Author: Matthew Hillman

Has your normally happy baby been screaming all day and refusing to be out of your sight? There’s a good chance she’s teething! Cutting teeth is no joke, and it can cause a whole host of symptoms. Your pediatric dentist can tell you what to expect, what’s normal, and what’s not. And he can also share the best – and safest! – ways to reduce teething pain.

As pediatric dentists, Dr. Matt and Dr. Tara love working with kids. And as a dad, Dr. Matt is all too familiar with the drama, tears, and rough nights that come with teething. That’s why he and the team at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, are here to help! We’re always here to answer questions and, of course, to provide quality dental care once those teeth have come in.

Contact us for questions about your child’s teething symptoms. 

When can you expect teething to start?

Did you know that your child is already born with all 20 baby teeth formed beneath the gums? Typically, these teeth will start to erupt between the ages of 6 and 12 months. However, many babies start teething earlier, and some may get their first pearly whites after their first birthday. Nonetheless, if your child hasn’t started teething by the time he turns one, it’s best to see a pediatric dentist for an evaluation. 

The bottom two front teeth are usually the first to come in. Teeth will continue to erupt until your child gets his second molars around the time he turns two.

Normal Teething Symptoms

Teething can manifest itself in many different ways. The most common symptoms include:

• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4 degrees F)
• Drooling
• Excessive chewing and biting
• Facial rash, due to drool
• Pulling on ears
• Fussiness and irritability 
• Unusual waking in the night
• Loss of appetite
  

Keep in mind, however, that just as children get their teeth on their own timeline, they experience symptoms in their own way. In one of the few large-scale teething studies, only 35% of children experienced the same symptoms.

Effective Ways to Help Your Child

Of course, it hurts you to see your child in pain. Fortunately, there are several effective ways that you can reduce teething discomfort. 

• Gently massaging your baby’s gums 
• Offering a safe, rubber teether. Try placing it in the freezer for extra relief. Avoid frozen, water-filled teethers and anything made from brittle plastic. Only use items that are intended to be teethers.
• For children who are already enjoying solids, offer an edible teether or large teething cracker. 

Do not use numbing benzocaine. The FDA has warned that benzocaine can lead to a life-threatening blood disorder in children under age 2.

Once your child has gotten her first tooth, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist no more than six months later. Your dentist will monitor your child’s dental development and offer guidance on good oral hygiene. 

Contact a Pediatric Dentist Today

For more information about teething or to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, contact Smiles Dentistry for Kids. 

Make an appointment online or call us at (913) 685-9990.

Fluoride has been a subject of debate for many years. Concerned parents often raise questions about its safety and efficacy. Luckily, Dr. Matt is here to help demystify this pediatric dentistry mystery.

If your little one is prone to cavities, then fluoride treatments at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, can help. Contact our friendly, fun, and compassionate team today at (913) 685-9990 to learn more!

As with any medical treatment, there are always risks and benefits to consider. In today’s blog, we explore the importance of fluoride in promoting oral and overall health in children while addressing possible risks and benefits.

The Benefits of Fluoride

When it comes to your child’s smile, the benefits of fluoride cannot be overstated. Let’s explore what this wonderful mineral can do for developing smiles!

Stronger Teeth

Tooth enamel is like a shield for our teeth. It helps protect our smile from the acids produced by oral bacteria. But weak or thinning enamel can lead to serious problems, like dental decay. 

Fluoride helps fortify enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid-producing oral bacteria. As a result, regular fluoride treatments help prevent cavities.

Promote Healthy Childhood Development

Children with poor oral health are more likely to experience pain, difficulty eating, and impaired speech development. Dental issues can also lead to systemic infections and negatively impact a child’s overall growth and development.

Fluoride prevents these issues by strengthening teeth and preventing an overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. In fact, some research suggests that fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste, and dental treatments may have a dual effect:

• The fluoride minerals bind to teeth, thereby strengthening them
• The fluoride minerals damage bacterial cell membranes, thereby keeping oral bacteria at bay

Possible Risks

There are very few downsides to fluoride treatments for children. However, some possible risks do exist, such as:

Dental Fluorosis

Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development can lead to dental fluorosis, a cosmetic issue that causes white or brown discoloration of the enamel. However, dental fluorosis is generally mild and primarily an aesthetic concern.

Overconsumption

Excessive consumption of fluoride, whether through toothpaste ingestion or drinking water with high natural fluoride levels, can lead to health issues like skeletal fluorosis. However, these cases are extremely rare and typically occur in regions with naturally elevated fluoride levels in the water.

The Importance of Fluoride for Children’s Health

Our pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, recommends fluoride treatments for children as soon as they start sprouting teeth. Here’s why:

Early Prevention

Fluoride plays a pivotal role in preventive dentistry by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of cavities. Early oral health habits established in childhood often persist into adulthood, making it crucial to start dental care early.

Cost-Effective

Treating cavities and related complications can be expensive and time-consuming. By investing in fluoride-based preventive measures, parents and caregivers can save both money and their children’s dental health.

Overall Health

Oral health is interconnected with overall health. That means that poor oral hygiene in childhood can have far-reaching consequences well into adulthood. 

Fluoride fosters the delicate connection between oral and overall health by controlling cavity-causing bacteria and strengthening children’s teeth and bones.

Schedule a Fluoride Treatment for Your Little One Today

Fluoride is a valuable tool in promoting children’s oral and overall health. While there are some potential risks, they are minimal when fluoride exposure is monitored and controlled. 

As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that children receive the benefits of fluoride through appropriate dental care. So, be sure to schedule regular check-ups and fluoride treatments at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, to keep your kiddo’s smile happy and healthy! Schedule an appointment online, or dial (913) 685-9990 for more.