LOSING BABY TEETH is a perfectly normal part of growing up, but it can still be a scary new experience for little kids, particularly the first time. Parents can make it easier by encouraging the right mindset. Emphasize that losing a tooth is part of being a big kid! Help them focus on what an achievement it is to lose a baby tooth instead of dwelling on how it might hurt. This can be exciting!
Technique Matters!
Technique is as important as a good mindset. We would discourage parents from chasing their kids down with a pair of pliers or tricking them with that old “I just want to feel it!” ruse to get close enough to pull the tooth. Encourage them instead to gently wiggle the tooth on their own with their tongue, a tissue, or a clean finger. Let them set the pace and only intervene if they ask for help pulling the tooth.
Use The Right Incentives
A creative reward can also help. The standard way of giving a child a good incentive to brave the pain of losing a tooth is the Tooth Fairy, but why not make things a little more unique? Some kids might be more motivated by a promise of a trip to the ice cream shop or a new toy. Tailor the prize to their personality as much as you can.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
AS DENTAL HEALTH professionals, our favorite figure in the magic of childhood has to be the Tooth Fairy. We all remember what it was like to leave a baby tooth under the pillow and find a shiny quarter in its place the next morning. It’s fascinating to see how the traditions around baby teeth differ across the world and even in the past.
What Came Before the Tooth Fairy?
Medieval Europeans didn’t leave baby teeth under pillows for the tooth fairy; instead, they buried them in the ground. They believed a witch could control people if she got access to their teeth, so they had to hide them where she couldn’t find them.
Another tradition they had was to burn baby teeth to help ensure a peaceful afterlife because they believed that they might end up stuck as ghosts searching for their teeth for eternity if they weren’t destroyed. That’s a little more intense than a tooth fairy.
A little farther north, the Vikings took a very different view. They considered baby teeth to be good luck in battle — to such an extent that they would buy them in order to make necklaces out of children’s teeth. Would that be strange-looking or intimidating to go up against on the battlefield?
How About a Tooth Mouse?
Not every culture has a magical tooth collector who looks like Tinkerbell. Many European and Latin-American countries instead have a Tooth Mouse! In France, she’s called La Petit Souris (“the little mouse”), and she swaps out teeth hidden under pillows for small gifts or money just like the Tooth Fairy. Spanish-speaking countries typically call their Tooth Mouse “Raton Perez.”
Who Came Up With the Tooth Fairy?
Our modern Tooth Fairy traditions have their roots in European folklore, like many of our other traditions. The version we recognize began in the early 1900s with the help of fairy characters popularized by Walt Disney. They gave the idea enough traction to help it grow into what it became.
What’s the going rate for a baby tooth these days?
Is There Any Real Value in the Tooth Fairy?
We don’t strictly “need” something like the Tooth Fairy, but the idea is a really nice one for little kids. Losing a tooth can be a scary experience, so having something magical to look forward to like a reward from the Tooth Fairy can help a lot. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to rely on fantasy characters alone when it comes to loose tooth concerns. The dentist can help too!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
A CANKER SORE, a shallow ulcer that can develop on the inside of the cheeks or lips, can mean days of discomfort. Different things can trigger a canker sore. The most common are a bitten lip or cheek (which only becomes easier to bite again when it swells), long periods of stress and the strain that puts on the immune system, illness, poking braces wires or ill-fitting dentures, and highly acidic foods like lemons, strawberries, tomatoes, and pineapple.
Avoiding Triggers
Anyone who frequently develops canker sores should identify the triggers and try to avoid them, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This could mean cutting back on acidic foods, using dental wax during orthodontic treatment, and reducing stress levels.
Tips for Managing a Canker Sore
Here are a few tips to help with canker sores when they appear:
1. Rinse with warm salt water to help the healing process.
2. Use painkillers or topical medication to reduce discomfort.
3. Find a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium laurel sulfate (it should still contain fluoride though).
4. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
5. Eat a diet rich in vitamin B12, iron, and folate (good sources include carrots, salmon, parsley, spinach, kale, and yogurt).
6. Maintain good oral hygiene habits. It’s easier to maintain good oral health when plaque is under control.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
THROUGHOUT HISTORY, WOMEN have faced numerous challenges in pursuing their careers. Dentistry is no exception. It has taken significant determination and persistence for women to establish themselves in the field of dentistry. In this blog post, we will be discussing three pioneers of women in dentistry: Ida Gray, Lucy Hobbs Taylor, and Emeline Roberts Jones.
Ida Gray
Ida Gray was the first African-American woman to become a licensed dentist in the United States. Born in Tennessee in 1867, she became an orphan when her mother died in her early teens, after which she went to live with her aunt in Cincinnati. While Gray attended segregated public schools alongside her aunt’s three children and worked as a seamstress, she found time to work in the dental offices of Jonathan Taft, an early advocate of training women as dentists.
Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Gray was determined to pursue a career in dentistry. She graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1890, making her one of the first African-American women to earn a degree in dentistry. After graduation, Gray established her practice in Chicago, where she treated both black and white patients. Gray’s dedication to dentistry and her community paved the way for future generations of female dentists.
Lucy Hobbs Taylor
Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first woman to graduate from a dental school in the world. Born in New York in 1833, Taylor was a teacher before deciding to pursue a career in dentistry. She faced significant opposition from the male-dominated field of dentistry, with many dental schools refusing to admit her because of her gender. However, Taylor’s perseverance paid off when she was finally admitted to the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in 1861.
She graduated in 1866, becoming the first woman to earn a degree in dentistry. After graduation, Taylor married a Civil War veteran who she trained to be a dentist too! They established a successful practice together in Lawrence, Kansas, where she provided dental care to women and children. She also became an advocate for women’s rights and education.
Emeline Roberts Jones
Emeline Roberts Jones was the first woman to practice dentistry in the United States. Born in New York in 1836, Jones was a schoolteacher before deciding to pursue a career in dentistry. Like Taylor, Jones faced significant opposition from the male-dominated field. However, she was determined to succeed and eventually became an apprentice to her brother-in-law, a practicing dentist.
After completing her apprenticeship, Jones established her practice in Connecticut in 1855. She treated both men and women and was known for her gentle touch and compassionate care. Jones also became an advocate for women’s rights and education and was a member of several women’s suffrage organizations.
Now let’s fast-forward to what the dental field looks like for women today:
The Legacy of These Dental Pioneers
Today, women make up a significant portion of the dental profession, and their contributions to the field are invaluable. Women have brought new perspectives and approaches to dentistry, resulting in better patient care and outcomes. The legacy of Ida Gray, Lucy Hobbs Taylor, and Emeline Roberts Jones continues to inspire and empower women in dentistry and beyond.
We’re lucky to stand on the shoulders of these giants!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
HERE’S A HANDY GUIDE that can help parents navigate the toothbrush aisle the next time they need to replace a child’s toothbrush (which should be every few months — certainly by the time the bristles look bent). Start out by choosing from toothbrushes with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance.
Manual or Electric Toothbrush?
Next, electric or manual? While both types of toothbrushes have the same capacity to clean teeth, electric toothbrushes might be a better choice for some kids. A child with a tendency to brush too hard, who has limited dexterity, who needs help getting to their molars, or who has special needs and difficulties may do better with an electric toothbrush, but one who is great at brushing is just fine with a manual brush.
Soft Bristles Are Better
What about bristle hardness? We recommend soft-bristled brushes to our patients, especially for young children. Soft bristles are gentle on gums but still effective against plaque and food debris.
One Size Does NOT Fit All
Size is also important. A child’s toothbrush should fit their hand and mouth, or they won’t be able to use it effectively. A non-slip grip might also be a good idea if they have a tendency to drop their toothbrush.
Their Favorite Toothbrush Is the One They Choose
We are happy to give specific toothbrush recommendations. A child can also pick their favorite from a selection that meets the other requirements. They’re more likely to enjoy brushing with a toothbrush that’s their favorite color or has their favorite character on the handle. In the end, the best toothbrush is the one they use!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
AS PARENTS, THERE ARE so many things we must teach our children so that they are ready to go out into the world as adults. One lesson we prioritize as dentists is teaching them how to floss properly. We’re happy to give parents everywhere our best tips on how to train a great flosser.
Why Make Flossing a Priority?
Even if it is already a challenge to get your child to brush their teeth, we strongly encourage adding daily flossing to the routine. While brushing can remove plaque and food particles from the surface of the teeth, flossing is the only way to remove plaque and debris from the places a toothbrush cannot reach, such as between the teeth and under the gumline. When plaque and debris are left to accumulate, they can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.
What Is the Right Age to Begin Flossing?
Children should start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other, which is usually around age two or three. Until they have enough dexterity to floss for themselves, parents should be flossing their teeth for them each day, both to make it a routine and to give them an example of how to floss.
Tips for Parents
Teaching a small child how to floss is a very different task than flossing your own teeth, so here are a few tips to help you know where to start:
Establish the routine early. Begin flossing their teeth while they’re toddlers so they will be used to it and possibly eager to take over their own flossing when they’re old enough.
Explain the importance of flossing. A child is more likely to tolerate or even look forward to flossing if they understand how much it matters for keeping their smile healthy.
Flossing is for big kids. Encourage them by explaining that big kids floss their teeth. They’ll want to prove their maturity by mastering this skill.
Use flossers or floss picks if you need them to help make flossing easier.
The Steps of Flossing
When your child is ready to try flossing, follow these steps with them:
Show them how to pull out the right amount of floss (about a foot and a half) and how to wrap it loosely around their middle fingers, with an inch or two of floss left in the middle to slip between the teeth.
Show them how to curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and gently work down to the gums so the floss doesn’t snap their gums.
Show them how to rotate the strand of floss so they’re always using clean floss between each pair of teeth. Using dirty floss only moves plaque around instead of getting rid of it!
We Are Happy to Demonstrate Great Flossing Technique
Children shouldn’t merely be learning to floss; they should be learning how to do it right. Talk to us about having a team member at our practice demonstrate how all of these tips we’ve discussed work in practice. We’re here to help you make flossing correctly a part of your child’s daily routine.
Let’s start training the next generation of flossers!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
ON AVERAGE, BOYS and men are up to 20% less likely to brush twice a day and even less likely to replace their old toothbrushes on a regular basis than girls and women. Luckily, it’s a simple problem to fix: make brushing for two full minutes a regular part of the morning and nighttime routine! And don’t forget to floss once a day as well.
Unhealthy Oral Habits
Because men are more likely to drink, smoke, and chew tobacco than women are, they put themselves at higher risk of serious oral health problems like periodontitis (advanced gum disease), tooth loss, and oral cancer. By avoiding harmful habits, men can do a lot to protect their oral health, which is why we recommend minimal alcohol consumption and complete avoidance of tobacco products.
Medications and Side-Effects
Dry mouth is a common side effect of high blood pressure and heart disease medications, and because men are more susceptible to those conditions, they are also more likely to get dry mouth, which increases the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
Oral Hygiene Matters!
Men are also less likely to keep up with their regular dental exams — and more likely to try to tough it out if they’re experiencing toothaches or other symptoms! This strategy is neither safe nor effective for addressing dental health problems. Going to the dentist isn’t unmanly, it’s smart, even if it’s purely preventative.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
EATING DISORDERS ARE incredibly dangerous, sometimes life-threatening mental conditions. The first health impacts that probably come to mind are the psychological toll they take and the malnutrition they cause if left unchecked. However, they also take a toll on oral health. Our teeth and gums require a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy, in addition to daily oral hygiene habits and regular dentist visits.
Malnutrition Versus Oral Tissues
The eating disorder anorexia nervosa harms oral health through malnutrition. The disorder is characterized by severely limited food intake, sometimes paired with compulsive exercise, purging, or both. Without sufficient nutrients, the jaw bones can develop osteoporosis, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
Without drinking enough fluids, the salivary glands will struggle to produce saliva, leading to dry mouth. Dry mouth increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense. It neutralizes acids and washes away leftover food particles. In addition, without nutrients to help keep the immune system strong, our gums become more vulnerable to bleeding.
Bulimia: A Two-Pronged Attack on Oral Health
Bulimia is characterized by the combination of overeating and forcibly purging food by vomiting or taking laxatives. Frequent vomiting puts the tooth enamel in contact with strong stomach acid. As hard as tooth enamel is, it is extremely vulnerable to acid erosion. A person struggling with bulimia is at risk of tooth discoloration, decay, and even tooth loss due to this disorder.
Take Care of Your Oral Health
Oral hygiene is important for everyone who wants healthy teeth and gums, minty fresh breath, and sparkling smiles, but it’s especially crucial for someone battling or recovering from the effects of an eating disorder. Acid erosion can be minimized by rinsing with water and waiting half an hour before brushing. It’s critical to give your saliva plenty of time to neutralize any leftover acid before brushing so that you don’t cause additional erosion.
You Don’t Have to Win This Fight Alone
There is a lot of stigma surrounding eating disorders, but these are legitimate mental illnesses. Recovery can be long and difficult, and many people require help and support to achieve a healthy relationship with food and with their weight. This help could come from sympathetic friends, family members, or licensed mental health professionals. The National Eating Disorders Helpline is another great resource. Dental health professionals are always here too, to help patients maintain good oral health while they focus on their mental and physical health struggles.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
THE REASON DAILY brushing and flossing are so important for keeping harmful oral bacteria populations under control is that they reproduce very quickly. In a healthy, clean mouth, there might be anywhere from a thousand to a hundred thousand bacteria on each tooth surface, but that can quickly become as many as a hundred million to a billion bacteria per tooth without brushing or flossing.
Our Oral Bacteria
On average, an individual will have between 34 and 72 different types of oral bacteria. Once we get a strain of bacteria in our mouths, it probably isn’t going away. The trouble is that each person has different bacteria, so kissing or even sharing drinks with someone could introduce new strains.
Kids Don’t Have Adult Oral Bacteria Yet
This is more dangerous for children than adults. Young children don’t have as many types of oral bacteria as adults yet, and their immune systems aren’t used to dealing with them. Too many kisses from Mom and Dad can actually leave them more vulnerable to developing cavities.
Protect Your Child’s Oral Health
The best way to avoid sharing your oral bacteria with your child is to keep those kisses to the cheek, don’t share your spoon or fork with them, make sure they always have their own drink instead of giving them sips from yours, and don’t clean a dropped pacifier with your mouth.
As long as you’re taking good care of your oral health and hygiene, you don’t need to worry as much about spreading dangerous, cavity-causing germs with your kisses, but even then, avoid doing things that could spread oral bacteria to small children.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
IT’S COMMON ENOUGH to be tongue-tied in the sense of not being able to get your words out, but a tongue tie is also a real medical condition, as is a lip tie. These conditions are both caused by pieces of tissue in the mouth called frena. One frenum connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, and another connects the upper lip to the upper gums. These aren’t the only two frena we have, but they’re the important ones for this subject.
Normal Versus Abnormal Frena
A normal frenum is thin and very stretchy, allowing for the free mobility of the lips and the tongue, which is important for normal chewing, talking, and swallowing. If the upper lip or tongue frenum is unusually thick or tight, it can restrict movement and make each of those functions harder. This is a tongue tie or a lip tie.
A person with a tongue tie may not be able to lift their tongue to touch the roof of their mouth, causing significant difficulties for word pronunciation, chewing, and swallowing. A person with a lip tie may have a large gap between their upper front teeth and a higher risk of gum recession. In infancy, they may not be able to effectively latch while breastfeeding.
How We Treat Lip and Tongue Ties
Fortunately, with modern dentistry, there’s an easy fix for lip and tongue ties. A simple surgery called a frenectomy can be done to remove or reduce the abnormal frenum. In cases where the lip or tongue’s movement is restricted and particularly if there is pain or discomfort, the procedure is definitely worth considering.
A frenectomy is a very quick procedure with a short recovery time. In most cases, the procedure is performed by oral surgeons or periodontists (gum health specialists). They will first numb the area, then make a small incision in the frenum to release, reduce, or remove it.
Some doctors use laser surgery to cut through the tissue and shorten recovery time. A laser also lowers the (already small) risk of complications. Make sure to follow all post-operation instructions to achieve the best results with the shortest recovery.
Your Dentist Can Diagnose a Lip or Tongue Tie
For most of us, frena aren’t something we ever have to think about because they aren’t causing us problems, but if you believe yours or your child’s might be interfering with the normal function of the lips or tongue, schedule an appointment with the dentist to find out. We can take a look and determine whether you would benefit from a frenectomy.
Taking care of our patients’ smiles is what makes us smile!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
In my 57 years of life, Dr. Simon is the best dentist I’ve ever seen. We are a military family and have moved several (more than I care to count) times. With each move comes the same challenges relating to finding new doctors, dentists, etc. A good dentist is particularly hard to find, as they are f… Read more
Colleen Moore
Service is great, staff is knowledgeable and courteous. Highly recommended.
Roy Johnson Sr.
I recently went to visit Dr.Simon and was informed that I needed quite a bit of dental work, this came as a shock to me and I was of course very nervous. Dr.Simon and his staff were very kind and accommodating through the entire process. The work that he did was excellent, he takes pride in what he … Read more
Dr. Simon is very sincere and thorough. He takes the time necessary to explain the procedures, expected outcomes and future care. His compassionate approach with a healing hand to all orthotic procedures make him a well-trusted dental professional and an exemplary human-being.
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Simon for many years and he’s the best! I’m faithful about having a check-up every six months because Dr. Simon is always on time and very considerate. I like the Brandermill location and his staff is professional, friendly and courteous.
