Worry-Free Tips For Addressing Your Child’s Dental Concerns

When it comes to their kids’ parents have lots of worries.

The top concerns are their child’s safety, happiness and wellbeing. While worrying whether or not their child will be able to fit in with others, how easily they’ll be able to make friends whether or not they are getting good grades.

While it’s not surprising that parents are most concerned about their child’s overall well-being, they are specifically concerned about their child’s physical health and mental health these days. Covid changed things when we shifted more toward technology.

What I learned through all of this is just how much breathing and sleeping affects all of the top concerns parents have. We are lacking the discussion in this area.

While we are focused on daily tasks to get through the day and the week we are often missing the thighs right in front of us. Why? Because we are not taught to look for them.

More and more kids and adults are having trouble sleeping which has been linked to mouth breathing. Even though we have the information We know oxygen is the # 1 element we need to survive and thrive. We can not go without it for more than 6 minutes.

if we are not breathing correctly we are not getting the oxygen we need which affects our mood, behavior, diet, and focus yet our healthcare system does not put breathing first when looking at what is going on. Why are we not asking more questions following our gut and listening to our instincts when it comes to our kids and ourselves for that matter. Why do we think someone else knows better? As parents when it comes to our kids, our instincts are a good indicator that something is not right if we are listening.

I am not saying we don’t need doctors and healthcare providers when I am saying we need to ask better questions, get to the root cause, stop treating just the signs and symptoms and treat our body like the system it is. It all works together and when one thing is not working our body compensates to make up when we are lacking and many times it goes unnoticed. Why? Because we are so busy we do not have time to be sick.

So we ignore or take pills until it gets to the point our body will no longer let us ignore it.

Dental health and craniofacial development are crucial aspects of a child’s overall well-being. Neglecting these areas during the early years can lead to serious complications down the road.

Craniofacial development refers to the growth of the skull and facial bones. Proper craniofacial development is vital for a well-functioning airway. Children with issues like mouth breathing or enlarged tonsils and adenoids may experience restricted airflow, leading to sleep problems and even behavioral issues. As parents, it’s crucial to be vigilant about any signs of airway problems and consult with an airway dentist, myofunctional therapist, pediatrician or ENT specialist if necessary.

Caring for your child’s dental health and craniofacial development is a journey that begins from infancy and continues throughout their childhood. Early intervention, preventive measures, and regular dental check-ups play a significant role in maintaining optimal oral health. By establishing good dental habits, monitoring airway and breathing, adopting proper feeding techniques, and maintaining a healthy pH balance, parents can prevent dental concerns and set their children on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles and overall well-being.

Remember, seeking professional advice from pediatric dentists and orthodontists can provide personalized guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs. With the right care and attention, you can ensure your child’s dental health and craniofacial development are on track for a bright and healthy future.

Let’s move on to feeding and its impact on dental health. What should parents know about this?

Proper feeding techniques can significantly impact dental development. For infants, breastfeeding is highly encouraged, as it helps in jaw development and reduces the risk of malocclusions or misalignment of teeth. As your child transitions to solid foods, avoid excessive consumption of sugary snacks and drinks. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy teeth and bones.

Here are some of the top topics parents have asked about the mouths:

Dental hygiene: Children’s dental hygiene routine should begin even before your child’s first tooth emerges. As soon as you see that first tiny tooth poking through the gum, it’s time to start brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush. As they grow and their teeth touch, add flossing. Being consistent by brushing twice a day morning and night to disrupt the plaque and bacteria and get all the surfaces clean. Brushing is # 1 healthy mouth habit to create with your kids. Take it from me this is easier said than done. You just need to keep consistent and do the best you can some days.
Cavities and tooth decay: Parents worry about their children developing cavities also known as tooth decay. Particularly diet, excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as well as their oral hygiene practices. Cavities happen when the pH of the mouth drops below 6.5. If you control the pH of the mouth you can control cavities. Eating food that are more alkaline, chewing gum with the first active ingredient Xylitol or test the pH of the mouth are all ways to help keep the pH above 7.0
Teeth alignment and bite issues: Our foods are softer now and we no longer chew as much as our ancestors so we are seeing more misalignment, crowded teeth and airway issues. Crowded or crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, or crossbites. These issues can affect the appearance of their child’s smile and may potentially lead to oral health, breathing and sleeping problems, if left untreated.
Teething and oral discomfort: A child’s teething process, particularly when the baby teeth start erupting is a concern parents worry about due to their child’s drooling, discomfort, pain, and fussiness during this period with teething symptoms. There are so many products on the market that can help ease the process.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use: Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use and its potential impact on their oral development. You may be concerned about the effects on their child’s bite, tooth alignment, and speech development. It is recommended you wean the baby off at around 18 months. I recommend transitioning to a baby Myo Munchee. I have another episode where we discuss this amazing appliance. You can also schedule a free 10 minute call to discuss how to wean your child into healthier habits for growth and development.
Tooth injuries and accidents: Children are at risk of dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, due to accidents or sports activities. To protect the teeth your child can wear the appropriate protective gear like mouthguards during sports
Speech development: Parents may worry about their child’s speech development and any potential oral issues that could affect pronunciations. Like tongue tie or tongue thrust. Seek professional advice if they notice any speech difficulties or impediments.
Early childhood caries (baby bottle tooth decay): A child can develop early childhood caries, also known as baby bottle tooth decay, due to prolonged exposure of a child’s teeth to sugary liquids, such as milk or juice, especially during naptime or bedtime. Never put a baby to bed with a bottle for many reasons. If they drink when laying down besides cavities they can get fluid in the ears resulting in ear infections and the need for tubes.
Dental anxiety or fear: Some parents may have anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist and be concerned about their child’s dental anxiety or fear as well. Or they pass that fear on. My Mom started in the waiting room when she took us to the dentist so we did not see her fear. She wanted to ensure that it was a positive experience at the dentist. If you have concerns you may seek out child-friendly dental practices that specialize in treating young patients. Ask questions before you schedule the appointment.
Orthodontic treatment: As children grow older, parents may have concerns about their child needing orthodontic treatment, such as braces or retainers. They may worry about the cost, duration, and potential discomfort associated with these treatments. This is a topic I believe needs to be addressed much earlier than conventional orthodontics. I think a child should be evaluated at the age of 2 for airway concerns or for early expansion to use their growth and development. By the age of 8 80% of the growth and development had happened making it more invasive to treat and move the bone to create more space. This is a topic in itself for a later date.
It’s important for parents to address their concerns by regularly visiting a pediatric dentist, dentist, airway dentist or myofunctional therapist, speech language pathologist, chiropractor following recommended dental care practices, and discussing any specific worries with professionals.

When consulting with an airway dentist to ensure healthy breathing and cavity prevention in children, parents should consider asking the following questions:

How does airway health impact overall health and development in children?
What are the signs of potential airway issues in children, and how can they be recognized?
How can airway problems affect a child’s breathing and sleep quality?
What are the potential consequences of untreated airway issues in children?
What methods or tools do you use to assess a child’s airway health?
How can you help identify if my child is at risk of developing cavities?
What preventive measures can be taken to minimize the risk of cavities in children?
Are there specific dietary recommendations to support oral health and cavity prevention?
How can nasal breathing be encouraged in children?
What role does tongue posture play in airway health and cavity prevention?
Are there any habits, such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing, that may affect airway health and oral hygiene?
What role does early orthodontic intervention play in supporting airway health and cavity prevention?
Can you provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices for children?
What should parents do if they suspect their child has an airway issue or is at risk of developing cavities?
Are there any lifestyle changes or habits that can positively impact airway health and cavity prevention?
What should parents be aware of when it comes to the relationship between oral health and overall health in children?
How often should children have dental check-ups to monitor their airway health and oral hygiene?
Are there any specific exercises or therapies that can help improve airway health in children?
What can parents do to create an oral health-friendly environment at home?
Are there any additional resources or references on airway health and cavity prevention that you recommend for parents?

Asking these questions will help parents gain a better understanding of their child’s airway health and how it relates to cavity prevention. It’s essential to work closely with a knowledgeable airway dentist who can provide personalized guidance and support for your child’s specific needs.

Things are changing, we know more now and prevention is easier, cheaper and healthier to do for your family. Everything comes with a cost! Time, money, freedom, health.

We get to decide is the cost worth it? Making a decline or ignoring the problem is a decision. Knowledge is power. What will you choose?

I have a free group healthy mouth moms the link is below or you can

https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthymouthmoms

Or schedule a free call to chat

https://shereewertz.com/15-min