Category: dentist

Dental Care For Babies

Posted on by Playtime Dental
Here at Playtime Dental we care about your child’s oral health!  We are here to share with the world, how to prevent cavities and keep the mouth healthy!

People wonder, why clean your baby’s mouth when they don’t have any teeth?  We want to clean the mouth even without teeth because plaque from food can accumulate and bacteria can still grow and cause problems for the gums!  Also by doing so, this will prevent the bacteria from sticking to your baby’s gums which can help avoid damage to the teeth as they erupt, as well as prevent bad breath. So it is important to gently wipe your baby’s gums at least twice a day or after each meal.  

It is recommended by American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, that a child have his or her first dental visit by the age of 1! Here is an equation to help: 1 + 1 = 0. Let me guess, in thinking back to your elementary math days, you learned that 1 + 1 =2 not zero. However, in this scenario 1 + 1 = 0 because ONE dental visit when there is ONE baby tooth can equal ZERO cavities!

After consulting with your dentist, you can graduate to using a toothbrush once the baby has a tooth or two. The toothbrush needs to have soft bristles and be small enough to fit comfortably in your baby’s mouth.  You can start using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste around age 1. Carefully supervise your children when using toothpaste so they are not swallowing it!

Babies can “catch” cavities from their caregivers. In 71 percent of the cases, the mother is the source.

Research indicates that the cavity-causing bacteria known as Streptococcus mutants can be transmitted from mothers to infants even before teeth erupt! The better the mother’s oral health, the less the chance the baby will have problems.

All in all, being a proactive parent will not only benefit your child’s oral hygiene but also help start making a routine dental visit a positive experience for your kiddos! 

Educate Yourself during Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by Playtime Dental
April is oral cancer, head and neck cancer awareness month, recognizing the danger of oral cancer and instilling the importance of regular dental visits and proper dental hygiene. Oral cancer affects millions of Americans, and they often don’t realize they have it until they visit the dentist. If you are not visiting your general dentist regularly, you could miss the chance at early diagnosis and treatment, which can damage your long-term health. Taking your child to a kid friendly dentist regularly is a great idea and his or her dentist should screen for oral cancer at recall appointments. This awareness month is provided in part by the Oral Cancer Foundation, which offers various sources and educational materials to teach children and adults the importance of maintaining proper dental health.
The Dangers of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer, which affects the mouth and throat, kills approximately one person for every hour of every day a year. Once diagnosed, about 50 percent of the patients live five years, and that is with early diagnosis. Even those who do survive may struggle with facial abnormalities and long-term problems involving eating and speaking. The best course of action for oral cancer is early diagnosis and treatment, thus improving your chances of surviving the cancer.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Another danger of oral cancer is the lack of signs and symptoms during the early stages. While a general dentist can see these early signs, you likely will not notice them until the cancer gets to a more advanced stage. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
·         White or red patches and spots in the mouth
·         Sores that bleed easily and don’t heal
·         Unexplained swelling of the jaw
·         A chronic sore throat
·         A change in the voice
·         Lumps, bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips, or anywhere inside the mouth
·         Ear pain
·         Dramatic weight loss
These symptoms may come one at a time, or they may seemingly develop and become aggressive all at once.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer

The best way to prevent oral/head and neck cancer is by taking good care of your teeth and mouth. To prevent oral/head and neck cancer, reduce sugar and alcohol intake, don’t smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco products, and limit your exposure to the sun’s harsh UV rays. Proper dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing daily, is incredibly important not just for general dental health but to prevent oral cancer as well. Finally, see your dentist regularly, at least every six months, for a checkup and cleaning.

Mouth Protectors in Sports

Posted on by Playtime Dental
Most parents would love their children to grow up as athletes. As they begin to engage in sports, the topic of safety will begin to come up. This is common in all kinds of sports including football, soccer, hockey, skiing, and any sport where the player may come in contact with another person or piece of equipment. All these sports involve some level of physical activity that can expose the child to a risk of getting injured.
Dental Safety in Sports
While most players understand the importance of safety in sports, they tend to overlook the importance of a mouth protector. During games, there is probably a high risk that the player may fall, hit his or her head, or have mouth or head contact with other children or with the sports equipment. This fact makes the mouth protector a very essential piece of sports gear that is recommended by all dentists.
Importance of a Mouth Protector
The right mouth protector will go a long way in protecting not only the teeth, but also cheeks, the jaw, tongue, lips, and even reduce the intensity of neck and head injuries. Research has proven that wearing a mouth protector greatly minimizes the possibility of getting dental and/or oral injuries.  This has always been among the most important items recommended by dentists to parents who have children involved in sports. With mouth protectors you have a number of options to pick from nowadays and you can easily find one that is right for your kid. They are available in most sporting goods stores or you can make an order online, but make sure it is recommended by your kids’ dentist.

The most important thing is getting one that is comfortable to wear and it fits according to their mouth structure. You can always consult a reputable dentist who caters to the young and growing to find out which is the best for your kid or if they can make a customized one specifically for your child. It is a fantastic idea to teach your kid how to keep safe during sports.  Make them protect their pearly whites with a mouth protector so that smile stays looking nice!

A History of the Tooth Fairy

Posted on by Playtime Dental

The tooth fairy legend is common for American children. Tracing where it might have come from prior to the 1900s is a mixed bag of speculation and forced analogy, but there are definite traces of earlier legends that do have at least some elements of the same magical entity. For those who want to know, here is a line-up of the usual suspects. These are the traditions from which our current tooth fairy may well have emerged.

Irish Leprechauns, Pixies and Fairies

The old Irish traditions of the leprechaun with his pot of gold, or the fairy with her “fairy gold,” yield definite similarities to the generosity of our American tooth fairy. Their penchant for generosity, particularly that of the fairies who repaid human debts two-fold, can easily be seen as precursors to the tooth fairy’s generous payment to children for their no-longer functional teeth.

Italy

The Italian Marantega is a legendary figure that gave gifts to children around Christmastime. The Christmas gifts from Marantega were usually exchanged for a tooth left under the pillow or under the bed.

France

As early as 1887, there was a pair of French traditions involving the placement of a lost tooth under the pillow for an overnight money exchange. One tradition involved the Virgin Mary of Christian tradition making the transaction, and the other was a more average “good fairy” character.

Europe

All over the continent there was an age old tradition quite similar to our American tooth fairy, but the benefactor was an animal figure–birds and rodents were quite popular. The lost tooth was to be placed in some location, perhaps behind some furniture or cooking stove, and the good crow or mouse would exchange it, not for money, but for a better tooth. This might seem cheap compared to other legendary benefactors, but then, what would you expect from small animals?
Our tooth fairy may have developed from any or all of these traditions, but she has definitely come to stay. Children love the concept so much that we aren’t likely to escape the clutches of this wonderful little sprite.
And it is certainly good to have a legend such as this to help assuage the fears of young children when they begin losing baby teeth. The legend can make the idea of the dentist more fun, making your trips to the kid’s dentist much more enjoyable.

Here at Playtime Dental, we love making going to the dentist fun for the whole family. If you are looking for a children’s dentist in the Mansfield, Ohio, area, please contact us!

Bleaching: Great Choices to Brighten Your Smile

Posted on by Playtime Dental
Many teens want whiter teeth. Talk to your kids’ dentist about bleaching as an option to make your child’s smile really stand out. This is usually considered by parents after their children have tried whitening toothpastes or have changed their diets to help whiten their teeth. The darkening of teeth can also occur because of injury or something else that could be wrong with the teen physically, so it may also be the sign of something else that should be checked out medically. Once this is done, bleaching can be handled in a number of different ways.

IN-OFFICE BLEACHING

In-office bleaching at your kids’ dentist is the most reliable choice for a fast result, but likely the most expensive, depending on your insurance coverage. A concentrated bleaching agent is applied to your child’s teeth and is activated with heat or light. It usually takes about an hour for this whole bleaching process to take place and most patients need as many as four visits for this to be truly effective on stained teeth. A children’s dentist can also focus on specific teeth, so that not all the teeth are bleached but only one in particular to match the bright shade of the rest.  Bleaching with trays (at home bleaching) is recommended afterwards to maintain the desired shade of the teeth.

AT HOME BLEACHING

Another method is a bleaching kit that a kids’ dentist can give you to use at home. An impression (mold) is taken of the child’s teeth and then made into a tray for bleaching gel. The child then wears the tray filled with bleaching gel for a set period of time over the course of a week or two. This is best for children who have all their teeth, such as teens. Performing teeth whitening at home can also be cheaper, but more risky as it can be done improperly. However, the side effects from it are relatively minimal.

For more information on bleaching teeth, check out the AAPD website or contact us at Playtime Dental. We’d love to help you and your child pick the best whitening option for you.

Dental Care for Your Preschooler

Posted on by Playtime Dental
In a study released by the Center for Disease Control, the number of decayed or filled surfaces in children under six progressed with age. For example at age 2 children experienced between 0-2 cavities. By age three, the number of cavities was found to be between 0-5. By age four, cavities jumped from 1-6, and by age five, cavities jumped from 2-8 in primary teeth. As a parent, you might be wondering how to reduce the impact of decay and cavity/fillings for your child. The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to help improve the oral health of your children.
Help to develop a positive attitude for dental visits

As a dentist who works well with dental patients who are young and growing, I recommend finding a dental home doctor for your children by the age of one. As parents, you play a huge role in how successful your children perceive dental visits. If you dread going to the dentist, then your children will pick on that emotion and fear the dentist. Instead, try to act excited to go to the dentist. Make a big day out of dental appointments for your kids. Praise and reward them for brushing their teeth. The younger they are when they take pride in their oral health the better it is for you as a parent. Good oral health is the result of great parenting. As a dentist, I can give you the best advice, but it is up to you to make sure it is followed. These tips and tricks can help you achieve great oral health for your children.

Tips and Tricks to get your child to help with their oral care.
Start off early and avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Read the label on juice and dairy products and choose items with the least amount of added sugars.
Set dental appointment times when your child is at their best. This means choosing a time when they are alert and rested. Even the best dentist may have a difficult time overcome a grumpy mood.
Introduce children to the dental environment before their appointment. Familiarity is a great tool to reduce stress in children. Also take the time to explain the procedure to children, and encourage them to ask questions.

Another great tip is to include dental teachings in bedtime stories. … and the little prince brushed his teeth and then …. We hope that these tips help you and inspire your child to engage in the best oral health practices possible.

Fluoride for Babies

Posted on by Playtime Dental
As a parent, you’re probably concerned about your baby’s health and you may be wondering whether you should be cleaning his teeth. The truth is that a baby’s tooth development could greatly benefit from teeth cleaning and a little fluoride. This wonderful little mineral can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel. Additionally, it will make your baby’s teeth more resistant to amino acids and potentially harmful bacteria.
When Should You Begin A Teeth Cleaning Routine With Your Baby?
It’s a good idea to wait until your baby’s about six months old before you begin your baby’s teeth cleaning routine. It doesn’t matter that his teeth haven’t come in all the way, he still needs a small amount of fluoride to help his developing teeth to grow strong. You should meet with your child’s dentist to determine your individual child’s specific fluoride needs.
How Do I Make Sure My Baby Is Getting Enough Fluoride?
Your baby will get his fluoride from water and toothpaste and sometimes from bottled fruit juices even through it’s not always listed on the label. However, if your drinking water doesn’t contain fluoride or the right amount of fluoride, you may need to talk to your dentist about a fluoride supplement. Your dentist will then prescribe just the right amount of fluoride that’s recommended for your child’s age.
The prescribed fluoride can be easily administered via liquid fluoride drops or through the use of a prescription vitamin. Many HMO insurance plans may cover at least a portion of the cost of the fluoride for your child; therefore, the price should be minimal. Fluoride has been proven to reduce tooth decay anywhere from 50 to 70 percent; therefore, it’s a dental health issue that shouldn’t be skipped. Just make sure you follow the recommended dosage, because when it comes to fluoride, more is not better.
If you would like some help finding a dentist that works specifically with children, check with your HMO insurance plan provider to find a dentist that caters to the young and growing. Your HMO group may be able to recommend one of their preferred providers to you.
Conclusion

Cleaning your baby’s teeth should become part of your daily routine once your baby turns six months old. Your dentist will instruct you on the proper techniques for cleaning his teeth, as well as, any additional amounts of fluoride your baby may need. Never hesitate to talk with your dentist about any concerns you may have about your baby’s teeth. Your dentist will be your best resource when it comes to the dental health of your baby.

Pumpkin Painting Contest A Success!

Posted on by Playtime Dental

We had such a great time this past Saturday at our first annual Pumpkin Painting Contest! It couldn’t have been any more of a perfect day! We want to thank all the families and kiddos that came out to help celebrate Halloween a little early. We had a blast and hope you all did too! 


Make sure to check out our Facebook Album to see all the memories captured! We look forward to seeing you all back again next year!




Diet and Dental Care

Posted on by Playtime Dental
As adults, we know that what we eat and our overall health is extremely important to our day to day lives. The same goes for children. Daily exercise and a balanced diet are important for kids of all ages. Too often kids are given sugary snacks or drinks as a bribe for them to behave or as an award for doing something good. Although giving kids these types of foods are okay every once in a while, as parents, we should really try to limit these.
An overall poor diet may affect the development of your child’s teeth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, food does not cause tooth decay, eating does. Eating foods with high sugar content can play a role in tooth decay. It is important to monitor the type of food consumed and as always, make sure your kid brushes his or her teeth at least twice a day to help remove the bacteria that cause decay.   
Here are some simple, helpful diet tips that can help with your kid’s dental health:
  • Ask your pediatric or general dentist to help you assess your child’s diet.
  • A balanced diet is key. Try to only provide sweets or starchy foods for meal times.
  • If your child would like a snack, try to provide something nutritious and low in sugar.
  • Try to keep your pantry and refrigerator full of healthy snacks and foods. Save the “fun foods” for a special occasion.
  • Do not put your child to bed with a bottle full of milk, juice or formula. Once your child’s teeth are clean it’s best to give them water when going to bed.
  • Always try to choose the sugar free option for soda and gum. Eliminating sugar where you can, will help in the long run!

Pacifier or Thumb?

Posted on by Playtime Dental
To continue from last week’s blog post regarding dental care for babies, we felt it is necessary to talk about other baby habits that can affect oral hygiene such as using a pacifier or the baby sucking on their thumb.

According to the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, here is a list of quick facts regarding pacifier/thumb sucking:

  1. Babies suck on their thumb or pacifier for pleasure, comfort and security. This habit can start before they are even born.
  2. The AAPD recommends pacifiers over thumbs to comfort new babies. The pacifier habit is typically easier to break and could decrease the chance of orthodontic problems.
  3. Thumb or pacifier sucking is normal for infants and children. Usually children will stop on their own, however if the child doesn’t, the habit should be discouraged by the age of 3.
  4. Thumb or pacifier sucking can affect the teeth the same way. After a long period of time, there may be affects with the upper front teeth sticking outward. Other potential effects include problems with jaw alignment, tooth positioning or the bite.



It is very important that you visit a pediatric dentist or a dentist who devotes most of his or her time to children, by the age of one year.  As time goes on, support from your pediatric dentist, as well as family, can help children quit the pacifier or thumb sucking habit!