Did you know that prolonged high fever damages teeth? This is particularly true for children. Read on to learn more about the link between childhood illness and lifelong dental issues.

How does fever affect the body overall?

The human body generally maintains a stable temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A high fever is generally considered to be 102 degrees Fahrenheit or greater for children, or 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for adults ^[2]. When someone gets sick, their body works to fight illness by increasing their internal temperature. Fever often causes aching muscles and joints, and chills. During a febrile state (fever), the body’s metabolism speeds up and uses its own proteins as an energy source ^[6]. This is a shift from the body’s typical use of glucose, the sugar normally found in the blood. There is also an increased need for oxygen and a higher heart rate ^[6]. Prolonged fever can damage critical organs including the brain, heart, and kidneys ^[6]. What’s more, fever can damage teeth!

Who is most at risk for dental problems due to fever?

Children are at the highest risk of damage to teeth due to fever. Before teeth erupt, they slowly form inside the jaw bone in specialized capsules of tissue also known as tooth buds. Children under 12 have teeth that have not come in yet, so they have tooth buds inside the jaw bone where there is a possibility that the formation of the teeth can be disrupted.

How does fever damage teeth?

Teeth are formed through an amazing process that happens inside the bone. There are various different types of special cells that build the teeth layer by layer before they erupt. When the intricate tooth development process is disturbed, the enamel may suffer. When this happens, teeth erupt as rough, pitted, and discolored ^[1].

How does childhood fever cause dental problems in adulthood?

Even though fever damages teeth before they erupt, weak enamel comes with lifelong consequences. These teeth are at a higher risk of dental disease. Poorly formed enamel is not as strong as healthy enamel. Roughness and pitting in teeth cause them to retain more plaque because bacteria have more places to hide and attach. This makes it more difficult to effectively keep the oral cavity clean. Increased plaque retention results in more acid attack on the enamel, which causes an increased risk of dental decay ^[5]. Plaque also contains bacteria that are responsible for gum disease ^[5].

How can I protect my child’s teeth?

If your child has a fever, call a physician to see if a visit to the doctor’s office is needed, or if over the counter fever-reducing medications should be administered. Common fever-reducing medications are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It is critical that you follow correct dosing instructions since children do not need adult-sized dosages. Too much of certain medications can cause serious damage to the liver ^[3]. Some children may not be able to take these medications, so be sure to follow your doctor’s guidance. Never give aspirin to a child or adolescent, as it increases the risk of Reye syndrome, a serious condition that can cause brain damage or even death ^[4]

Rachel Stroble

Rachel Stroble is a researcher, professor of dental hygiene at Rose State College in Oklahoma, and registered dental hygienist with 10 years of experience in dentistry. She supports education in the classroom with her own students, in the professional community through the development and presentation of continuing education courses, and you may have seen her articles in RDH Magazine, Today’s RDH, and the Oklahoma Dental Association Journal.

View My Profile Contact Rachel

1. Fatturi, A. L., Wambier, L. M., Chibinski, A. C., Assunção, L. R. da S., Brancher, J. A., Reis, A., & Souza, J. F. (2019). A systematic review and meta‐analysis of systemic exposure associated with molar incisor hypomineralization. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 47(5), 407–415. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12467
2. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Fever. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759#:~:text=a%20preexisting%20illness.-,Adults,Severe%20headache
3. Normandin, P. A., Benotti, S. A., & Mullins, M. A. (2020). Hidden Danger: Pediatric Acetaminophen Overdose Unintentional and Intentional Emergencies. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 46(6), 914–922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2020.06.015
4. Schror, K. (2007). Aspirin and Reye Syndrome: A Review of the Evidence. Paediatric Drugs, 9(3), 195–204. https://doi.org/10.2165/00148581-200709030-00008
5. Scharnow, A. M., Solinski, A. E., & Wuest, W. M. (2019). Targeting S. mutans biofilms: A perspective on preventing dental caries. MedChemComm, 10(7), 1057–1067. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9md00015a
6. Swetha Balli; K. R. Shumway; S. S. (2022). Physiology, Fever. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562334/

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Most kids get an ear infection in their first few years because their immune system is just developing. For some, ear infections become chronic & require antibiotics, which can actually disrupt the natural bacterial balance of the nose & sinuses, leaving the child more at risk for future infections. Find out an easy way to intervene at home to stop this cycle.

What is an ear infection?

Ear infections are prevalent in children; however, there are three different types of ear infections, which can be confusing.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is the term for middle ear infections.^[1][9] Acute otitis media is one of the most common illnesses evaluated by pediatricians and is often related to a current or recent upper viral respiratory tract infection, also known as a common cold. (1,8) About 50% of all children will have at least one ear infection by the time they reach their second birthday.^[1]

Otitis media with effusion (OME) occurs when fluid in the middle ear space is not infected, and this type of ear infection does not require antibiotics. ^[1][8] OME, or “glue ear,” is when fluid is in the middle ear without acute infection symptoms that can cause temporary hearing loss and has been identified as a principal cause of balance instabilities and vertigo in children.^[1][2][8]

Otitis externa is an infection of the space outside of the eardrum and involves the ear canal. Sometimes, this condition is known as swimmer’s ear.^[1][3][8] The most common cause of acute otitis externa is a bacterial infection, which may be associated with allergies, eczema, and psoriasis.^[3] Oral antibiotics have not been proven beneficial, and their inappropriate use will increase resistance among common otitis externa pathogens.^[3]

Ear infection symptoms

Chronic ear infections should not be ignored because they can lead to serious health conditions.

Some of the most common symptoms of an ear infection are pain, fever, difficulty hearing, and pressure inside the ear. Children may start to pull at their ears, lose their balance, and experience a reduction in energy. Chronic ear infections begin as acute infections that leave a hole in your ear that never heals, allowing bacteria to worsen the condition. Other complications of chronic ear infections include an eardrum to burst, headaches, dizziness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

One rare disorder of chronic ear infections is palatal myoclonus, a rhythmic, involuntary, jerking movement of the soft palate.^[4][5][6] This condition means the muscle in the back of the throat constantly twitches, sometimes with an audible clicking noise. The only treatment options provided were surgically cutting the muscle, placing Botox injections, or leaving it as is.

People with chronic ear infections can develop a cholesteatoma in the middle ear. A cholesteatoma is a growth that looks like skin and isn’t cancerous. Still, it increases your risk of having serious complications such as hearing loss that doesn’t get better, infections in other parts of your ear, the bones of your skull, or your brain, or damage to the nerve that controls movements in your face.^[7]

Ear anatomy and how it affects chronic ear infection sufferers

The inner ear is significant for hearing and balance, and chronic infection of the tonsils or adenoids can also lead to more ear infections. Your tonsils are two lymph nodes and are an important part of your immune system, helping fight off infection. Enlarged tonsils, a common cause of ear infections, occur when bacteria or viruses get trapped in the tonsils and enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube, causing inflammation and pain.

Why do kids get ear infections more than adults?

Chronic ear infections are a common problem for children but can also occur in adults. Children get ear infections more than adults because their immune systems are underdeveloped. Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday.^[8]

Typical treatments for kids’ ear infections?

Treatment for chronic ear infections should be individualized. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, so they can’t help with viral infections like the common cold and flu. Most ear infections can be treated with over-the-counter pain-relieving medications, rest, and extra fluids to allow your immune system to fight the infection because most ear infections only last a few days. However, children who develop problems with chronic ear infections may require surgical repair.

Probiotics can help to disrupt the cycle of ear infections

Like every parent or guardian, we do our best to protect our children from getting sick and being in pain. Oral probiotics, healthy bacteria, are one of the effective treatments for ear infections. A study testing the effectiveness of probiotics showed that taking probiotics decreased the number of children acquiring other infections or having to take antibiotics for any infection.^[9] Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, and overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. Adding probiotics to your daily regimen, in addition to proper hand hygiene, will help reduce your chances of acquiring an infection.

Lacy Walker

LACY WALKER, RDH, BS, CDA, FAAOSH - dental hygienist, speaker, owner of Shared Hygiene, LLC, & writer w/ 25 years of experience in the dental field working in a psychiatric hospital, cosmetic, restorative, DSO, and periodontal practices. Lacy is the CE Director for A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast & Public Relations Chair for the AADH. She has a passion for the oral-systemic connection & is published in DACE, RDH Magazine, & DrBicuspid. Lacy is an approved provider of CE credits through AADH.

View My Profile Contact Lacy

References

1. Paul CR, Moreno MA. Acute Otitis Media. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(3):308. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5664
2. Sabir, O. A., Johnson, E. G., Hafiz, A. E., Nelson, R. N., Hudlikar, M., Sheth, I., & Daher, N. S. (2021). Chronic Effects of Pediatric Ear Infections on Postural Stability. International journal of pediatrics, 2021, 6688991. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6688991
3. Medina-Blasini Y, Sharman T. Otitis Externa. [Updated 2022 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556055/
4. Palatal Myoclonus. (n.d.). Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/palatal-myoclonus
5. Kim JS, Caplan LR. Verterobasilar disease. In: Grotta JC, Albers GW, Broderick JP, et al, eds. Stroke: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 26
6. Walker, Lacy. (2020, Jan 14). Why you need to know about palatal myoclonus. DrBicuspid. https://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=325748
7. The Manual’s Editorial Staff. Content last modified Sep 2022.Chronic Ear Infection (Chronic Otitis Media). https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/middle-ear-disorders/chronic-ear-infection-chronic-otitis-media
8. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (Last Updated Date: March 16, 2022). Ear Infections in Children. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children
9. Scott, A. M., Clark, J., Julien, B., Islam, F., Roos, K., Grimwood, K., Little, P., & Del Mar, C. B. (2019). Probiotics for preventing acute otitis media in children. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 6(6), CD012941. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012941.pub2

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The oral microbiome is the community of microorganisms that live in your mouth; it includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These bacteria help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, maintain a balanced oral pH, and prevent cavities.

What is oral thrush?

Oral thrush, also called candidiasis, is a common fungal infection that can occur in anyone but is most often seen in babies, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. Oral candidiasis was first described in 1838 by pediatrician Francois Veilleux, and it is important to recognize that other types of oral candidiasis exist.^[1]Oral thrush is usually harmless, and it is normal to have small amounts of Candida in the mouth, but an overgrowth of this yeast can lead to unwanted symptoms.

Adults vs. Kids?

Around 30 to 60% of adults and 45 to 65% of infants carry candida species in their oral cavities.^[1] Infants who have oral thrush may have trouble feeding or be fussy and irritable, and they can pass the infection to their mothers during breastfeeding. The infection may then pass back and forth between the mother’s breasts and the baby’s mouth.

Risk factors for oral thrush include but are not limited to malnourishment, age extremes (young children and elderly), metabolic disease, immunocompromising conditions, radiation therapy, organ transplantation, long-term steroid treatment, antibiotic treatment, and salivary gland hypofunction (insufficient amount of saliva).^[1]

Symptoms of oral thrush

Candida Albicans accumulate on the lining of the mouth and can sometimes overgrow to cause symptoms. The appearance of an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus (yeast) includes creamy white lesions that accumulate on the tongue and inner cheeks and may spread to the gums, back of the throat, or the roof of the mouth. An oral thrush infection can present as white and red lesions, a cottage cheese-like appearance, and some people may experience loss of taste, redness, and irritation.

Patients with dentures who have oral thrush may experience denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is a condition associated with wearing removable partials and complete dentures. These removable appliances can harbor the bacteria that cause oral thrush. Despite its commonality, the etiology of denture stomatitis is not entirely understood, and the prevalence of denture stomatitis ranges from 20 to 67% among denture wearers. ^[2]

Lesions can spread down into the esophagus, which is the long, muscular tube that stretches from the back of the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most common type of infectious esophagitis.^[3]The esophagus is the second most susceptible to candida infection, and immunocompromised patients are most at risk, including patients with HIV/AIDS, leukemia, diabetics, and those receiving corticosteroids, radiation, and chemotherapy.^[3] If this occurs, you may experience difficulty swallowing and pain or feel like food is getting stuck in your throat.

Antibiotics & Probiotics – How they affect your oral microbiome

Antibiotics are essential for fighting bacterial infections and are considered the most common cause of oral thrush. The fungus Candida albicans is a normal microbe in the mouth; taking antibiotics kills the good bacteria in your mouth, which allows this yeast to grow. Taking antibiotics can affect your oral microbiome, and it is essential to take oral probiotics while taking antibiotics to help keep your oral microbiome healthy.

Probiotics are known to reduce Candida infections and are defined as live microorganisms that, when administered or consumed in adequate quantities, confer health benefits. ^[4] Probiotics have numerous therapeutic qualities and can be useful in reducing the occurrence of oral thrush.

Treatment of oral thrush

Treatment of oral thrush should be individualized based on the severity of the condition and a patient’s dental and medical history. Topical treatment is usually the first recommended medication if the condition is mild or presented for the first time. A prescription rinse or lozenges may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases.

Your oral health is connected to your overall health, and the bacteria in your mouth can affect your entire body. If you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of oral thrush, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Lacy Walker

LACY WALKER, RDH, BS, CDA, FAAOSH - dental hygienist, speaker, owner of Shared Hygiene, LLC, & writer w/ 25 years of experience in the dental field working in a psychiatric hospital, cosmetic, restorative, DSO, and periodontal practices. Lacy is the CE Director for A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast & Public Relations Chair for the AADH. She has a passion for the oral-systemic connection & is published in DACE, RDH Magazine, & DrBicuspid. Lacy is an approved provider of CE credits through AADH.

View My Profile Contact Lacy

References

1. Taylor M, Brizuela M, Raja A. Oral Candidiasis. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545282/
2. Sartawi, S. Y., Abu-Hammad, S., A Salim, N., & Al-Omoush, S. (2021). Denture Stomatitis Revisited: A Summary of Systematic Reviews in the Past Decade and Two Case Reports of Papillary Hyperplasia of Unusual Locations. International journal of dentistry, 2021, 7338143. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7338143
3. Mohamed, A. A., Lu, X. L., & Mounmin, F. A. (2019). Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Candidiasis: Current Updates. Canadian journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 2019, 3585136. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3585136
4. Victor H. Matsubara, H. M. H. N. Bandara, Marcia P. A. Mayer, Lakshman P. Samaranayake, Probiotics as Antifungals in Mucosal Candidiasis, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 62, Issue 9, 1 May 2016, Pages 1143–1153, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciw038

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Wintertime is known for special holidays, cooler weather, and… colds? Viral illnesses in particular notoriously increase during winter months among children and adults. While this is a known fact, you may have been wondering why. Read on to learn more about this phenomenon.

Why do people get sick during the winter?

When cold weather sets in, we tend to see an increase in illnesses. However, contrary to conventional wisdom, the cold itself is not what causes people to get sick. During the winter months, we tend to stay indoors to keep out of the cold. Instead of going outside for recess, children may play board games inside, or enjoy more boisterous games like dodgeball in the school gym. With more time inside, there is a greater incidence of rebreathing air from other children. Many wintertime illnesses are spread through droplets that hang in the air after exhalation. Furthermore, stress and exhaustion may be increased during wintertime due to holiday commitments.

Rebreathing and sharing air with others. Less outdoors time. Weakened immune systems: stress. Does the cold weather actually increase susceptibility?

Why are children so susceptible?

It is not unusual for children to bring illnesses home with them from daycare or school. They are more susceptible to illness for several reasons. Children are not known for good hand washing habits. Furthermore, they are likely to touch contaminated surfaces and then rub their eyes or put their hands in their mouth. They are less likely to cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, and therefore are exposed to the germs of other children around them. Kids also may use their hands or sleeves to wipe their runny noses instead of getting a tissue. All of these less-than-hygienic practices result in a high incidence of sickness in children.

What are some common winter illnesses?

Colds, influenza, and strep throat are all common winter illnesses. In recent years, COVID-19 has joined the list of common illnesses, and is transmitted more readily in environments where people are rebreathing air^[1]. Colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are all caused by viruses, while strep throat is caused by bacteria. Even though there is an increased incidence of sickness during the winter, anyone can catch these illnesses at any time of the year.

How can I protect myself and my child?

Regardless of the type of germs that cause sickness, there are a few very simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your child from falling ill. Teaching children how to effectively wash their hands and encouraging them to wash them after using the restroom, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before eating is key. Hand sanitizer is an easy on-the-go option for when you are not at home. Masking can help prevent the spread of illness, particularly for respiratory based disease such as the flu and COVID-19^[1]. If you are sick, masking protects those around you from inhaling germs contained in your respiratory droplets.

Adequate rest and nutrition are necessary to maintain the body’s immune system^[2]. With a healthy immune system, kids and adults alike are more likely to be able to fight off germs before they cause illness. A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and plenty of water. If certain nutrients are lacking, vitamin supplements may be helpful^[2]. Additionally, our body’s natural micro-ecosystem of bacteria, known as the microbiome, has an impact on our resistance to illness^[3]. Eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi aids in building healthy gut bacteria. Another option is commercially available oral probiotics. Generally, the better you care for your body, the better it cares for you!

Rachel Stroble

Rachel Stroble is a researcher, professor of dental hygiene at Rose State College in Oklahoma, and registered dental hygienist with 10 years of experience in dentistry. She supports education in the classroom with her own students, in the professional community through the development and presentation of continuing education courses, and you may have seen her articles in RDH Magazine, Today’s RDH, and the Oklahoma Dental Association Journal.

View My Profile Contact Rachel

References

1. Centers for Disease Control. (2022, August 11). How COVID-19 Spreads. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
2. Harvard School of Public Health. (n.d.). Nutrition and Immunity. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/
3. Oh, S. F., Praveena, T., Song, H., Yoo, J.-S., Jung, D.-J., Erturk-Hasdemir, D., Hwang, Y. S., Lee, C. C., Le Nours, J., Kim, H., Lee, J., Blumberg, R. S., Rossjohn, J., Park, S. B., & Kasper, D. L. (2021). Host immunomodulatory lipids created by symbionts from dietary amino acids. Nature (London), 600(7888), 302–307. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04083-0

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Fear of the dentist is considered normal and even joked about between kids and adults. TV shows and movies are filled with remarks and depictions of dentists as scary and anxiety-inducing.

No matter how old you get, however, visiting the dentist is a critical part of a healthy lifestyle. Creating a positive experience at the dentist for your child early on will start them on the right path to a lifetime of a healthy smile.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

A child can develop cavities as soon as they grow their first tooth^[3]. You can begin taking your child to the dentist as soon as they develop that first tooth but should begin going before their first birthday at the latest.

How do I find the right dentist for my family?

The American Dental Association recommends asking for recommendations from friends and family before searching through advertisements and social media^[2]. Once you’ve limited your options, check out their websites and finally their social media to make a choice that feels right for you.

Some key points to consider may include location and office hours^[2].

It can also be helpful to call or meet the dentist before scheduling your appointment. Prepare for the meeting by creating a list of questions and concerns you may have. By visiting the office in person, you will have the opportunity to see if you feel comfortable in the office and with the staff.

How do I prepare my child for the visit?

Practice having your child open their mouth so it will not come as a shock when they arrive and the dentist requests this. Showing them media, including books or videos about what will happen when they get to the appointment can also help to ease stress^[3].

Try not to schedule the appointment during your child’s naptime, make sure they’ve eaten before the visit and have a snack prepared for after^[3].

What will happen when we get there?

The dentist will likely have you sit in the chair with your child sitting on your lap. The dentist will then check teeth and jaw development, mouth injuries, cavities and other possible issues, followed by a cleaning^[3].

What now?

After the exam and cleaning, your dentist will talk to you about how to best care for your child’s teeth and allow you to ask any questions you may have^[3].

To prevent future dental issues, it’s important to clean your child’s teeth on a regular basis by brushing them twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.^[1].

It’s important to foster a positive relationship with the dentist for your children, so try to keep concerns and anxiety about this new experience away from your child. By creating healthy habits early on, your child will have a healthier smile in the future!

Cassidy Reaka
Cassi is a student at the University of Missouri studying Journalism with an emphasis in Strategic Communications and a minor in Sociology. She is a current copywriter for Relevant Youth. She hopes to one day work as a public relations specialist.

References

1. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Healthy habits. Mouth Healthy TM. Retrieved October 9, 2022, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits
2. American Dental Association. (n.d.). How to choose a dentist (in four steps). Mouth Healthy TM. Retrieved October 9, 2022, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist
3. American Dental Association. (n.d.). Your baby’s first dental visit. Mouth Healthy TM. Retrieved October 9, 2022, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit

The post Preparing your child for their first dentist appointment appeared first on Smile Brilliant.

No parent wants to hear that their child has yet another cavity during a dental visit. Cavities also known as tooth decay, is unfortunately common among children. Many attribute frequent cavities in children to whether they brush frequently and/or if they consume a lot of sweets. However, infrequent brushing and a sugary diet aren’t the only factors that contribute to tooth decay.

Actually it’s a more complicated intersection of many factors: bacterial presence on teeth, hygiene habits, presence of saliva (mouth dehydration due to mouth breathing), and a natural susceptibility associated with genetics.

Cavities can be caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth due to foods, acids, and saliva. Everyone has both good and bad bacteria in their mouth, which at times becomes unbalanced. Foods and beverages contain acids that mix with bad bacteria in our mouths to form a sticky substance called plaque.^[2] This plaque is acidic and breaks down the tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) and causes cavities.^[2]

Dry Mouth

Saliva is very important as it helps to wash away food and debris and helps to neutralize the bacteria that is in the mouth that can contribute to cavities.^[4] If your child’s mouth is dry or dehydrated, they have an increased risk of developing cavities as cavity-causing bacteria can attach easier to the teeth, due to the lack of saliva.^[4] Contributory factors to dry mouth is mouth breathing, warm weather, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. ^[4]

Mouth breathing is a concern as although it can contribute to cavities, it can also cause sleep disorders, change your child’s facial structure, and develop into obstructive sleep apnea. ^[5] Healthcare providers have found linked obstructive sleep apnea to learning difficulties and behavioral issues. Some symptoms of mouth breathing are dry mouth, bad breath, drooling on pillows, snoring, and malocclusion or teeth that don’t properly align together.^[5] If you notice this in your child you should contact your dental and medical professionals so that testing so as to now how to try to correct this behavior and determining if there is an underlying health condition.^[5]

Signs of Cavities

Common signs and symptoms that a tooth may have decay are:

• The appearance of a brown color on the tooth^[1]
• Darkening of the tooth^[1]
• White spots on the tooth^[1]
• Sensitivity to foods such as hot or cold drinks or sweets^[1]
• A hole in the tooth^[1]

If you notice any of these signs then it is important that your child see a dentist. Some parents mistakenly believe that decay in children’s teeth is not a true concern, as they will eventually fall out. When children have cavities it is very concerning, if they are left untreated it can lead to pain and life threatening infections.^[3][4] This could affect your child’s quality of life and lead to problems with speaking, eating, and learning at school.^[1]

What can you do to help prevent cavities?

Children often miss spots when brushing.^[2] The anatomy of their teeth often has a lot of grooves and rises where bacteria loves to hide, thus contributing to the likelihood of cavities if not thoroughly removed.^[2] Help your child to have good dental hygiene habits by helping them to brush and floss. Children under eight years old should be assisted with brushing and flossing, as they do not have good hand dexterity yet to accomplish these tasks alone.^[1]

Incorporate a healthy diet and limit snacking to avoid bacterial overgrowth that feeds decay causing acids.^[3] Using a dental probiotic can help to rebalance the microbiome if it seems difficult to prevent cavities. Dental probiotics help to induce good bacteria into our mouths that help to fight the bad bacteria that contribute to dental disease.

Schedule dentist visits at least every six months, starting within six months of your child’s first tooth coming in.^[2] Regular dental visits will let you know if there are any dental concerns with your child’s teeth. Discuss with the hygienist preventive treatments such as fluoride and dental sealants.^[2] These treatments can help to prevent decay. With the right care, your child can have a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.^[3]

Kari Carter-Cherelus

Kari Carter-Cherelus RDH, DA is a registered Dental Hygienist, writer, consultant, coach, international keynote speaker, with 23 years of experience in dentistry. She is passionate about helping others recover from burnout, improving organization’s work culture, and helping her clients to improve their mindset. She authored the book The Ultimate Guide For Dental Hygienist Burnout, and has written for RDH Graduate, RDH Magazine, and Inside Dental Hygiene.

View My Profile Contact Kari

References

1. WebMD. (2021, March 9). Cavities in Children: What to Do. https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-do-about-cavities-in-children
2. John Hopkins Medicine. Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tooth-decay-caries-or-cavities-in-children
3. American Academy of Pediatrics (2015, September 8). How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Baby. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-care/Pages/How-to-Prevent-Tooth-Decay-in-Your-Baby.aspx
4. Medical News Today. (2022, March 9). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bad-breath-in-kids#dry-mouth
5. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22734-mouth-breathing+

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Dr. Weller explains that the risk resides in the shrinkage of the never during tooth growth which occurs throughout teenage years (ages 12-17). Once their permanent teeth have fully developed the nerves begin to grow in size, minimizing tooth sensitivity. Applying tooth whitening before the permanent teeth have fully developed puts teens at risk of slight but reparable nerve damage caused by the tooth bleaching gel. The more frequent the teen bleach their teeth and the higher the concentration the bleaching agent, the more brittle to the tooth and nerve becomes.

According to Dr. Weller, “no one under the age of 13 should have teeth bleaching” and before doing so the parent should consult their dentist.

Erin Stelbrink

Erin Stelbrink is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 11+ years of experience as a licensed hygienist and oral health care professional. She holds a passion for researching and acquiring awareness of the latest technologies and methods for providing valuable health care service and clinical treatment. Have more questions? Email Erin at erin@smilebrilliant.com

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