Whitehall pediatric dentist

Brushing for Children at Every Early Stage of Growth

June 20th, 2017

Caring for your child’s mouth is important for their current health and long term tooth development. Keeping a clean mouth helps prevent cavities, infection and gum disease, and it also creates a healthy smile as they get older. However, your child’s oral care routine – and toothbrush – should change as over time as well. Below are some tips to help you clean their mouth as they age.

Babies 1 – 12 months

A baby’s first tooth doesn’t typically erupt until they are 8 months old, but it’s still important to keep their mouth clean. You can clean their gums by taking a damp cloth or gauze and gently rubbing it over their gums to remove any food debris. You may choose to use a very soft, baby toothbrush and lightly brush their gums using a very low amount of pressure to avoid upsetting their sensitive gums. However, a damp cloth works just as well.

Toddlers 13 – 24 months

After the first tooth emerges – usually around the 8 month mark – begin to use a toddler’s toothbrush to clean their mouth. When shopping for a toothbrush, look for one that has rounded bristles and a small head that can easily fit into their mouth. Find a toothbrush that has very soft bristles, without the hard rubber liners on the outside of the head (called burs). You can begin flossing their teeth once they have two teeth touching. Use flat, wide floss and apply very gentle pressure to clean all sides of the tooth.

Preschoolers 2 – 4 years

By now, they will be walking, talking and eager for a bit of independence. They should have most of their teeth, and be familiar with brushing and flossing. Now is the time to start letting them have some input into their oral care routine. Take them with you to pick out their next toothbrush. Children love to be included in making decisions, and by giving them a little bit of responsibility, you empower them to make a decision. Make sure that the head of the toothbrush easily fits inside of their mouth, and that it has soft bristles. Since children lack developed dexterity, look for a toothbrush with a large handle to help them grip it more easily and continue assisting them as they brush. At this stage, you should also still be helping them floss and using the flat, wide dental floss.

School-aged Children 5 – 8 years

Your child is a tooth-brushing master, and the only thing they need to keep making progress is the right toothbrush. Help them pick a toothbrush that has a longer neck, and a larger head than their preschool toothbrush, but still fits comfortably inside their mouth. See if you can help them find a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or superhero to keep them engaged and entertained while they brush. If you think they are ready, you can begin to let them floss on their own, but under your supervision. As they approach 8 years of age, they should be ready to brush and floss by themselves.

Aim for Comfort and Consistency

It’s important to buy them a toothbrush that they are comfortable using. Monitor their mouths for any minor bleeding, and ask them about how it felt to use their new toothbrush for the first time. To establish the healthiest oral care routine, be sure that they are brushing twice per day for two minutes at a time. Try to only buy toothbrushes and tooth paste that has the ADA seal of approval, so that they are is getting the best product possible for their oral health.

Visit our office if you have any questions about brushing your child’s teeth, or buying them a toothbrush. We will work with you to help them establish a healthy brushing routine, and teach them about the lifelong benefits of a healthy mouth.

Are Oral Piercings Safe for my Teenager?

May 16th, 2017

Piercings are a trendy way for teenagers to fit in with their friends and express themselves. Teens can pierce just about any part of their body, but it can be particularly concerning when your child gets an oral piercing. Tongue, lip and cheek piercings can damage teeth, gums and cause infections that can lead to more serious illnesses. The bottom line is that oral piercings may look cool, but they can cause a lot of issues down the road.

Common Ailments Caused by Oral Piercings

Infection, Pain and Swelling

Mouths are full of millions of types of bacteria, and by exposing an open wound like an oral piercing to bacteria can lead to infection and pain. If not treated, an infection can spread and cause major illnesses down the road.

Nerve Damage

If your child gets their tongue pierced, they may get minor nerve damage. Simple nerve damage to the tongue will make their tongue feel numb for a few hours after the piercing. Sometimes, the numbness can last much longer and require an appointment with a doctor or dentist. Nerve damage can even affect their sense of taste.

Excessive Drooling

A tongue piercing can increase saliva production and cause excessive drooling. There’s nothing cooler than a constant stream of spittle on your shirt.

Chipped or Fractured Teeth

Hard metal oral piercings often clack against nearby teeth, and can cause serious damage. It is common for those with oral piercings to play with their piercing by moving it around with their tongue or clicking it against their teeth. This can cause them to chip, scratch or lose their teeth. Oral piercings can also damage dental filling and sealants.

Blood-borne Disease

The National Institutes of Health have identified oral piercings as a possible factor in transmitting hepatitis B, C, D and G.

Make Sure They Keep it Clean

To lower their risk of infection, have your child clean their oral piercing once per day. Make sure that before they clean it, they thoroughly wash their hands to avoid introducing any germs into their mouth. Unclean piercings can collect food debris and begin to smell, and taste awful.

Take it out before Sports

If they play sports make sure that they remove their piercing before hitting the field or court. Dental injuries are one of the most common injury in youth sports, and they can lower their risk of losing teeth by removing the metal clacking around in their mouth before participating.

Is Your Child Experiencing Pain Related to an Oral Piercing?

If your child has prolonged bleeding or pain related to their oral piercing, then make an appointment with our office immediately. They may have an infection, and it must be treated by a pediatric dentist.

Does Your Family Have Bad Breath? Fix it with These Tips!

May 2nd, 2017

Bad breath is something that everyone has had to deal with at some point in their lives. Medically called Halitosis, children and adults can get bad breath from a variety of causes, most of which are minor and easily fixed. However, bad breath can also indicate more serious issues that require a trip to the dentist. Below are some of the causes – and remedies – for bad breath.

Causes

Certain Foods

Some foods are notorious for causing temporary bad breath. Garlic, onions, fish and spicy foods can turn even the best breath sour. The best way to get rid of bad breath caused by food is to swish cool water around your mouth for 30 seconds, 15 minutes after a meal. Make sure to always brush your teeth after eating a spicy meal, but wait an hour between finishing the meal and brushing so that you don’t damage your enamel.

Medications

Certain medications can cause bad breath. If you have just started taking a new medication recently, then this may be causing bad breath. The way that medications are processed by our bodies may result in bad breath. Continue to brush your teeth twice per day, and consider adding a minty mouthwash to your routine to help mask bad breath.

Leftover Food

Sometimes, food debris can get left in your mouth and will result in bad breath. If this is the case, rinse out your mouth with clean, cool water for 30 seconds to remove any excess debris. If that doesn’t remove leftover food, brush and thoroughly floss to reach any food lodged between your teeth.

Dry Mouth

Saliva naturally cleans the mouth, so when you have  a dry mouth your breath will likely suffer. While there are multiple causes for dry mouth such as stress, anxiety and certain medications, you can usually fix it by eating foods that increase saliva production like cheese, apples or carrots. Make sure to drink enough water – 8 to 10 cups per day- and if that doesn’t help, then try chewing gum sweetened with xylitol – a healthy sugar substitute – to increase your saliva flow.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you are not brushing twice daily or flossing once per day, then you might get bad breath. To make the most of your oral hygiene routine, make sure that you are brushing for at least two minutes each session. Additionally, check your toothbrush to see if it is still in working order. If the bristles are frayed and it is older than 3 months, then it’s time to replace it.

Infections or Mouth Sores

Bad breath can be the result of oral surgery, open sores or plaque buildup. If you have a mouth sore, you can help treat it and keep it clean by swishing warm salt water in your mouth for 30 seconds. If your bad breath still persists, then see your dentist to help remedy it.

The Best Remedy is Prevention

Most bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene. If you or your child is maintaining a good dental cleaning regiment – brushing twice per day for 2 minutes at a time and flossing once per day – then you will most likely have fresh breath. However, if your child has a good oral health routine and still suffers from bad breath, then bring them into our office so that we can evaluate their mouth and find the underlying cause.

Water is the Perfect Drink for a Healthy Mouth

April 18th, 2017

It’s no secret that water is one of the healthiest things for your body. Aside from providing proper hydration, water contributes to healthy internal organs, and helps regulate your body temperature through sweat production. But, did you know that water is also one of the best tools for a healthy mouth? Let’s discuss some of the ways that water contributes to oral health.

Improves Saliva Production

Did you know that saliva is 99% water? Or that saliva is critical in the fight against cavities? This makes it imperative that you drink plenty of water so that you can keep your enamel strong, and stay cavity-free. When you are low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth – a condition that makes it hard to swallow and chew because of a lack of saliva. By drinking enough water, you help prevent dry mouth and ensure that your saliva is produced at an optimal rate.

Clears Teeth of Sugar

After you’re done eating, there can be leftover food particles between your teeth, and sugar residue left on tooth surfaces that can lead to cavities. You can clear your teeth of unwanted sugar buildup by rinsing your mouth with water immediately after you eat. Simply swish water around for 30 seconds after you eat to clear your teeth of any sugary or food debris leftover from you previous meal.

Water has No Calories

Rising consumption in sugary beverages has been a major contributor to the increasing rate of obesity in the United States. In fact, people who consume 1 – 2 sugary beverages per day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This can be avoided by substituting colas, sugary juices and sports drinks with a glass of water. Water doesn’t have any calories, and it contains no sugar, which makes it incredibly healthy.

Is Your Child Drinking Enough Water?

Does your child suffer from dry mouth, or have trouble swallowing? Do they drink a lot of colas, juice or sports drinks? If they drink a lot o sugary drinks and find it tough to swallow, then your child may not be drinking enough water, and their teeth could suffer because of it. If you’re worried that your child may not be drinking enough water, then bring them into our office for a consultation. We will thoroughly evaluate your child’s teeth, and provide you with flexible treatment options that are right for them.

Would you Brush your Teeth with Toast? Your Ancestors did.

March 22nd, 2017

Did you know that dental floss used to be made of silk thread? Or, that toothbrushes used to be made of bone and horse hair? Oral health care has a long and weird history that stretches back to ancient cultures and includes numerous ingredients and tools that have helped carve the path for modern dentistry. Today, we look at the origins of toothpaste and how it has evolved into the product we know today.

5000 – 3000 BC Ancient Egypt

As with many other tools, toothpaste originates in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians (particularly the pharaohs and wealthy) valued cleanliness and oral health and began experimenting with the first iteration of toothpaste. Their version of toothpaste consisted of rock salt, dried iris flowers, pepper and mint crushed into a fine paste with a bit of water. Some mixtures even included the ashes of ox hooves and burnt egg shells! This mixture led to bleeding gums, but it was surprisingly effective at cleaning teeth, even when compared to what was used just 100 years ago.

Greece and Rome

Around the same time as the Egyptians, Greek and Roman leaders were using the Egyptian mixture, but began experimenting with their own toothpaste. They added more abrasives to their mixture to increase the cleaning power, the most popular of which were crushed bones and oyster shells. The Romans added charcoal to help freshen their breath.

Around 500 BC, ancient China and India used a similar mixture, but added more flavoring ingredients like ginseng, herbal mints and salts.

1700’s gets Toasty

The ancient power cultures had pretty much perfected their form of toothpaste, and it remained popular and used by many upper class people for a long time. And then, toast was introduced. Used toast was ground into a fine powder and used to scrub teeth. While there is no clear origin of using toast as toothpaste, it was a very affordable option for a lot of people.

1824 – Let’s add Some Bubbles

In 1824, a dentist named Dr. Peabody decided to add soap to the ground up toast mixture to enhance the cleaning power. A few decades passed, and then toothpaste makers began adding chalk to their mixtures to create the creamy consistency that we’re familiar with today.

1873 – Mass Production

Colgate began producing toothpaste on a wide scale in 1873, and distributed their toothpaste in jars. In 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield put toothpaste in a collapsible tube, like the ones used today. That same year, Colgate began distributing toothpaste in tubes similar to the ones we see today.

1914 Welcomes Fluoride

In 1914, it was discovered that fluoride significantly decreased dental cavities.  That same year, it was added into toothpastes to achieve better cleaning results. Soap was eventually phased out in favor of fluoride and sodium lauryl sulphate in the 1940’s.

1987 Edible Toothpaste

To help keep astronauts’ (yes, astronauts) teeth clean while in space, NASA invented an edible toothpaste that could be swallowed after brushing. Edible toothpaste was then repurposed for young children to use, because it did not present a risk if it was ingested.

1989 Shines Brighter

In 1989, Rembrandt marketed the first whitening toothpaste that would “whiten and brighten your smile.” Other toothpaste producers quickly followed suit and now whitening toothpaste is one of the most popular types available.

Toothpaste Today

We’ve come a long way from crushed oysters and ginseng mixtures. Now, there are countless types of toothpastes that have a variety of acute end-goals, and still clean your teeth. Navigating the toothpaste market can be a bit difficult, but we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment in our office to discuss the type of toothpaste that will work best for your child, and what would work best for our entire family.

Electric Vs. Standard Toothbrush, which is right for my child?

February 8th, 2017

As your child begins brushing their own teeth, it can be difficult to choose the right toothbrush for their overall oral health. The market is flooded with products all claiming to clean teeth better than the rest. But, what about an electric toothbrush? Is it really better than a standard toothbrush? The answer may surprise you.

Manual Toothbrushes

Manual toothbrushes are the most popular type of toothbrush for children because they are reliable, and come in a variety of shapes, colors and designs that many kids find appealing. They are also much more inexpensive than electric toothbrushes, which make them a great option for a cost-conscious family. However, manual toothbrushes can be difficult for young children that are just learning to brush their teeth, since they lack the dexterity needed to adequately clean their teeth. If you decide to buy your child a standard toothbrush, invite them along so that they can help you choose it. This makes them more likely to find a toothbrush that they will actually want to use.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are handy tools for teeth of all ages, and can make brushing fun for young children. Most electric toothbrushes also feature timers, which can help ensure that children brush for the recommended two minutes per session. Additionally, many electric toothbrushes feature a pressure sensor which helps kids limit how hard they are brushing to prevent upsetting or damaging their gums. Electric toothbrushes are perfect for very young children that don’t have the dexterity to adequately brush their own teeth. However, electric toothbrushes are typically more expensive than manual ones.

Just Brush

Regardless of the toothbrush, the most important thing is that your child brushes their teeth for two minutes, twice per day. When you do purchase a toothbrush for your child, make sure that it has the ADA seal of approval on the package somewhere, which ensures that it has been thoroughly vetted by a team of oral healthcare experts.

Visit our Office

If your child has sensitive teeth, then visit our office. Sensitive teeth could indicate tooth decay or cavities. We will perform an extensive oral exam to assess the state of their overall mouth-health, and provide a treatment plan that works for their specific case. Schedule an appointment with our office today!

Whitehall Pediatric Dentist Explains Her Role in Your Child’s Health

November 8th, 2016

Just as you take your children to a pediatrician for their general health, you should also take the kids to a pediatric dentist for their best oral health care. Pediatric dentists are not only trained in the special dental needs that children have, they also know how to examine and treat children so they’re comfortable and not afraid. Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica helps hundreds of children enjoy healthy and happy smiles, and she can do the same for your kids, too!

Becoming a Pediatric Dentist

In addition to the four years of schooling required for dental school, Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica completed the Pediatric Dental Residency program at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and received a Certificate of Residency in Pediatric Dentistry along with a Master of Science degree in Dentistry. A program in pediatric dentistry includes hospital and emergency training, as well as several orthodontic treatment methods. Dr. Mujica often works closely with general dentists or pediatricians who refer young patients to her for specialized dental treatment that only a pediatric dentist can provide.

Who Should See a Pediatric Dentist?

As a pediatric dentist in Whitehall, Dr. Mujica is qualified to treat children from infancy through the teenage years. Also, if a child has special needs or must be treated in hospital because of another medication condition, Dr. Mujica is trained to offer that treatment, too.

Services Provided by a Pediatric Dentist

Just like their colleagues general dentists, pediatric dentists are primarily focused on preventing and maintaining dental and oral health. With this in mind, Dr. Mujica offers the following pediatric dentistry in Whitehall:

  • Oral health exams during infancy, including risk assessment for tooth decay
  • Preventive dentistry, such as dental cleanings, dental exams, fluoride treatment and digital radiography
  • Nutrition and diet recommendations for a healthy smile
  • Counseling to parents whose children use a pacifier or thumb suck
  • Restorative care of cavities with tooth-colored fillings and repair of teeth with dental crowns
  • Diagnosis of oral conditions that associated with certain illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, allergies, congenital heart defects and ADD or ADHD
  • Treatment of pediatric gum disease
  • Oral surgery for infants who are tongue-tied
  • Care in case of dental emergencies such as a knocked out or broken tooth

Call Your Whitehall Pediatric Dentist Today

To take advantage of the expertise offered by a pediatric dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mujica at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Whitehall.

Whitehall Pediatric Dentist Can Help Calm Dental Fears

September 28th, 2016

Estimates are that between nine to 15 percent of adults in the U.S. avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety or fear. That equals about 30 to 40 million people. So if that many adults are frightened to see the dentist, then it’s easy to understand why small children might be fearful, too. There they are, lying in a big chair, while a stranger wearing a mask pokes around in their mouth. No wonder they’re a bit frightened. Fortunately for parents and children, Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica knows just how to soothe your children’s worries so they’ll be able to have the dental care they need.

Get an Early Start

The younger your children are when they begin seeing the dentist, the better. Dentists like to talk about a “dental home,” where all of your child’s dental needs are taken care of. Whether they are coming to their dental home for a checkup or an emergency visit, they’ll feel better being in familiar surroundings. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling an initial visit by the time your child is one year old.

Play Pretend

While at home, you can pretend to be the dentist. All you need is a toothbrush. As you brush, you can count their teeth, too, which is what we’ll do in the office. Let him hold a mirror to see his smile when you’ve finished brushing.

Allowing your child to be the dentist is another fun activity. Let her hold a toothbrush and brush the teeth of a favorite doll or stuffed animal. The more familiar your child is with the routine in a dentist’s office the more comfortable she’ll be when she gets here.

Say Little

When talking to your children about visiting the dentist, watch what you say. Never use words such as “shot,” “hurt,” or “pain.” Dr. Mujica and her team know what to say to keep your child calm even in a tough situation. Always stay positive about seeing the dentist; tell you child that the dentist helps everyone keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Praise but Don’t Reward

We don’t like the idea of telling children that if they behave at the dentist they’ll receive a reward. Doing so may increase their anxiety. They may start to wonder what’s going to happen at the dentist to make me want to misbehave? Instead, praise her for wanting to take care of her teeth and occasionally offer a surprise such as a sticker or small toy.

Call Our Office Today

If it’s time for your child to see the Whitehall pediatric dentist, then contact All Kids Pediatric Dentistry.

Whitehall Kid’s Dentist Discusses Keeping Enamel Strong

August 8th, 2016

As a parent, one of your many responsibilities includes doing what you can to keep you children healthy. You make sure they get the sleep they need, eat right and have time to play and exercise. Did you also know that there are things you can do to help them have healthy smiles, too? In particular, you need to protect your child’s tooth enamel. Although tooth enamel is the strongest material in the human body, it is attacked daily by the acids produced by oral bacteria. Whitehall kids’ dentist Dr. Mujica would like to offer you a few tips on how you can strengthen your child’s tooth enamel so they are less likely to develop cavities.

Limit Sweet Foods and Drinks

What do the bacteria in your child’s mouth (and yours, too) like to feed on most? Sugar. This sweet and tasty substance feeds oral bacteria, which increases plaque and may eventually lead to cavities. That’s why Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica recommends limiting the number of sugary foods and beverages your children have.

Add Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that builds strong bones and teeth—you probably know about that. But did you also know that calcium neutralizes those acids that oral bacteria produce? Therefore, calcium strengthens and protects enamels. Try to include at least one dairy food in each of your child’s meals, such as cheese, yogurt or milk. If your child can’t have dairy products then offer almond milk, soybeans and soy yogurt, kale and any canned fish.

Brush and Floss Day and Night

At what age should you start brushing your children’s teeth? Answer: whatever age they are when that first little tooth appears. The sugar in breast milk and formula is capable of feeding bacteria just as much as any other food or beverage. As your child matures and more teeth erupt, brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day are good habits to establish. Until your son or daughter is about seven years old, you should brush and floss their teeth for them to make sure all of the hard-to-reach spots are cleaned. And be sure to use fluoride toothpaste that the ADA seal of approval.

Can’t Brush, Then Rinse

When brushing isn’t possible, teach your child to simply rinse his or her mouth with water for about 30 seconds and then spit. This is a good alternative for removing particles of food after a meal.

Visit Your Whitehall Kids’ Dentist

Last but certainly not least, be sure to schedule dental checkups every six months for your children. Whitehall pediatric dentist Dr. Mujica wants to help you take care of your children’s smiles.