Tips for a Teething Baby

Tips for a Teething Baby

The teething phase can be quite hard on both the child and the parents. It can begin as early as four months and can cause pain and irritability. The gums will likely be tender and swollen during this phase, so it is important to have some remedies available to help sooth your child and give them some relief.

Teething Remedies

-       A teething ring or beads: A simple chilled (not frozen) teething ring can be quite comforting for a teething child. There is also teething jewelry available that mothers can wear that is safe for the child to chew on.

-       Chilled baby food: Of your child is already accustomed to baby food, then chilled foods like applesauce or fruit can be really good for soothing the gums.

-       A frozen washcloth: This works like a charm! Just make sure to keep your baby’s face and clothes dry to prevent rashes or irritation. Since teething babies drool a lot, a bib is very helpful to keep the neck and clothes from getting too wet.

-      Massage the gums: You can always massage your child’s gums or allow them to chew on your finger for some relief.

-       Teething ointment/tablets: There are medicated ointments available for babies that are having a harder time with teething. If these don’t seem to work, then contact your pediatrician for other solutions.

-       Amber teething necklace: A holistic method of soothing a teething child that has been used for generations. When worn against the skin it can have a soothing and calming effect on the child.

As with so many aspects of parenting, teething can be a difficult stage for you and your baby. But remember, this too shall pass and before you know it, your little on will have a beautiful toothy grin.

Prepare Your Teeth for the Holidays

During the holidays, most people are more concerned about what the food is going to do to their weight rather than their oral health. However, it’s extremely important to pay attention to oral health during the holidays as well, as it can play a huge role in your overall health.

There are a lot of foods that you should be weary of this holiday season.

Sugar: As the number one culprit in causing cavities, sugar is everywhere during the holidays. Whether you are eating candy canes or your grandmother’s famous pumpkin pie, be aware of how much you consume. If you do happen to indulge in a lot of sugary foods, try to do so at mealtimes when increased saliva can wash the sugar off your teeth.  Always remember to brush and floss after enjoying your holiday treats!

Starches: Popular traditions during holiday meals include breads, potatoes and anything full of starch. While these starchy foods may not seem as harmful as sugars, the refined flour in white bread and the starch in potatoes are essentially sugars and will ultimately affect your teeth the same way. If possible, cut back on the mashed potatoes, rolls and other starch-ridden goodies.

Alcohol: Because of the acidity in alcohol, it can wear away at tooth enamel and can make teeth vulnerable to cavities. It’s also been known to cause discoloration as well. If you do consume alcohol, make sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water in between so you can keep your teeth protected from erosion and future decay.

Black Coffee: Crisp fall/winter mornings are hardly bearable without a nice cup of coffee, but unfortunately, it is one of the most potent drinks that can stain your teeth.  Remember that your teeth can be professionally whitened to help remove all of the external stain you have accumulated over the years!

On the bright side, there are plenty of foods that are good for your teeth. In general, most fruits, veggies and proteins do not harm the gums or teeth.  You don’t have to avoid everything this holiday in order to keep your teeth happy, just be aware of what you are eating and follow a proper oral health care regimen and you should be in great shape!

Happy Holidays! 

Tooth Decay – Also called Cavities, Dental Caries

You call it a cavity. Your dentist calls it tooth decay or dental caries. They're all names for a hole in your tooth. The cause of tooth decay is plaque, a sticky substance in your mouth made up mostly of germs. Tooth decay starts in the outer layer, called the enamel. Without a filling, the decay can get deep into the tooth and its nerves and cause a toothache or abscess.

To help prevent cavities

• Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or another type of between-the-teeth cleaner
• Snack smart - limit sugary snacks
• See your dentist or oral health professional regularly

Above article from: www.nim.nih.gov

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617
RichardsonDentistry.com

Cosmetic Dentistry

Who doesn't want a perfect smile? While few people have one naturally, almost anyone can get one with the help of their dentist. In addition to orthodontic treatment, which can straighten your teeth, recent advances in dental materials and techniques offer near-perfect teeth that are almost as strong as the originals.

Things your dentist can do to improve your smile include

• Bleaching to make teeth whiter
• Repairing chips or rough spots with fillings that match your teeth
• Filling cavities with tooth-colored materials
• Reshaping teeth that don't match the others
• Closing gaps between teeth
• Covering broken teeth with porcelain crowns

Above article from: www.nim.nih.gov

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617
RichardsonDentistry.com

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you are at risk for, or already have, gum disease. However, persistent gum bleeding may be due to serious medical conditions such as leukemia and bleeding and platelet disorders.

Considerations

It is important to follow the instructions from your dentist in order to maintain healthy gums. Improper brushing and flossing technique may actually irritate or traumatize the gum tissue.

Causes

Bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.

If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and dental appointments, it will harden into what is known as tartar. Ultimately, this will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis.

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Any bleeding disorder
• Brushing too hard
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Improper flossing
• Infection, which can be either tooth- or gum-related
• Leukemia
• Scurvy
• Use of blood thinners
• Vitamin K deficiency

Home Care

Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions.

You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal. The dentist may recommend rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. Avoid using commercial, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, which aggravate the problem.

Flossing teeth twice a day can prevent plaque from building up. Avoiding snacking between meals and reducing carbohydrates can also help. Follow a balanced, healthy diet.

Other tips:

• Avoid the use of tobacco, which aggravates bleeding gums.
• Control gum bleeding by applying pressure directly on the gums with a gauze pad soaked in ice water.
• If you have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, take recommended vitamin supplements.
• Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
• If side effects of medication are irritating, ask your doctor to recommend another medication. Never change your medication without consulting your doctor.
• Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage the gums.
• See your dentist if your dentures do not fit correctly or if they are causing sore spots in your gums.

Above article from: www.nim.nih.gov

Richardson Dentistry

1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617
RichardsonDentistry.com