Greeley Dentist – Should Medication be Used for Teething

Between the ages of 3 months and 9 months, your infant will begin the long process of teething.  This is a time when the first baby teeth begin to emerge.  The process is known as eruption and usually brings only mild periods of discomfort for the little one.  These periods usually last 1-2 weeks at a time and continue for 1-2 years.

There are times, however, when the discomfort increases and the symptoms of this time period begin occurring.

These include

• excessive drooling
• excessive chewing,
• an increase in biting
• decreased appetite
• facial rash
• sleeplessness

Any  parent wants to find ways to help their child through this time period.  There are varying approaches, but parents often are tempted to use medication.  We want to discuss if medication is the correct approach for you and why we think it should be avoided.  We understand many will consider drugs for the baby.

These symptoms are not only problematic for the little one, but also for you, the parent as the following article from Consumer Affairs points out:

 

 

One thing doctors and other health care professionals agree on is that teething is a normal part of childhood that can be treated without prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Too often well-meaning parents, grandparents and caregivers want to soothe a teething baby by rubbing numbing medications on the tot's gums, using potentially harmful drugs instead of safer, non-toxic alternatives.  Medicine on the gums of teething babies a no-no

 

There seems to be no end to the varying opinions on soothing the sore gums of a baby.  As the previous article pointed out, the topic of avoiding medications is a common theme in all the research on this topic.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned parents that prescription drugs such as viscous lidocaine are  not considered safe in their opinion for treating eruption of the pearly whites in little children or infants.  In fact these medications have at times caused injury for children.

Let's examine exactly what the Food and Drug administration has stated regarding these medications for infants:

 

That's why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents that prescription drugs such as viscous lidocaine are not safe for treating teething in infants or young children, and that they have hurt some children who used those products.

FDA has previously recommended that parents and caregivers not use benzocaine products for children younger than 2 years, except under the advice and supervision of a health care professional. Benzocaine—which, like viscous lidocaine, is a local anesthetic—can be found in such OTC products as Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, and Orabase.

The use of benzocaine gels and liquids for mouth and gum pain can lead to a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced. Do Teething Babies Need Medicine on Their Gums? No

 

It is clear that using these medications is not a safe practice.  Our dentists hold the same opinions and have shared this with patients for years.  So what are safer alternatives to help ease the discomfort?

Remember that two things can generally help the infant.  First is allowing them to chew on something.  The act of chewing eases the pain sensations for them.  A second is to give them something soothing for their mouth.  This can be accompanied by using a chew ring which has been cooled in the refrigerator.

Remember to not give the infant anything that is frozen.  This can damage the delicate tissues of their mouth.  Another option is to cool your finger and gently rub their gumline.  This practice has shown to greatly sooth the infant, partially from the bonding and connection of parent and child.  Nursing in Practice has the following suggestions:

 

Next best practice is to advise parents regarding self-care measures to relieve teething symptoms such as: - Gentle rubbing on the gum with a clean finger. - Allowing the baby to bite and chew on a clean and cool object.

Examples include:
> Cold wet flannel. Suggest putting a clean wet dishcloth or towel in the refrigerator and let it get cold. By letting the baby gnaw on the cloth this will help ease inflamed gums and will feel good in the baby’s mouth.
> Place a spoon in the fridge for a few hours and then let the baby have it.

Teething biscuits and rusks are not recommended if they contain sugar, which causes tooth decay. Sugar-free products are preferred. Teething pain in babies | Nursing in Practice

 

Our pediatric dentists in Greeley remind parents that teething is normal for infants ages 2-24 months. It is a time for the parents to visually watch a part of their little one's development.  So take the time to enjoy the process (even though it will at times definitely disturb your sleep as well as theirs).

Take some pictures and send them to family.  Enjoy this time as it only happens once.  Best of all, find good ways to just help them get through this.  Always keep a few cooled rings for them to chew on.

We are here to answer your questions and help you get through this and enjoy your son or daughter's entering this time of eruption.  Remember to schedule their first dental appointment before the age of one.  Ideally after the first 6 teeth have erupted.  Call us for an appointment.

 

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Fountain Co Dentist – Teething Rings or Medication

Infants chew on things.  It is one of the main ways they explore their environment.  When your baby starts getting its first teeth, called eruption,  they will chew even more.  It is a way for them to get a little relief from the minor discomfort of eruption.  This usually occurs between 3 and 6 months of age but can be earlier or later.  Drooling  and excessive chewing will accompany this time period.

At times the baby will experience greater discomfort, usually for 2 week periods at a time.  It is this time that it is important to help them in the best way possible.  One of the best is to have cooled chew rings on hand.  This will help soothe and partially numb the gums.  But avoid giving them anything frozen.

The baby's gums are very sensitive and frozen toys can damage the delicate tissues.  Always keep a few cool chew rings in the refrigerator.  If you happen to have only a frozen one, allow it to cool for several minutes at the least.

You own cool finger can also be very comforting and soothing to the infants's mouth. The following is good advice from Senders Pediatrics, an excellent kid-centered medical practice in Ohio:

 

Believe it or not, most children do not experience pain with teething. The most common symptom of teething is drooling and an increased desire to chew on things.

Some children will pull on their ears because the same nerves that control the jaws and the teeth provide sensation to the eardrum. In fact, the most common reason that children pull on their ears in the first year of life is that they are teething. Gums may appear swollen or bruised before teeth erupt.

If your child is uncomfortable, try vigorously massaging her gums for 2 minutes with your finger or a cool cloth. You can also try a giving your child a cold washcloth, teething biscuit or piece of chilled banana to “chew” on. Avoid foods that are frozen to avoid frostbite of the gums. Teething and Dental Care « Senders Pediatrics

 

Cool rings work. But what about giving the infants medication for the discomfort?  We would normally advise against it.  The above solutions of cooled chew rings or a cold washcloth is a much better approach.

WebMD addresses this issue of medication  clearly and directly as well:

 

Besides fever, Roldan said, some other symptoms that should not be attributed to teething include: sores or blisters around the mouth, appetite loss and diarrhea that does not go away quickly. They all warrant a call to the pediatrician.

As for helping babies get through the misery of teething, George advised against medication, including topical gels and products that are labeled "natural" or "homeopathic."

Teething Makes Babies Cranky, But Not Sick: Review

 

In the Life Health section of the Cornwall Standard Freeholder, the advice is close to the same:

 

 

Parents' common dental questions | Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Teething pain may be soothed by giving the baby a cool teething ring or washcloth to suck on. Local anesthetic freezing creams -- available over the counter at pharmacies -- should not be used in children. Sometimes, giving your baby acetaminophen drops orally may help with the pain. Your health-care provider or pharmacist can provide you with the correct dosage and specific instructions. Parents' common dental questions | Cornwall Standard Freeholder

 

Our pediatric dentists agree with this advice.  Please consult your dentist before giving any medication to your child.  The above advice is followed up by almost identical advice from mouthhealthy.org, by the American Dental Association:

 

Your child may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt. Gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a small cool spoon, or a moist gauze pad can be soothing. A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help.

Are Numbing Gels Safe For My Baby?

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that parents and caregivers not use benzocaine products for children younger than 2, except under the advice and supervision of a health care professional. Benzocaine is an over-the-counter anesthetic, usually under the product names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase. Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced. Teething Signs and Symptoms - American Dental Association

 

The last three referenced articles provided almost the same identical advice.  While we would normally quote only one, in this case why did we quote all three?  To show the seriousness of not using medication with an infant unless directly provided by a pediatrician.

Our pediatric dentists recommend cool chew rings which can be all that is needed for your infant to get him or her through the brief period of discomfort.  Remember cool, but not  freezing cold,  Along the same lines, do not ignore excessive fussing either.

And do not ignore a fever over 100.4 degrees.  If your child develops a fever over this temperature or if it lasts longer than a brief period of time, please call your pediatrician.  It likely is not a result of teething.  Infections happen at this stage of a baby's development and eruption and opening of the gums adds to the chances of infection.

Have fun with this time in your baby's life.  It only happens once (and we're happy for that).  So take the time to enjoy it.  Take a few pictures and send them to family.  Try to get extra sleep when you can and just help your little on get through it.  Call us when your little one reaches 6-12 months of age or has at least 4 little pearly whites visible.

 

 

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Greeley Pediatric Dentists Discuss Fever During Teething

Teething for an infant can be a time of joy but also concern and stress for the parents.  Those first teeth erupting can bring with them many signs of discomfort and irritability for the infant.  Drooling and excessive chewing are also common symptoms signaling these times in your baby's life.

But what about a fever?  A high temperature is often cited as a sign of teething.  But is it really a co factor or does it mean there is also an infection?

Most pediatric dentists agree that a slight fever for a very brief period of time can sometimes accompany this process in the development of your baby's mouth.  However, it is not as common as the other symptoms.  Additionally a fever should never be ignored.  If the fever is slight and only lasts a few hours when the first eruptions are occurring, it may be a factor of the eruption.

However, it it is a couple degrees or lasts more than several hours - it is our suggestion to call your pediatrician immediately.  Better to be safe than sorry in regards to a fever.

A recent article in lifehacker highlights this issue as being a common concern for parents:

 

 

Don't Overlook Fevers When Your Child Is Teething | Lifehacker Australia

Fever is one of the oft-cited symptoms of teething — not always by doctors, more often by parents sharing advice. But a new analysis of the actual symptoms of teething shows that fever probably isn’t one of them. In other words: If your kid is teething and has a fever, chances are they’re also sick.

Photo by danibabii08.

So if fever isn’t a sign of teething, what is? The new analysis, published in the March issue of Pediatrics, agrees with what folks like those at the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have been saying for years: Mostly drooling and crankiness.

That means that if your baby has a true fever (38 degrees Celsius or more), or other symptoms of illness like diarrhoea or a runny nose, consider calling the doctor. (Fever lasting longer than 24 hours is usually something your pediatrician wants to hear about.) Use your judgment, as always — just don’t overlook real symptoms because you’re chalking them up to teething. Don't Overlook Fevers When Your Child Is Teething | Lifehacker Australia

As lifehacker.com has stated, it is strongly advisable to never ignore a fever.  This cannot be repeated too much for new parents.

The job of the parent at this time is to help the child deal with the discomfort and just get through it.  These symptoms of irritability, drooling and chewing may last for 3 to 5 days and then subside.  A slight increase in temperature that is temporary may occur as well.

However, if the child is in significant discomfort, will not eat or drink much for a few days or develops a fever that is significant - these are true concerns.  Please call you pediatrician immediately if these occur. If the symptoms are much less than these, a parent should just ensure the baby is eating and staying hydrated.

The following article from medicaldaily.com takes this a step further providing good advice for parents during this time:

 

Your Baby’s Fever May Not Be A Normal Teething Symptom: Correctly Identifying Potential Illness In Infants

Teething, like crawling and talking, can be an exciting sign of healthy development in children, but it also comes with a slew of unique symptoms, some of which may mask real health concerns. A new analysis, published in the journal Pediatrics, warns parents to watch for the differences between ordinary teething-related fevers and symptoms and signs of more serious problems that extend beyond the teething phase.

It’s common for parents to confuse teething symptoms with symptoms of a more serious condition or illness, which is why Casamassimo emphasizes the importance of paying attention. By attributing fevers and infections to teething and not following up with a doctor, parents risk not properly treating a real ailment in their child.

Teething babies may develop a fever, but if it gets too high, something else is wrong. Photo courtesy of Flickr, Bryan Anthony.   Your Baby’s Fever May Not Be A Normal Teething Symptom: Correctly Identifying Potential Illness In Infants

So what about giving your baby something for the pain?  A better option is to give him or her something to chew one.  A cold chew ring may be ideal in this situation. As for pain medication - this can be a potentially dangerous thing to do.  The previously cited article goes on to further empathize this point:

Casamassimo warns that giving the baby a mild painkiller day after day to keep their fever and pain at bay is dangerous and should be followed by a visit with a pediatrician. Aside from a high fever, other worrying symptoms include persistent sores or blisters in the mouth, complete appetite loss, and diarrhea.

"Just comfort your child and get through it," Casamassimo said. "Every kid is going to have it in slightly different ways. Pay attention to the symptoms. Ameliorate the symptoms. If things get out of hand, contact you pediatrician." Your Baby’s Fever May Not Be A Normal Teething Symptom: Correctly Identifying Potential Illness In Infants

This is a time of excitement in the life of a parent.  Often it is the cause of phone calls to family with numerous pictures and video calls.  It is often a bit disruptive for infant and parent alike.

However, it should not be a time of stress or extreme discomfort.  Keep some cooled chew toys handy.

Our pediatric dentists at Greeley Front Range Dental are trained for these types of teething issues.  Their advice: Plan on a little less sleep. Then enjoy this time.  It only happens once.

 

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Fountain Pediatric Dentist – Your Child’s First Visit

When Is It Time for a First Dental Visit?

Most parents wonder when is the right time for their child's first visit to a pediatric dentist.

The simple answer is that it is almost never too early.  By the time your child's first or second tooth has erupted is a great time to call for the first appointment.  This can range widely between 3 months of age to 9 months of age.  When those initial baby teeth emerge, called eruption, it is time to make the phone call.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry makes the timing decision easy to remember.  They recommend to have the first appointment no later than by age one:

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ | The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ | The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

While this is widely agreed upon, it is also highly recommended to visit the pediatric dentist even earlier.  As early as 6 months of age.  After the first little pearly whites have erupted is the best guide.

Many parents have made the mistake of thinking that baby teeth will fall out anyway so why be concerned about them.  But this is potentially dangerous thinking.  A primary tooth sets the stage for the properly developing permanent tooth and the overall structure and use of the developing jaw.

Hawaii is one state that is pushing an education campaign which goes by the name of Dentist by One:

 

Hawaii Dental Service’s “Dentist by One” educational campaign | KHON2

HDS is supporting a number of initiatives to improve oral health of children in our state to make dental care more accessible for Hawaii residents, whether they have HDS or not.

HDS has launched a “Dentist by One” educational campaign last week to urge parents to take their children to see a dentist by their first birthday.

It includes TV and radio public service announcements, and providing educational brochures and toothbrush kits to pediatricians and dentists to give to new parents.

The campaign’s message is based on the recommendations of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that children’s first dental visit should occur before their first birthday.

It’s best for your child to see a dentist early for preventive care and avoid the need for costly care. It’s just like a well-baby visit with a pediatrician.

Parents should be concerned about their child’s baby teeth because tooth decay can occur as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts. Decay in primary teeth increases the risk of decay in the permanent teeth. Strong, healthy primary teeth help a child chew and speak.

They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth growing under the gums. Oral health ultimately can affect a child’s overall health and well being. Hawaii Dental Service’s “Dentist by One” educational campaign | KHON2

 

 

Many parents wait until the child is 2 or 3 thinking a baby tooth do not need attention.  This article from the Philippine Star highlights one woman who wishes she had not waited.  Please have your son or daughter's oral health attended to early.

 

2 is too late: An interview with a pediatric dentist | Health And Family, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com

2 is too late: An interview with a pediatric dentist | Health And Family, Lifestyle Features, The Philippine Star | philstar.com “When is the right time?” you might ask.

Most pediatric dentists will tell you that the best time to bring your child for their first check-up is when the first tooth appears, or no later than his or her first birthday.

So bringing your child when he or she is already two years old is definitely too late!

This is something I learned the hard way, even if I am a mom of four kids. We did not bring our kids to the dentist at the recommended time, and had to “suffer” the consequences!

 

Many publicans such as this the Morning Sun in Pittsburg, Kansas are seeing the need to inform their readers of this important fact.  Their following article highlights some thoughts from a pediatrician:

When to brush teeth and see a dentist - News - Morning Sun - Pittsburg, KS

As a Pediatrician, I often get asked when parents should start brushing their child’s teeth and when they should go to the dentist. I have even had parents tell me before that they did not brush their child’s teeth because “they are baby teeth and will fall out anyway.”

Tooth paste is not recommended at this age. You can start using “training toothpaste” that does not contain fluoride around 1 year old.

Toothpaste that contains fluoride should not be started until the child is 2 years old or old enough to know how to spit instead of swallowing the toothpaste.

When you do start using regular, fluorinated toothpaste, it is important to just start with a small, pea sized amount until the child gets the hang of using toothpaste.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children see a dentist as soon as their first teeth come through the gums. However, this is not always practical as not all dentists will see children before 2-4 years of age.  When to brush teeth and see a dentist - News - Morning Sun - Pittsburg, KS

 

This last statement is very important.  A general dentist's lack of training regarding treating primary teeth is a primary reason for consulting directly with a specialized Pediatric Dentist.  They are trained to understand this early development and what is needed for developing teeth from ages 1 to 21.

They are especially knowledgeable regarding oral health during the first years of a baby's life.  Most general practitioners are not trained or knowledgeable to understand the little one's pearly whites.

 

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Pediatric Dentists Share Importance of a Child’s First Visit

Your Child's First Dental Examination

A Child's first visit to a pediatric dentist can be an enjoyable and memorable event.  The child will be treated kindly by professionals not only trained for his or her medical care, but who also have a passion for teaching the child about good oral care.  They also have a true love of children, engaging them in laughter and the wonder of learning.

When a child can visit a medical office that is designed to be a fun environment, they learn to anticipate their next visit rather than fear it.  We really enjoy this video of a compassionate dentist making the visit truly enjoyable for this little boy on the Dental Associates of Connecticut's YouTube channel.

She makes the use of sunglasses to avoid the bright dental light a fun experience and gives the patient a high five at the end of the brief examination here:

The first visit is also a very important step in caring for your child's lifelong oral health.  And as the following video shows it can be a pleasant experience.  However, it is surprising how many children do not have early or regular examinations.  Many begin to experience baby tooth decay and other problems years after they should have begun their examinations.

first pediatric dentist visit - YouTube

first pediatric dentist visit - YouTube

Is Decay a Common Problem for Children?

The following article from Inquirer Global Nation shares some disappointing data regarding how many children experience early decay in baby teeth which continues into adolescence.

Almost ten percent of young children have never had an oral examination.  This statistic is disheartening to a pediatric dentist as this leads to poor oral health and oral habits as an adult.
The article goes further to suggest that tooth decay is the leading chronic disease among early school-age children:

9% of California kids have never seen a dentist | Inquirer Global Nation

PALO ALTO, California – Nine percent of children ages 2 to 11 in 2013-14 had never had a dental visit, according to data from the California Health Interview Survey.
In over 12 additional counties, at least 10 percent of children hadn’t visited a dentist, including Santa Clara County, Sacramento County and Los Angeles County.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children ages 6 to 18. Untreated dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease, can affect a child’s health and quality of life by causing pain, nutritional and sleep problems, impaired concentration and increased school absences, as well as lost work hours for parents.

If dental disease is not treated early, it can result in more serious and expensive intervention later on. 9% of California kids have never seen a dentist | Inquirer Global Nation

What about Prevention?

In their informative blog, Dr. Natalie Harrison and Dr. Natalie Harrison agree with this assertion of pervasive early baby teeth decay.  However, they also provide great tips to help avoid these situations:

Essential Tooth Tips for the Parents of Infants & Toddlers - Dr. Natalie HarrisonDr. Natalie Harrison

Essential Tooth Tips for the Parents of Infants & Toddlers - Dr. Natalie HarrisonDr. Natalie Harrison More than 40% of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten.  In fact, The CDC reports that tooth decay is the most common preventable disease in children and while the cavity rate in children of older age groups has been slowly declining, the rise in cavities among those under 5 is actually increasing.
Unfortunately parents often wait too long to begin a routine of oral care and to start caring for emerging teeth.  Here are five essential tips to get your child started on the right path:

Be aware of the signs of baby tooth decay (spots or pits on teeth) and stay up to date on dental exams.

Getting into a daily habit of taking care of your child’s mouth as soon as possible will increase the likely-hood that you (and eventually your child) will keep up this healthy practice once teeth appear.

While using a brush isn’t advisable on infant gums and toothpaste isn’t needed before teeth emerge, using a soft wet washcloth gently wiped over gums twice a day is a great way to begin a regular oral routine for your child. This will help to keep bacteria at bay and will also keep your child’s gums healthy.
When the first teeth start to show up (usually around 6 months, but this can vary greatly from child to child), use a toothbrush specifically designed for babies. These brushes have smaller heads for smaller mouths and very soft bristles to avoid damaging sensitive gums. Brush your child’s teeth until he or she is able to brush properly themselves.

We hope this helps parents realize the importance of baby teeth and how common it is for babies to experience problems.  With this realization, it becomes easier for them to understand how important a good Pediatric dentist can be.  Contact our offices to discuss a visit with our pediatric dentists for early detection and prevention of problems with baby teeth.  Call us today.

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Tip of the Week: A Message for Parents About Teeth Health and Kids

 

Two years ago, we had the unfortunate experience of having to watch both of our daughters be wheeled into a hospital operating room to be put under general anesthesia for dental surgery. We thought we had been taking proper care of our children’s teeth, but we learned in the spring of 2013, we had been highly misinformed. Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, I thought it was an appropriate time to share with you our tumultuous story and what we’ve learned along the way.

My hope is that you can learn from our mistakes and spare yourself the hardship and cost of experiencing this with your own children. It is not a story I have told many people, because, as you can imagine, it is a little embarrassing to admit your shortfalls.

First VisitThe girls had their first visit to the dentist sometime around the age of two. When we asked at what age they should have their first exam, our dentist (not a pediatric dentist) instructed us to bring them along to one of our own dental cleanings at about that age. It would help them become acclimated to the dentist office. They could watch mom and dad and see that it’s not scary, sit in the dental chair and go for a ride, put on a hygienist mask, look at the tools… sort of for fun.

During this time, the dentist took a quick peek in their mouths, but no cleaning was done. We were told not to use toothpaste with fluoride yet due to the risk of them swallowing it, which was a relief because the only toothpaste our kids would even let us come near them with was the “Thomas the Train” training toothpaste. Our dentist told us they should come in for their official first exam and cleaning when they turned three. So we did and this seemed to reveal nothing alarming. No x-rays were done.

Back then, the process of brushing their teeth at home was a battle each and every time. We got it done, but I dreaded it. We must have come up with every creative idea possible to coerce our children to open their mouths to brush. We’d sing songs, we ‘d brush our teeth at the same time, we’d offer rewards, we bought toothbrushes that lit up and practically put on a show for them. We even tried scare tactics like showing them photos of children with rotten teeth. Awful, I know. Some nights, we did better than others.

I recall hearing that we should brush for two minutes and I remember thinking, “We are lucky if we get a toothbrush in there for thirty seconds!” With my husband gone in the mornings six days a week and a newborn baby in tow, I have to admit there were certainly days that I lost the battle and they would go without brushing their teeth until bedtime. I can say with certainty that we never flossed or used mouth rinse at this stage. It was a success to just get in and brush a bit.

They ate a healthy, well balanced diet containing LOTS of fruit and vegetables, so I figured that was in our favor. The girls did drink quite a bit of apple juice when they were younger though. I remember Elizabeth in particular drinking a lot of it out a sippy cup. I figured it wasn’t a good habit, but you get stuck in your bad routines and you pick your battles. I’m sure they also had a little candy now and then, but not any more than the average kid. I did use Dum Dums during potty training and they loved “gummy” fruit snacks.

The next spring when we went back for their regular cleanings, we were told Elizabeth’s teeth looked fine. No cavities! Caroline wasn’t as lucky. She had a cavity. I remember sitting there thinking how awful it was going to be to try to get her to sit still to get it filled considering how challenging it was to get her to cooperate just for the cleaning.

While our dentist was the nicest, sweetest man, Caroline just wouldn’t warm up to him. Miss Caroline is the second most bullheaded person I know (after myself) and when she doesn’t want to do something, she will NOT do it. This is the point in time when I decided it might be time to find a pediatric dentist who specializes in meeting the needs of children. I figured a fresh start where she would have no negative associations might work in our favor. That’s when we met Dr. Rebecca L. Robbins, DDS who helped us turn everything around.

We first arrived to find a waiting room full of toys and a Disney movie playing on a big screen as well as in the exam rooms. While Caroline was still a little shy, I recall her being pretty cooperative for her first exam. The hygienist was heaven sent. They did X-rays which revealed the cavity and some other trouble spots. After a lot of discussion we decided to try fixing the tooth in the office with the use of “laughing gas”.

Despite all the wonderful work by the dentist and her team, to put it nicely, Caroline did NOT comply. I won’t rehash the whole debacle, but picture a lot of crying, kicking, and screaming and very little mouth opening to fix the problems. The only option left was to take her into the hospital to have the cavities fixed while she was put under.

Before Caroline's SurgeryShe was all smiles when we took her in, but that’s before she refused to put on the hospital gown. I went into the OR with her and when it was time for her to be put under she laid in my lap in attempt to calm her down, but mostly so that I could hold her down. The next moments were some of the most difficult in my experience as a parent. I don’t remember every detail now, but what I do remember very clearly is her jerking and flailing in my arms as I tried with all my might to hold her straight so she could breathe in the anesthesia.

She was fighting it and screaming as I tried to comfort her by singing “You are my sunshine…” while I broke down into tears. Then within seconds, her body went limp and she was completely still and quiet. The nurses moved her to the operating table and I watched my baby girl lying there with tubes attached to her and her eyes and face puffy from the drugs. I left the room bawling. When she awoke from the anesthesia she was agitated and inconsolable. She lay confused, moaning and groaning, crying, and writhing. Despite the fact that Dr. Robbins and her team were wonderful, I was relieved it was over and I told myself we would start fresh and we would never go through this again.

Before Elizabeth's SurgeryUnfortunately the next fall we were back with Elizabeth after her next exam revealed FIVE cavities. I was confused about how so many problems could have arisen in just six months. It became evident that the problems had been there six months ago but were not revealed because no X-rays were done at the other office. I was embarrassed and felt like I had let her down.

We had to go back to the hospital to experience the same horrible process. The situation was so bad that they had to pull one tooth, put a silver crown on one and fill three others. When poor Elizabeth emerged and I saw the silver crown when she smiled, I felt terribly guilty. At the time, the poor performance of the existing white crowns for children made them an unreliable option. Dr. Rebecca Robbins is so amazing that when she found a white crown that could work for Elizabeth she later replaced the silver one with the white crown for us. I can’t thank her enough. Elizabeth was embarrassed by the silver crown and I missed her bright beautiful smile.

Elizabeth with Silver CrownAfter all of this, I’ve tried to look at the positives. First off, we all are lucky enough to get two sets of teeth. We learned a good lesson with the kids’ baby teeth and now we have another chance to do it right with their permanent teeth. The children have learned a very valuable lesson about how to take care of their teeth now. They remember their experience at the hospital and they are now religious about taking excellent care of their teeth. They don’t mind their visits to the dentist now and have managed to make it into the “No Cavities Club” at their recent visits.

Here is our dental care routine now and some other tips that I hope will help you avoid what we went through.

    FlossFLOSS – The girls use child flossers (every night) before brushing. They start and we finish to make sure they are getting in between every tooth. Floss first so that you brush away the germs removed from the teeth. We have now begun flossing John’s teeth at night as well.

    BRUSH – Our children brush for two minutes, twice every day. They start so they can practice and then we help them finish and ensure we’ve thoroughly brushed every tooth. The toothbrushes with lights that flash for two minutes help us make sure we don’t give up too soon.

    BrushFor our third child, we began using a smear of FLOURIDE toothpaste (NOT “training toothpaste”) very early on, even when he was too young to spit. At around age two he was able to spit. We brush with it twice a day. Sometimes, he cooperates and sometimes he doesn’t. Lately he has been standing and letting us brush. But, if we have to, one parent holds his head while the other brushes. I’m not going to lie, sometimes it is a struggle.

This might seem a little harsh, but we do not want him to have to go through what the girls did, nor do we want to pay for it. In the past, dentists and the American Dental Association (ADA)Brush recommended using non-flouride toothpaste until the age of two out of fear of children ingesting fluoride and getting flourosis, or white streaks on their permanent teeth. The ADA now suggests that some patients use a smear (the size of a piece of rice) of fluoride toothpaste on children’s teeth as soon as they appear and wiping it off. At the age of 3 (once the child is good at spitting), some move to a pea-sized amount of fluoride paste. Our girls were using training toothpaste FAR TOO LONG.

We were actually were being TOLD to use training paste by our former dentist. I think this was the main reason for the problems we experienced. (Do not use fluoridated toothpaste on your child until you have discussed with your child’s dentist when is the right time for your child.)

    RinseRINSE – Finally, we use mouth rinse EVERY night, after flossing and brushing. No exceptions.

    EARLY EXAM – Our youngest child had his first dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays at the age of one. Dr. Robbins reminds us that a child can get a cavity as soon as they have teeth. Establish a relationship with a dentist and begin taking care of their teeth as soon as they have them (by the age of ONE!). She has taken children age 15 months to the OR!

    LESS SUGAR – We eliminated gummy fruit snacks, gummy vitamins and only consume juice, raisins and candy on very special occasion.

Important Information from Dr. Rebecca L. Robbins, DDS:

    Dr-Robbins-Headshot-New-330x496The Facts:

    * Dental caries are the most common chronic childhood disease as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
    * They are five times more common than asthma
    * 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental caries pain and infection
    * 40% of children have dental caries by the time they reach kindergarten
    * Good news = Dental disease is preventable

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that every child establishes a dental home by his/her first birthday. Your child’s first tooth is the perfect reminder that it is time to schedule an appointment with a dentist. Early prevention and detection will guarantee a bright and happy oral health future for your child. Your child will then be able to understand that going to the dentist is a fun and enjoyable experience. The first visit will start with a review of your child’s medical and dental history and an initial examination, which includes “counting their teeth”. Digital x-rays are taken if deemed necessary, followed by oral hygiene instructions to emphasize proper oral health care. After a comprehensive examination of your child, any dental findings will be directly discussed with you.

     Why a pediatric dentist? – Pediatric dentists complete a residency of two years in a children’s hospital focusing on all aspects of infant and adolescence needs; behavioral management; sedation options; hospital treatment if needed.  Pediatric dentists specialize in anticipatory guidance, oral and diet counseling, trauma plans and behavior modeling for positive visits.

Source: Tip of the Week: A Message for Parents About Teeth Health and Kids