rare cases, missing teeth, extra teeth or an oversized jaw can cause such a symptom.

Before you stress about it, remember that gaps are often something to be expected and occur in about 40% of children. The best way to eliminate possible issues is to schedule a check-up with your child’s dentist.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call today at (314) 862-7844.

Your Child Can Suffer from Gingivitis Too. Here’s What to Do.

September 4, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Kids can suffer from gum diseases too and it can quickly spiral into more complicated problems if left untreated.

father showing son how to floss properly

Some people may think that only adults have to deal with gingivitis, but that’s simply not true. Kids can suffer from gum diseases too and it can quickly spiral into more complicated problems if left untreated. If you noticed that your child’s gums are a bit swollen or if he is spitting blood after brushing his teeth, then it’s time to act and schedule an appointment with your St. Louis pediatric dentist.

Here’s what you should know.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the tissue that supports the teeth. It is caused by plaque buildup that hasn’t been removed effectively through brushing and flossing. Over time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar that affects the gums, causing them to bleed and pull away from the teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a condition that causes the teeth to become loose and fall out.

How to Treat It and What Can You Do to Prevent It

If you suspect that your kid has gum disease, then the first thing you should do is have him checked by your St. Louis pediatric dentist. The dentist will decide the best way to remove the tartar based on the child’s age and the severity of the problem. They may also make recommendations regarding the kid’s diet and dental habits.

Diet Can Affect Gums’ Health

You already know that sugar is bad for the teeth, but did you know that it can affect gums health too? According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you should offer your kid nutritious and filling snacks, such as veggies, yogurt, cheese or peanut butter. Keep starchy foods like bread or potato chips for mealtime as bacteria love to feed on the starch.

Don’t Skip Brushing

Make sure that your kid brushes two times per day, after breakfast and before bedtime. If your child is younger than five years old, then you should be the one brushing their teeth as they don’t have the necessary skills yet to clean them properly. Kids aged five and older can brush by themselves, but with adult supervision.

Floss Daily

Brushing isn’t enough to reach the plaque that builds up between the teeth and against the surface of the gums. That’s why in addition to brushing you should also floss your child’s teeth once a day.

Use a string about 18 inches long and wind the ends around your middle finger. Insert it between the teeth so that to create a C-shaped and move it up and down gently.

Flossing a toddler can feel intimidating so try turning this into a fun activity. Tell them that you are trying to catch the plaque monster and that the floss is a special weapon that will annihilate it.

Be a Role Model

Taking care of your kids’ teeth and gums can feel like a daunting task. Remember that kids love to imitate adults, so try becoming a role model. Brush your teeth and floss with them and always remind them of the importance of good oral health.

How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

September 2, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

How can you tell if a St. Louis pediatric dentist is right for your child? What should be the criteria for choosing one option out of many?

Choosing a dentist for yourself is a big deal: you want someone you click with, you feel comfortable with and you know you can trust. When it comes to choosing a dentist for your child, the selection is even more important.

As adults, we can put up with doctors or other professionals who aren’t necessarily compatible with us on a personal level, but if a child goes to a doctor he doesn’t like, chances are he will loathe going to the doctor in general. Apply this principle to the dentist who is supposed to take care of your child’s teeth and you will soon realize that the process becomes increasingly difficult, as babies or toddlers aren’t generally comfortable with such procedures.

So how can you tell if a St. Louis pediatric dentist is right for your child? What should be the criteria for choosing one option out of many?

They Have Special Pediatric Training

When choosing a dentist for your child, you should narrow your list to those professionals who are trained to work with children. Not all dentists are qualified to treat children, as they would need to know the specific qualities of baby teeth and details about normal development. Besides knowing the medical side of treating a child, a pediatrician dentist will also know how to communicate and bond with children, making things much easier on the little ones.

Their Office Is Colorful, Has Toys and Welcoming Images

When you enter an office you are considering for your child’s future treatment, look around you. A good pediatric dentist’s office should have many attractive elements for children of all ages. A colorful office with toys and children’s furniture will be much easier to adapt to for your kid. Be sure to pay attention to how the staff is interacting with the patients, too. They should be friendly, empathetic and aware of a child’s lack of patience or nervousness.

Do They Choose Less Invasive Treatment?

We know that you hear a lot about baby teeth being temporary, but this does not mean that they are disposable and unimportant. Their health is very important for the health of permanent teeth, so treating them takes dedication and professionalism. A good St. Louis pediatric dentist will choose the least invasive procedure possible, and they will concentrate on preventive treatment.

Is Your Child Comfortable in the Dentist Seat?

We are not talking about the ergonomics of the chair, but how the child feels during the visit and while interacting with the doctor. Your child’s feedback should give you a very good idea of how good the dentist is for them.

Finding the right dentist for your child may take a few tries, but it is worth the effort. The right dentist has a huge contribution to how your child will see dental care and how they will shape their habits later.

Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?

August 29, 2019 by DAC 1 Comment

According to one report, about 42% of kids aged two to 11 get dental cavities.

You are aware of the importance of good oral hygiene habits. So, you brush your toddler’s teeth thoroughly two times a day. You are not giving him any candies or sugary drinks and his diet is overall balanced and healthy. So, why does he keep getting cavities?

The first thing that you need to know is that it’s not unusual. According to one report, about 42% of kids aged two to 11 get dental cavities. It happens so often that cavities are more common than conditions like asthma. Lack of proper oral hygiene, as well as an unhealthy diet, play an important role. However, that’s not the full picture.

How Babies and Toddlers Get Cavities

There is a group of bacteria called streptococcus mutans. The bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that affects the structure of the teeth. It also creates plaque that erodes the teeth even more, depleting it from calcium. In time, the surface of the teeth is affected and eventually collapses. That’s when you get a cavity.

Babies are born without these bacteria but get infected by their caregivers (most often their mother.) Whenever you are kissing your baby on the mouth, eating with the same spoon or letting him use your toothbrush, you are creating opportunities for the bacteria to populate his mouth. And, if you have cavities yourself, then the chances of passing these bacteria on to them increases considerably.

What You Can Do

The first thing you need to do is to make sure that your toddlers brush his teeth correctly. It can be difficult for babies to understand the concept of cavities and why they need to brush. It’s also uncomfortable for them when someone sticks something into their mouth for no apparent reason. So, try to make brushing as fun as possible.

Here are some ideas:

Sing a song and dance while you are brushing
Let them brush the toy’s teeth first
Let them brush their teeth by himself. Praise him for a good job then tell him that you are just going to make sure that he didn’t miss anything.

It’s Never too Soon to Visit a Dentist

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Association (AAPD) recommends that babies see a dentist by their first birthday. If you wait too long, tooth decay may be well on its way and more difficult to prevent. If you haven’t already, then schedule an appointment with your St. Louis pediatric dentist as soon as possible. They can help you understand what you need to know about how to care for your kid’s pearly whites.

Give us a call today at (314) 862-7844. We’d be happy to help you setup an appointment!

How Sedation Can Help You With a Chipped Tooth after an Accident

August 27, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Chipped teeth can vary in seriousness, but they always involve some damage to the enamel of your tooth.

Accidents are often traumatic events, even when they don’t result in injuries. The unexpected unfortunate event can affect your confidence and make you anxious and tired. When you also suffer injuries from an accident, you are dealing with a lot more on top of the mental distress. Sometimes injuries are not so serious but can become really uncomfortable. Such a case is when you chip your tooth as a result of a car accident for example.

Here is how to spot it and what to do about it.

Symptoms of a Chipped Tooth

Chipped teeth can vary in seriousness, but they always involve some damage to the enamel of your tooth, which is the most important protection you have against cavities, infections and other oral diseases. If the enamel is cracked or missing a part of it, your tooth is now exposed to the elements.

But chips and cracks can be so small that you don’t notice them from the beginning. If your head was tilted suddenly during the car accident, you might have hit your teeth together with such force that chipping occurred. If nothing is visible, but you have one of the following symptoms, you might have a chipped tooth.

List of symptoms for chipped teeth:

Visible cracks or missing part of your enamel
Soreness in your tongue, where it catches the chipped tooth
Inflammation of the gums surrounding a tooth
Uneven surface of the tooth, which you can notice with the tongue
Pain in the tooth when biting on something
Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks in the tooth

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak with your dentist. They will discover the cause of your discomfort and solve the problem properly. If left unchecked, a chip or crack in the tooth, no matter how small or painless it is, can lead to bigger problems.

Sedation Dentistry for Chipped Teeth

Even if a chipped tooth sounds like a very small problem usually, it can be a very serious issue, even an emergency. Underestimating its effect on your oral health or treating it lightly, will not do you any favors. And if the chipped tooth was a consequence of an accident, it can be a traumatic experience, especially since in most cases the front part of the smile is affected, which can damage the patient’s self-esteem.

For these reasons, you can comfortably ask your St. Louis sedation dentist what your sedation options are when treating your chipped tooth. Whether they will use laughing gas, oral sedation or IV sedation, you will decide together what the best option will be for your situation.

To speak with a St. Louis sedation dentist give us a call today at (314) 862-7844.