Posted on May 15, 2024

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20% of children are on regular prescription medications. As this trend continues to rise, it’s crucial to understand how certain medications can affect your child’s dental health. Here are five ways medications may influence your child’s oral health, and why it’s important to keep us informed during their regular dental check-ups.

1. Dry Mouth

Many medications can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in neutralizing acids that can harm teeth. Without enough saliva, the risk of tooth decay increases. If your child experiences dry mouth, our team can provide recommendations to mitigate the risk of decay and maintain oral health.

2. Gum Tissue Enlargement

Some medications may cause gum tissue to enlarge or overgrow. This can lead to gum inflammation and require extra attention to prevent complications. Our team can offer specific care instructions to ensure your child maintains healthy gums while on these medications.

3. Tooth Decay

While most medications don’t directly cause tooth decay, those containing sugar as flavoring can contribute to decay over time. Opting for sugar-free versions of medications whenever possible and ensuring your child takes them with food and water can help mitigate this risk.

4. Increased Gum Bleeding

Certain medications can affect blood clotting, leading to increased bleeding, particularly during oral surgeries or tooth extractions. Informing our team of your child’s medications before any dental treatment allows us to provide appropriate care and minimize potential complications.

5. Soft Tissue Reactions

Some medications may cause inflammation, discoloration, or sores in the mouth. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact us promptly. We can develop a customized oral hygiene plan to alleviate these side effects and ensure your child’s comfort.

Keeping Us Informed

Informing our team about your child’s medications enables us to tailor our treatment recommendations accordingly. If you notice any changes in your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our goal is to establish lifelong healthy habits and improve your child’s oral health together.

Contact Us Today

If you have any questions about your child’s medications or their oral health, or if you need to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact Lewisville Kids Dentistry. Our pediatric dental office is here to support you and your child on their journey to optimal oral health.

Posted on May 1, 2024

The human mouth is teeming with bacteria, but not all of them are harmful. Let’s delve into what you should know about the bacteria inhabiting your child’s mouth and how to maintain their oral health.

Understanding Oral Bacteria

With over 700 identified strains of oral bacteria, it’s essential to recognize that most people harbor only a fraction of these strains at any given time. Among them, probiotic bacteria play a beneficial role in digestion. However, certain bacteria pose a threat to your child’s dental health, contributing to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Harmful Effects of Bacteria

Your child’s mouth provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, especially when fueled by starches and sugars from their daily diet. Some bacteria metabolize these substances into acids, which erode tooth enamel, leading to decay and other oral health issues.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

The cornerstone of managing oral bacteria is practicing excellent oral hygiene. Encourage your child to brush their teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes, twice daily, and to floss regularly. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help control bacterial growth. Additionally, a balanced diet low in sugar, acids, and starches can reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria.

Beneficial Bacteria

Not all bacteria are harmful; some play a vital role in maintaining overall health. By adhering to a consistent oral hygiene routine, you can support the growth of beneficial bacteria while keeping harmful ones in check. During your child’s dental visit, our team will provide a thorough cleaning and examine for any signs of decay or other oral health issues.

Get in Touch With Us

If you have any concerns or need further guidance on maintaining your child’s oral health, our dental team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment to ensure your child’s mouth remains healthy and free from harmful bacteria. Contact Lewisville Kids Dentistry today for more information.

Posted on April 15, 2024

Losing a tooth can disrupt essential functions like chewing, speaking, and smiling, especially during sports activities, which pose a higher risk of dental injuries. At Lewisville Kids Dentistry, we prioritize your child’s dental health and offer solutions to protect their precious smile. Let’s explore the importance of mouthguards and why they’re essential for your child’s oral safety.

Why Mouthguards Matter: Mouthguards are specially designed to shield teeth, tongue, jaw, and lips from injuries. Typically, they cover the upper teeth, which are more vulnerable to damage due to their protrusion.

Who Needs a Mouthguard: If your child participates in high-contact sports like hockey, football, wrestling, or boxing, wearing a mouthguard is crucial. However, even non-contact sports enthusiasts like baseball players or gymnasts can benefit from mouthguard protection against unexpected oral injuries.

Custom vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards: While store-bought mouthguards are available, they may not offer the best fit or comfort. Custom-fitted mouthguards, tailored to your child’s mouth, ensure optimal protection without hindering breathing or speech. At Lewisville Kids Dentistry, we can craft a custom mouthguard during your child’s next dental visit, especially vital if they wear braces.

Prioritize Your Child’s Oral Safety: Imagine the difficulty of talking, eating, or smiling with a missing tooth. Each practice or competition session puts your child’s mouth at risk, emphasizing the need for protective mouth gear. Ensure your child’s dental health is safeguarded by contacting our office today. We’re here to address any concerns about your child’s dental care and schedule their next dental appointment promptly.

Protecting your child’s smile is our top priority at Pediatric Dentist Lewisville. Let’s keep their teeth safe and their smile bright during all their adventures.

Posted on April 1, 2024

Ensuring your infant’s oral health is crucial for their overall well-being. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight tooth decay as a significant childhood disease, surpassing even common conditions like asthma. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for your child’s lifelong oral health. Here’s how you can start promoting optimal dental care practices from infancy with Lewisville Kids Dentistry:

1. Clean Gums for a Bright Smile: Even before your baby’s teeth emerge, it’s essential to clean their gums. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe their gums after feeding to remove any food residue. This simple practice helps prevent gum disease and should be done at least twice a day.
2. Introduce Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: As you establish a routine for cleaning your baby’s gums, consider introducing the taste of toothpaste. Consult our team at Lewisville Kids Dentistry before using any toothpaste on your baby’s gums. Start with a tiny amount to familiarize your baby with the taste and texture.
3. Brushing Begins with Tooth Eruption: Once your baby’s first tooth emerges, it’s time to start brushing. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants and use a pea-sized amount of child-friendly toothpaste. Gently brush their teeth and gums to remove plaque and prevent decay.
4. Schedule Their First Dental Visit: The eruption of your baby’s first tooth marks the perfect time for their initial dental visit. Schedule their first examination with Pediatric Dentist Lewisville within six months of the tooth’s appearance. Regular dental check-ups, at least twice a year, are essential for maintaining their oral health.

Start your baby’s oral health journey early to instill lifelong habits for a healthy smile. Don’t wait for their first tooth to emerge—contact Lewisville Kids Dentistry if you have any concerns or to schedule their first dental appointment. Together, we can ensure your child’s dental wellness from the very beginning.

Posted on March 15, 2024

A seemingly harmless hobby may actually be putting your child’s oral health at risk. If your child participates in the school band or is learning an instrument at home, there

can be underlying health risks. This is particularly true if your child plays instruments such as the flute, saxophone, or clarinet. Instruments that require contact with the mouth can be a home for germs and bacteria.Here’s what you can do to keep your child healthy.

The Risk of a Musical Instrument

The potential issue is not with the instrument’s mouthpiece alone. Children who join their school’s band program often get instruments loaned to them. If the instrument is not properly sanitized between students, bacteria and fungi can grow for months after use. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, woodwind and brass instruments are most commonly affected. Proper sanitation can reduce the bacteria found covering these instruments.

The Dangerous Effects of Bacteria

A 2011 study published in the journal of the Academy of General Dentistry uncovered the extent of bacteria in school instruments. Thirteen instruments were tested from a high school after one week of being played, and over 442 different types of bacteria were found. Aside from bacteria, molds and yeasts were also discovered on the instruments. Many types of bacteria can be dangerous and cause staph infections, asthma, and skin infections. Doctors are starting to find certain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, which makes cleaning your child’s instruments even more important.

Reducing the Risk 

Not only is it extremely important to sterilize your child’s instrument after someone else uses it, but you should be cleaning the instrument after every use. Focus on keeping the mouthpiece clean and free of bacteria. Taking the instrument apart and cleaning it with a new cloth daily can help keep bacteria at bay. 

Learning a musical instrument can be an educational and a rewarding experience for your child. Knowing about the risks of improper sanitation and the correct steps to take to sanitize your child’s instrument will help them stay healthy. Our office encourages families to visit the dentist at least twice a year to avoid oral health complications. For more information or to schedule your next appointment, please contact us today.

Posted on March 1, 2024

Sugary, sticky, and sweet candies can damage your teeth by increasing your risk of decay. Though gum can be considered a type of candy, chewing sugarless gum approved by the ADA can actually help protect teeth and prevent tooth decay. Here’s what you need to know about gum and your teeth.

How Gum Prevents Decay 

Chewing gum helps increase the production of saliva. Chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay because the saliva helps wash away food and other debris from the surface of your teeth. Increased salivary flow can also neutralize acids that bacteria produce inside your mouth. Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, leading to decay. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which aid in strengthening tooth enamel.

The American Dental Association (ADA) Seal 

The ADA Seal assures you that the gum is sugarless and has met the ADA’s criteria for safety and effectiveness. ADA-labeled products are tested to ensure they provide the benefits guaranteed by the seal. Companies must verify all relevant data with the ADA to become certified. If you are unable to brush for a short period of time, chewing gum with the ADA seal is a great option to help clean your teeth after a meal or snack.

Does chewing gum replace brushing?

No. Chewing gum for twenty minutes after a meal helps but is not a replacement for

brushing and flossing. You should brush at least twice each day, for at least two full minutes. Chewing gum also does not eliminate your need for regular dental examinations. Our dentist recommends scheduling two visits each year, with additional visits necessary for high-risk patients with oral health conditions.

Chewing sugarless gum has noticeable benefits for your oral health, such as increasing the production of saliva. While this can help prevent the build up of decay-causing bacteria, chewing gum should not be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing. Our dentist recommends that if you are chewing gum, be sure to choose an ADA approved brand of sugarless gum. 

If you have concerns that your child may have possible tooth decay, schedule an examination with our dentist as soon as possible.

Posted on February 15, 2024

The food children eat can significantly affect their long-term oral health. Some foods are dense with nutrients that your child needs to grow and develop in a healthy way. Others are full of acids and sugars that are harmful to teeth. With so many unhealthy food choices being marketed to children every day, it is vital that you take a proactive approach. Offer fun, healthy snacks and model the better food choices you want your child to make.

Kids should have a well-balanced and nutritional diet. This not only promotes overall health but also helps build a strong, healthy smile. Nutrition is an important part of oral health. Teaching your kids about eating healthy and limiting sugary foods will help foster a balanced diet from an early age. This will form habits that will result in a lifetime of strong teeth and better health overall.

Make Snack Time Fun 

Promote a nutritious diet by getting creative with snack choices. If you show your kids that healthy snacks are fun, they will be more likely to eat them. Apple slices with peanut butter, fruit smoothies, and yogurt with granola or fruit are great examples of fun, yet healthy combinations. Remember to avoid soda and sugary drinks. These can leave sugars on teeth and can increase the risk of plaque and tooth decay. Water is always the best choice. 

Make Their Plates Colorful

Make sure to add a variety of fruits and vegetables to every meal so that your kids become accustomed to them. 

Model Good Habits 

Children learn habits by following the example set by their parents. Send your kids the right message by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables yourself. Avoid sugary snacks

that can cause cavities or gum disease. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene in front of your kids. If you brush and floss after meals and snacks, your kids will follow the example. Consider brushing together with your child to reinforce good brushing skills and habits. Make sure to brush at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. If it is possible, try to encourage your child to brush after lunch or after sweet snacks.

It is also very important to have regular dental appointments for your child and model healthy habits by seeing your own dentist regularly. Please contact our office if you need more ideas on how to promote healthy snacking for great long-term dental health.

Posted on February 1, 2024

You may have heard of the term dental sealants or maybe our dentist has even recommended them for your child already. Sealants are a powerful way to protect your child’s teeth against decay. As with any dental treatment, it helps to understand the procedure and how it can impact your child’s oral health.

The Benefit of Sealants 

Sealants help to prevent tooth decay. Sealants are applied on the back teeth, where decay is most likely to develop. The back teeth often have deep anatomical grooves that can trap food and bacteria. The sealant fills in the groove so that nothing can get trapped in that area. Our dentist will often recommend sealants for children and teens, but adults may benefit from sealants, as well.

The further your teeth are in the back of your mouth, the more difficult it can be to maintain the proper hygiene needed to keep them healthy. Sealants can prevent up to 80% of decay within the first two years alone. After 4 years, sealants continue to prevent as much as 50% of decay. Children without sealants are more than three times as likely to develop tooth decay than those with sealants.

When To Consider Sealants

Your child’s first molars usually become visible around age 6, with the second set around age 12. You will want to talk to us about the best course of action for keeping molars healthy. Sealants are most effective when they are done as soon as the molars break through. Regular examinations with our dentist will determine the best time to have sealants applied.

The Treatment Process 

Sealants are one of the simplest treatments we perform in our office. There is generally no discomfort associated with this process. We will first thoroughly clean your child’s teeth, and then use a special gel. The gel is then cleaned off before the sealant is applied. A small blue light is used to harden the sealant in a matter of moments. The sealant is a tooth-colored resin material, similar to a tooth-colored filling. 

Are Sealants Safe?

There are no side effects from sealants, and allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, talk to our doctor about any allergies your child has so we can discuss the best possible course of action. The materials used are safe and biocompatible. 

Sealants can last for years before needing to be reapplied. It is important to schedule regular visits to our office so that our dentist can check the condition of the sealants and teeth on an ongoing basis. If your child had sealants several years ago and you are unsure if they should be reapplied, schedule an appointment with us.