Is my baby teething? What should I do?

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Did you know that when your baby is born, they already have 20 teeth, you just can’t see them yet?! YES! They are developing and hiding under the gums until they’re ready to start coming in around 6-12mos of age. All 20 baby teeth should be in place by about 3 years old. And then your little one can expect to start getting their second set of teeth at about 6 years old.

NORMAL Symptoms of Teething - fussiness, trouble sleeping, irritability, loss of appetite, drooling more than usual

NOT NORMAL Symptoms - fever, diarrhea, rash *If your baby has any of these symptoms, then you should contact their pediatrician for another possible illness or cause.

How can you soothe your teething baby?

Massage the gums with a clean finger, provide your baby a clean teether toy to chew on, and you can also try letting them chew on something cool like a chilled rubber spoon or chilled moist clean rag. These can help provide comfort to sore or tender gums.

What should you avoid?

*Avoid objects that are hard or can break when chewed on. It’s important to make sure these teething toys are also free of hazardous materials like metal or lead. The CDC recommends avoiding homeopathic magnetic hematite “healing” bracelets or amber necklaces because 1) they can contain metal or lead which can harm your baby, 2) puts your baby at risk for strangulation or choking.

*Avoid teething gels and tablets. The FDA recommends against using numbing agents like benzocaine (i.e. Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase) for children younger than 2 because it can pose serious sometimes fatal risks, and has little to no benefits for treating oral pain. “Benzocaine can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced”. The FDA found in homeopathic teething tables “inconsistent amounts of belladonna, a toxic substance… sometimes far exceeding the amount claimed on the label. Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using homeopathic teething tablets or gels," the FDA states.

If you have any questions about how to relieve your child’s teething symptoms, call us at Heights Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 713-861-4000!

May Employee of the Month!

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We’re so excited to start off the summer with a new Employee of the Month! And it’s our our newest team member!!!

Congratulations to Tiffani! Our team said about her:

“Tiffani is working hard, always helps and very positive! :)”

“She is doing great!”

“She is working hard, always smiling, and pleasant to be around!”

“Tiffani is coming along really well with her training!”

“Tiffani is a great employee, has helped out so much and learned so much! We love Tiff!”

Well deserved. We are so thankful to have you part of the team, Tiffani! Congratulations!!

April Employee of the Month!

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Drum roll please…. Our newest employee of the month has been voted!!

Congratulations to Candy! Our team said about her:

“Candy is a very hard worker, always helping!”

“She is awesome!”

“Candy is always working hard with a smile on her face!”

“Candy is the super hero of ortho! Doing amazing everywhere needed. :) We love her! <3”

“Candy - Need I say more? :)”

“Candy! She’s been amazing! way to go!”

Well deserved. We are so thankful to have you part of the team, Candy! Congratulations!!

Brushing Fun with Electric Toothbrushes!

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Make brushing your teeth exciting and fun for kids by switching to an electric toothbrush!

How It Works

Manual and electric toothbrushes work using the same principle – dental plaque is removed through the bristles’ scrubbing action against the teeth surface. However, the electric toothbrush gets ahead of the competition by providing a second level of cleaning. This is made possible by its intense vibratory or oscillating motion of the toothbrush head that renders energy to the teeth’s surrounding fluids such as saliva. The fluids, agitated by the powerful motion, can dislodge plaques even on areas not touched by the bristles.

Features of Electric Toothbrushes For Kids

  • built in timer that runs for 2 minutes, some that even have 30 second buzzes or chimes to let you know when to switch to a different area of the mouth

  • toothbrush heads that can be switched out instead of throwing away the entire toothbrush which means less waste

  • different sizes and types of toothbrush heads targeted for young or older kids, brushing around appliances like braces, stimulation of gingiva, etc.

  • different power modes for younger and older kids, gum sensitivity, oral appliances, etc.

  • some play fun songs that kids can enjoy

  • handles designed with various gripping locations to make independent or parent-assisted brushing a breeze

Value for Money

Although powered toothbrushes are more expensive than most toothbrushes out there, it can be more economical in the long run. After all, regular and effective brushing can remove plaque that can cause tooth decay. And healthy teeth and gums, of course, equate to less dental expenses. Many parents would even agree that if their kids would be encouraged to brush their teeth regularly, then the product is well worth it.

Powered toothbrushes For Kids assist parents and kids in making a successful transition from assisted brushing to independent brushing. Kids who use powered toothbrushes are reportedly more excited during brushing time. Although some kids may find the vibrating motion uncomfortable at first, they will get used to it in time. It also makes brushing easier for people with limited dexterity or mobility such as young children or individuals with special health care needs

Remember, no matter what type of toothbrush you use, brush for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Replace toothbrushes every three to four months or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed.

Click below to see all of the powered toothbrushes that have been tested and accepted by the American Dental Association for safety and efficacy!

ADA Accepted Electric Toothbrushes

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist and Not a General Dentist for Your Child?

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Opting for a pediatric dentist over a general dentist is no different from choosing a pediatrician over a family doctor for your kids. A general dentist is great for adults, but having specialized in a children’s growth and development, baby teeth formation and treatment, as well as behavior management makes pediatric dentists a better choice when it comes to your child’s oral care.

Many children are not cooperative during early teeth check-ups and cleanings. In this aspect, a pediatric dentist’s additional 2-3 years of hands-on training and education in child psychology and development is definitely an advantage. They are specially trained to make your tots feel safe during treatments and explain oral care and procedures in a manner understandable by kids. We also have highly trained staff that understands that approaching children is a delicate matter and can make little ones’ visits exciting and fun.

Aside from this, pediatric dentists use equipment that is specifically designed for children. Parents can expect the latest technology in ensuring gentle yet effective procedures. After all, kids are known for being impatient so pediatric dentists need to be fast and accurate and must use tools that can complement such a pace.

A pediatric dentist’s office is also something to look forward to as it is often decorated with children in mind. Having a child-friendly office makes children comfortable and cooperative. Children can play or read books while waiting for their appointment. In our office we offer toys for kids of all ages from toddler towers and picture books to video games and movies for our older patients.

For very young children or those who are extremely fidgety, sedation may be administered by a pediatric dentist if treatment of cavities is needed. Options depend on the child’s needs and range from giving oral medications to applying topical anesthetics, using nitrous oxide or going through general anesthesia. The first three techniques leave patients conscious but relaxed or numbed while the last technique renders the patient completely asleep to accomplish treatment.

Treatment of children with mental or physical disabilities is also part of pediatric dental training. In fact, even adults with disabilities and special conditions can benefit from the expertise of pediatric dentists. Examples are those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and seizure disorders. A good pediatric dentist will be happy to accommodate all questions from both parents and children and discuss the advantages, as well as risks, of various procedures.

Pediatric dentists welcome patients from infancy to adolescence. Babies as young as twelve months should be brought to the clinic for tooth decay prevention. These appointments educate and guide parents to keep their children’s baby teeth healthy. Toddlers are counseled about pacifier or thumb sucking habits. As for teenagers, pediatric dentists understand their need to keep a pleasing appearance. They guide their older patients to the right treatments in correcting teeth, veneers, teeth bleaching and orthodontia.

This specialized approach to kids of all ages is what makes pediatric dentists superior choice for children’s dental needs. Pediatric dentists will then pass on a well behaved, excited about oral health and hygiene and well educated patient to their general dental colleagues.