I know sometimes it seems like getting your kids to brush and floss their teeth on a regular basis is about as easy as predicting the weather in Central Florida. However, doing so can go a long way towards preventing numerous types of dental issues.
However, even with good oral hygiene habits, your son or daughter can still develop a issues with his or her mouth and/or teeth. While some of these problems can be treated at home, others may require the care of a health care professional such as Johnson Family Dentistry.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small ulcers on the inside of the mouth or on the tongue. They’re usually flat and have a gray, white, or yellow center. A canker sore may begin as a small bump or red spot. Canker sores are harmless and are not contagious, however they can be very irritable and painful. Researchers are not quite sure what causes canker sores, but biting the inside of the mouth or tongue may be one trigger. Stress or being tired may be another cause. Unfortunately, there is no cure for canker sores, but you can help your child ease the pain with these simple tips:
- Do not feed your child acidic, spicy, or hot foods or beverages. These can irritate the canker sore.
- Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with the pain.
- Apply an over-the-counter medicine ointment to the canker sore. Some medicines help numb the pain of the canker sore, while others protect the surface of the sore from irritation. There are several brands you can choose from or ask your child’s dentist for a suggestion.
- Your child’s dentist or doctor may prescribe a medicine to treat the canker sores.
On the bright side, canker sores should go away within a couple of weeks. If your child has a canker sore for more than a few weeks, call Johnson Family Dentistry.
Tooth Decay
Did you know that tooth decay is the number one chronic childhood condition. And yet, 90% of tooth decay is preventable. It is also commonly called ‘cavities’ and it begins when bacteria that live naturally in the mouth forms plaque on the teeth. That plaque then interacts with food debris left on the teeth and forms acids that eat away at the hard outer coating of the tooth. All children are at risk for tooth decay. But by choosing a healthy diet and teaching your child good oral hygiene skills, you can help prevent tooth decay.
Tips to help prevent Tooth Decay
- While many foods contribute to cavities, foods high in sugars and starches are more likely to cause decay, so avoid or at least limit sweets.
- Encourage good hygiene habits. Help your child brush gently using fluoride toothpaste, at least twice a day, with special attention to the gum line, and floss at least once a day.
- Schedule regular cleaning and checkups with your child’s dentist. The dentist may also recommend special fluoride treatments or sealants for your child’s teeth.
Toothache
A toothache can have several causes. They could include tooth decay, gum disease, infection, grinding of the teeth, a trauma to the tooth, or an abnormal bite. If your child has a toothache for any reason, call your child’s dentist. If you cannot get an appointment right away, try these home treatments while you are waiting.
Give your child an over-the counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
Rub your child’s tooth and gum with an antiseptic that contains benzocaine.
If the tooth or mouth has been injured, place a cold compress on your child’s cheek to help reduce pain and swelling. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area. (If your child has facial swelling or the tooth has been knocked out or loosened, see your dentist or go to the emergency room right away.).
About Johnson Family Dentistry – Orlando, FL
At Johnson Family Dentistry, we are a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long, lasting smiles. We are conveniently located next to Publix Super Market in The Shoppes at Eastwood.
Our Services include the following; Bonding, Crowns & Bridgework, Dental Implants, Fillings, General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Cancer Screenings, Periodontal (Gum) Disease Therapy, Porcelain Veneers, Professional Teeth Cleanings, Removable Dentures, Root Canal Treatment, Sealants, Teeth Whitening, TMJ/TMD Treatment, and Tooth Extractions.
