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Maintaining oral health for kids is essential, as it not only impacts their overall health but can also affect their confidence and self-esteem.  A healthy smile really does go a long way. And as a parent, you want the best for your child and obviously, that includes their oral health! Ensuring your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a breeze. But don’t worry– we regularly break down complicated dental topics for parents here at Treehouse Dentalcare!

In this article, we will discuss various tips and techniques to ensure your child’s oral health remains in top shape. Then, when you’re ready to book your consultation, you can reach us here.

Without further ado, here are some tips to help you take care of your child’s teeth. 

Oral Health for Kids: Establish Good Habits from the Beginning

The following cannot be overstated: it is crucial to start dental hygiene early to establish good habits. This helps children to develop a positive attitude toward oral health and creates a foundation for maintaining oral health in the future. Parents should teach their children how to brush and floss properly and make brushing more fun by using a variety of techniques. For instance, parents can play a game with their children while brushing their teeth or sing a song to make it a more enjoyable experience.

Watch What Your Child Eats: Diet and Oral Health for Kids

Diet plays a vital role in oral health. The foods and drinks children consume can significantly affect their teeth and gums. For example, most caretakers know that drinking milk is an essential part of children’s diets as it contains calcium and other nutrients that help build strong teeth. Parents should also be aware of the foods that can harm their child’s oral health, such as sugary snacks and drinks, and encourage them to eat more teeth-friendly foods like fruits and vegetables. 

Below are some healthy snack alternatives for your kids:

• Fresh fruits, like apples, bananas, and strawberries
• Raw vegetables, such as carrots and celery
• Low-sugar yogurt
• Cheese

If you take away anything from this article, it should be this: avoid sugary drinks, especially carbonated soft drinks. We actually have a separate article on this topic! So, if you want to know more about the best drinks for kids’ teeth, check it out here.  Now, let’s review why coming to visit our office is so important! After all, we’ve got the gadgets and the experience to make a big impact on your kid’s oral health with regular dental check-ups. 

Regular Dental Check-ups: Essential for Kid’s Oral Health

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health for kids. Usually,  it is recommended that children see a dentist every six months. It’s best to do this in order to prevent and identify any potential problems early on. During a dental check-up, our team of pediatric dental specialists will examine your child’s teeth and gums, check for cavities, and provide a thorough cleaning. This is where detection, prevention, and treatment all play a critical role.

Regular check-ups allow for any necessary treatments to be provided promptly, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants. Remember, early detection and treatment is the best oral health strategy alongside preventative habits.

Protecting Kids Teeth During Sports and Play: Mouthguards

Sports and play can be great for children’s physical and mental health, but they also pose a risk of dental injuries. Parents should ensure their child wears a mouthguard while playing sports or engaging in other activities that could cause dental injuries. There are different types of mouthguards available, such as custom-made mouthguards and boil-and-bite mouthguards. Parents should also know how to properly care for their child’s mouthguard to ensure it is effective and lasts for a long time. 

Additionally, if your child grinds their teeth at night, a mouthguard may be necessary to prevent damage to the teeth.

Discover More at Treehouse Dentalcare

Maintaining your child’s oral health is crucial to their overall health and well-being. By following the tips outlined in this article, parents can help their children maintain a healthy smile for years to come. We encourage parents to make dental health a priority for their families and to view Treehouse Dentalcare’s services for more information. Remember, starting early, watching what your child eats, regular dental check-ups, and protecting

Treehouse Dentalcare, located in Delisle Court on Yonge Street in Toronto, offers friendly and welcoming services. We focus on making children comfortable as they begin their dental journeys. You can book your next appointment by reaching out to us at 647 493 3465.

Over the years, many myths have pervaded the public mind about milk. As a dietary staple for millennia, milk has an important role in the health and development of kids. So despite the growing concerns about milk and its relationship to kids’ health, cow’s milk is an important source of nutrients that are beneficial to children’s development. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about kids, milk and teeth.

In fact, the blog here at Treehouse Dental Care is full of fantastic tips and information that will help you make better choices for your children’s teeth. So check it out here once you’re done reading this article!

The Many Benefits of Cow’s Milk for Children’s Teeth

Milk is a wonderful source of minerals that build strong teeth. It’s also filled with other nutrients that have additional benefits, but we’ll focus on teeth here.

Enamel is the hard material that coats and protects your teeth, and it’s made of calcium and phosphorus. Over time, as the enamel is exposed to acids, it wears down in a process known as demineralization.  The good news is that when our saliva has enough of these minerals, the process of demineralization slows or reverses.

That being said, if enamel loss outpaces your body’s natural healing and maintenance processes for a long period of time, you’ll end up with cavities. That’s why milk is so important– it provides the essential nutrients so your body can continue to fight against cavities. Cow’s milk is an efficient and accessible way to get essential teeth minerals in your child’s diet.

And it beats out milk variants that have the minerals supplemented. Cow’s milk has the best bioavailability of calcium and phosphorus. One study demonstrated that even though comparable milk products have similar levels of calcium and phosphorous, the minerals available in cow’s milk have greater bioavailability. That means that more minerals will circulate in your child’s body, allowing their natural protective functions to perform better.

Cow’s Milk and Teeth Myths & Questions

Now that we have a good understanding of why milk is so important for children’s teeth, let’s take a look at the myths and questions that have stuck in our minds over the years.

Does milk cause tooth decay and cavities in children?

Sugar in food causes acid buildup that decays the enamel on teeth. Over time, this acid causes demineralization, which in turn causes cavities. And milk contains lactose, which is a natural type of sugar. So drinking cow’s milk must cause cavities, right?

Actually, no.

Repeated studies have found that cow’s milk is not cariogenic, meaning that milk does not increase the risk of tooth decay in children. While milk contains lactose, it also contains components that fight the harmful effects of lactose. One of these components is the protein casein phosphopeptide, which is a tooth demineralization nutrient. It actually prevents cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the surfaces of your teeth!

How much milk should children drink?

Before deciding on any nutrition plans for your child, it’s important to consult your pediatrician. But to get an idea of the decisions that you’ll be making, we’ll give you some general guidelines. The following table, which discusses cow’s milk for children, is based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

As you can see, flavoured milk is not an option. And children under 12 months of age shouldn’t drink cow’s milk. Breastmilk or formula is the better option.

Should kids drink plant-based milk?

The same reports and institutions that monitor cow’s milk and children also make the recommendation against serving plant milk to children under the age of five, unless medically indicated. The most compelling conclusion from these reports was that cow’s milk had undeniably higher bioavailability than plant-based options even if they were supplemented.

Also, plant-based milk alternatives often contain added sugars, which can lead to cavities.

So if alternative kinds of milk are something you’re considering for your child’s diet, consult your pediatrician for the most updated and direct information.

Milk and Teeth and Toddlers

With all the benefits of cow’s milk for your child’s teeth, you might consider giving your toddler a bottle of milk before bed. However, the consensus between pediatricians and pediatric dentists is clear: you should not put your toddler to bed with a bottle of cow’s milk. In fact, dentists will recommend that bottle usage stops between the ages of 12 and 18 months.

Bottles obstruct the flow of saliva in children’s mouths, just like pacifiers do. As we mentioned, saliva flow is essential to protecting children’s teeth from harmful acids. This simple fact of bottles causes many health issues. For example, if a piece of food is caught in your child’s teeth and saliva flow is inhibited, the debris can cause cavities to develop!

Pediatric Dental Expertise at Treehouse Dental

With so many choices available for modern parents, it can get overwhelming trying to stay on top of research and professional suggestions. When it comes to milk, you can be confident that it’s an essential source of nutrients for children over the age of 12 months. The phosphorus and calcium in cow’s milk help teeth remineralize.

If you’re looking for professional advice, there’s no better place to visit than Treehouse Dental Care. Our team of professionals are experts in pediatric dentistry. We know the ins and outs of taking care of your child’s teeth. So give us a call with your questions at  1-833-943-8277. Or, take a look at our comprehensive pediatric dental services here.

Do you remember the very first tooth you ever lost? Do you remember the build-up of excitement as it started to wiggle more and more, or the shock once it actually fell out? Maybe you got to wear one of those plastic teeth necklaces that held the missing bone if you lost it at school, or had an older sibling yank it out. The point is– losing teeth is an exciting moment for children and a memory we all cherish. That’s why creating a magical tooth fairy moment for your kids is so important.

Feeling the pressure now? Don’t worry– Treehouse Dental Care has you covered with tips and tricks to transform you from a parenting hero into a magical tooth fairy!

How to Be the Best Tooth Fairy

The most important thing to remember about being the tooth fairy is to have fun. Part of the magic in losing a tooth is the excitement your child will share with you and their peers. So take this time to get excited about teeth!

Depending on how extravagant you want to make the experience, you have a lot of options. The Tooth Fairy is a mysterious character with a story that you can fill the gaps in. So personalize the event to your kid’s needs, and master our Tooth Fairy techniques. With a little luck and love, your child will wake up to a lost tooth and a lifelong memory.

The Basics

As with most parenting tasks, being the tooth fairy gets easier as your kids get older. Most kids begin to lose their baby teeth around the ages of 6 to 8, and that’s a big variance for kids so young. And if you have more than one child in this age range, make sure not to overdo it! With more than one set of teeth being lost at a time in one household, the Tooth Fairy is going to be extra busy!

So while an older child might be happiest with a toy or a toonie, younger children could be happiest with some glitter and a toonie. But don’t worry– we’ll get into the specifics later.

For now, consider the following basic elements of a Tooth Fairy visit:

• Glitter that looks like pixie dust
• A handwritten note
• A kiss on the forehead in colourful lipstick

Don’t forget, fairies are magical creatures that are spontaneous and fun! So get creative with your choices here and make the moment special. A child who is more excited about their teeth will develop positive habits in the long run.

Now let’s get into the tips that every pro pixie needs!

1. Plan the visit beforehand

Besides having fun, this is the most important step. You never know exactly when a child is going to lose a tooth, so having the materials for the Tooth Fairy’s visit on hand is essential. Sure, you’ll be able to guess when the tooth will fall out, but it’s always better to be prepared. Make sure you have the item you want to swap the tooth with available, and always have your pixie materials on hand: glitter, and any other colourful, shiny things that are exciting.

The tooth fairy’s visit is an opportunity for you and your child to build bridges to better habits. So use this magical moment to get over dental anxiety– and take a look at our article here for even more tips on how to be comfortable with dental care.

2. Don’t forget

Would you want to be the one child that the Tooth Fairy forgot? Of course not! So make sure you set your alarms or do whatever is necessary to remind yourself on the night of. With all the technology in our world keeping us organized, you have all the tools you need to never miss an important moment in your child’s life like this.

One of the ways you can remember is to get yourself excited. If you’re looking for some inspiration about becoming a Tooth Fairy, check out this article from Forbes on the history of the myth here. With more backstory and fun brought to this character, you might even create a fun family tradition for the years to come!

3. Don’t Overhype the Tooth Fairy

Especially if you have more than one child, it’s a good idea to keep things simple. And kids don’t need much to make a magical memory. Just the thought that a magical being with wings came to take a lost tooth is exciting enough! A little bit of glitter and a toonie can go a long way if the story you tell and the energy you share are up to par!

4. Stock up!

Here’s another good tip to follow if you have more than one kid. But because kids lose so many teeth so quickly, it’s always a good idea to keep stocked up. Make sure you’ve got change on hand, or toys or prizes. Have some glitter and some colourful things, like a pen or lipstick. It’s the little things that go a long way. You don’t need to hide an air hockey table underneath your child’s pillow to make the visit exciting!

5. Use the Dentist to Get Your Child Excited

If you call ahead and let your dentist know your plans, you can use a regular dental check-up to get your kid excited about the Tooth Fairy. No one is more excited about teeth than our team at Grundy Family Dental Care! When you’re in for your next visit, we can talk about the Tooth Fairy and make it fun! We’re like the professional authority– if the dentist is talking about the Tooth Fairy, it must be real! We’ll make sure to throw in some fun facts and make it an opportunity to build good habits. We are specialists in pediatric dentistry after all!

Get Excited About the Tooth Fairy with Treehouse Dental Care

You can expect your child to lose all twenty of their teeth within a couple of years. This time is going to fly by, so make sure you create some memories to look back on. Remember to be prepared, stay stocked up, and make it fun! Glitter is a fairy’s secret weapon! And don’t forget to make up a fun story about the Tooth Fairy, or look online for some more inspiration.

The team at Treehouse Dental Care is experts at making taking care of teeth fun! So bring your kid into our offices for a regular check-up and we’ll make sure their smile is in the best condition possible by the time the Tooth Fairy comes for a visit.

Raising a child in 2023 can be challenging for many reasons. One of those is the sheer number of drinks for kids available on the market. From the basics like milk and water to juices and beverages specifically marketed to children, parents have more choices than ever. And with your child’s dental health at stake, it’s important to know which drinks are best for your kid’s teeth, and which are worst.

Treehouse Dental Care will go over the details in this article. If you ever need further consultation, give us a call at  1-833-941-2903.

Diet Matters for Children’s Dental Health

Your child’s comprehensive health, which includes oral health, is like a series of building blocks. Each block matters, but the foundation is especially important. Diet is one of those integral pieces that no parent can overlook.

When it comes to your child’s oral health, it’s important to achieve a few nutritional goals. For example, calcium is an essential mineral to the well-being of your children’s teeth. Other lesser-known beneficial nutrients include:

• Vitamin D
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A

Each of these nutrients has specific functions in your child’s oral health. From saliva production to enamel strength, each of them is important. Do your best to reach the specific nutrient levels in your child’s diet. And don’t be afraid to discuss supplements with your doctor or dentist.

Why Sugar is Bad in Drinks for Kids

Foods that are high in sugar cause damage to teeth over time. Our mouths are full of bacteria that are fueled by sugar. The more sugar in your mouth, the greater the bacterial growth. Over time, this leads to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. This is especially true for kids’ teeth, whose teeth are more vulnerable than adult teeth. They’re softer, with a thinner coating of enamel.

That’s why it’s important to avoid overly sugary foods and to brush your child’s teeth after they consume anything sugary. Unfortunately, high-sugar foods are the cause of cavities for many children. This negative experience in childhood can lead to an aversion to the dentist later in life, so it’s important to take care of your child’s teeth as best as you can.

The Best Drinks for Kids

With so many selections, it’s hard to choose the best drinks for kids. Don’t worry, we’ll show you which drinks you should be serving most often. Keep reading!

Water

Water is an obvious choice as a drink for kids. Life depends on water, so it’s clearly the number one choice. But although water is the best hydrator and it should be the most frequently chosen drink, it lacks nutritional properties.

Pro tip: Wake your child up with a glass of lukewarm water, and send them to bed with the same. It’s the best way to initiate your child’s natural systems and helps them stay hydrated throughout the night.

Is Milk Good for Teeth?

Milk is another good option that’s food for kids’ teeth. It has many of the previously mentioned beneficial nutrients for children’s enamel. When milk is included in a child’s diet, they have improved teeth and gum health. That’s because milk lowers acid levels and provides essential nutrients. For example, the phosphorus and calcium in milk help remineralization.

If you’re looking for more information on what’s good for your kid’s teeth, check out our article here!

That being said, milk does contain natural sugars. That means that you shouldn’t drink milk after brushing your teeth. And you especially shouldn’t send your child to bed with a glass of milk.

Unsweetened Beverages

While fruit juice and milk alternatives aren’t the ideal choices for drinks for kids, they’re unavoidable. And it’s absolutely fine to offer these drinks to your child as a treat. We recommend not making them a regular habit, but there are still some safer options for treats.

Here are a few drinks you can try:

• 100% fruit juice with no added sugar
• Unsweetened milk alternatives
• Naturally-flavoured sparkling water

You have plenty of choices here! From different fruit juices to soy, almond and coconut milk! So get creative and avoid those sugars!

The Worst Drinks for Kids

Unfortunately, despite the many marketing campaigns for the following beverages, there are many drinks that are not good for your kids. In general, you should stay away from anything that has sugars added, even if it has other suggested health benefits.

We’ll go into more detail now!

Soda

This one is an obvious no-no. Soda has more added sugars than most other beverages, and the fizziness doesn’t help either. Pop can be addictive for children, so it’s best to avoid it entirely if you can. A sugar high can be a powerful motivator for a child, and it only leads to poor oral health and other health issues.

Why Juice is Bad for Kid’s Teeth

Unfortunately, despite all the ‘natural sugars’ and vitamins that can be found in fruit juice, it still remains an overall detriment to your child’s oral health. Even natural sugars cause a build-up of plaque and cavity-causing bacteria. So to avoid cavities and gum disease, try to limit fruit juice in your child’s diet.

Pro tip: dilute your child’s fruit juice drinks with some water. It will still taste delicious and it will mean less sugar over time. And it will save you money as you stretch those juice cartons for extra servings!

Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks

The truth: sports drinks are basically soda. Water is and will always be the best hydration. While sports drinks have added supplements that are designed to rehydrate your child after exertion, they’re rarely worth the added sugars. It’s best to stick to water, or no-sugar-added fruit juice that’s diluted.

Pro tip: Milk can also be a fantastic recovery drink!

Choose the Best Drinks for Kids With Treehouse Dental Care

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your kid’s health. And Treehouse Dental Care is here to help you every step of the way. From diet tips, like which drinks to choose, and specialized pediatric dental services, you can trust our team to give you the best information.

When it comes to the best drinks for kids, you should generally stick to water. Milk is also a fantastic choice, but make sure to brush your kid’s teeth after! And if you can, choose no sugar added fruit juices. You can also dilute them with water!

If you’re looking for more information on your child’s diet and their teeth, don’t be afraid to contact us. And also, remember to keep up to date with your child’s regular cleanings!

As parents, we want our children to have healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, dental problems are common among children and can lead to pain, discomfort, and other health issues if left untreated. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common teeth problems in children and their solutions.

Treehouse Dental Care is the perfect location to get informed. And when you’re ready to book for regular cleaning or treatment, you can contact us here.

Common Teeth Problems in Children

Children can experience various dental problems, some similar to those experienced by adults, while others are unique to children. Here are some of the most common teeth problems in children:

1. Tooth Decay – Also known as cavities, tooth decay is a common dental problem in children caused by poor oral hygiene, sugary foods, and drinks.
2. Tooth Sensitivity – Children can experience tooth sensitivity for various reasons, including cavities, gum recession, or enamel erosion.
3. Gum Disease – Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
4. Teeth Grinding – Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a common problem in children and can lead to tooth wear, chipping, and jaw pain.

If your child is experiencing any of these common issues, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us! You can give us a call at  1-833-941-2903.

Explaining The Importance of Dental Health to Your Child

Dental problems can often be compared to other common problems that children face in their daily lives. For example, tooth decay can be compared to a cavity in a bicycle tire that causes the tire to go flat. Just as the cavity needs to be filled to repair the tire, a cavity in a tooth needs to be filled to prevent further damage. By making these comparisons, parents can help children better understand the importance of maintaining good dental health.

Poor Dental Habits Begin in Childhood

For a moment, consider the dental habits you have as an adult. If you stretch your memory backward, you’ll probably find bad habits that began in childhood. It’s called ingrained behaviour, and these habits are very difficult to change once you pass the age of adolescence.

How to Avoid Common Dental Problems in Children

As a caregiver, you want what’s best for your child. And there are many things you can do both at home and in our dental office to give your child the best possible dental health

If you’re looking for more information on giving your child proper dental habits check out our guide to avoiding dental decay here! As pediatric dental specialists, part of our responsibility at Treehouse Dental Care is to arm caregivers with as much correct information as possible.

Keep reading to find out more!

Positive Dental Habits for Children

Here is a super quick guide to taking care of your child’s teeth at home. In general, you should:

• Limit sugary foods, especially after brushing their teeth
• Brush at least twice a day. It’s always a good idea to brush after sugary foods!
• Introduce floss and mouthwash
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste

There are a number of other things you can do at home to take better care of your family’s teeth, but that’s a good snapshot! If you’re looking for more information, don’t hesitate to book your consultation or appointment now!

Services to Consider for Common Dental Problems in Children

Thankfully, there are a variety of dental services that can effectively treat these common teeth problems in children. Here are some of the most effective treatments:

1. Dental Fillings – Used to treat tooth decay, dental fillings are a standard and effective treatment for cavities. The dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the area with a filling material, such as composite resin.
2. Fluoride Treatments – Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. This treatment involves applying a fluoride solution to the teeth, which is then absorbed by the enamel.
3. Dental Sealants – Dental sealants are a thin coating applied to the teeth to prevent tooth decay. It is most commonly used on the molars, as they are more prone to cavities due to their location in the mouth.
4. Scaling and Root Planing – Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. This treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing out the roots of the teeth.
5. Mouthguards – Mouthguards treat teeth grinding and can be custom-made by a dentist to fit the child’s mouth perfectly. This treatment can help prevent tooth wear, chipping, and jaw pain caused by teeth grinding.

You can find these treatments and more at Treehouse Dentalcare. Our team of pediatric dental specialists can help you find the best solution for your child. Contact us here to get started!

What weaknesses do werewolves, vampires, and monsters all have in common? They all can get cavities on their fangs this Halloween! With the spookiest holiday of the year right around the corner, you’re probably worried about your child’s teeth. When it comes to Halloween candy, there are the sweet, the hard, and the sticky. If you’re not careful, these delicious delights will cause your kid a lot of discomforts! Don’t worry though because Treehouse Dental Care with expertly walk you through the best candy for your teeth this holiday season!

So this Halloween, make sure you plan ahead! Not only can you choose the worst Halloween candy to sort out of your kid’s stash, but you can also prevent cavities before the night even starts.

Wondering how? Don’t worry, Treehouse Dental Care is out to protect all the teeth in the Greater Toronto Area! Keep reading to find out how!

The Worst & Best Candy for Your Teeth On Halloween

For the bacteria in your mouth, Halloween is an even bigger holiday. When the bacteria eat sugar from candy, it reproduces and creates a weak acid. This acid causes cavities and other oral health issues and is the bane of all Halloween ghouls.

But that doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up the Halloween costumes early. With a little preparation and common sense, you can ensure your kid has a safe Halloween. Between choosing the right candy this Halloween, and forging strong habits beforehand, you can be a super-parent this holiday season. Don’t go overboard though, because over-brushing your teeth can cause problems just as badly!

Keep reading to find out which candies to stay away from this Halloween with Treehouse Dental Care. And make sure to follow our blog from Christmas, to Valentine and Easter for all the safest candy tips.

The Worst Candy For Your Teeth This Halloween

When it comes to cavities and bad breath, the candies that stay in your mouth longer are worse for your health. The more prolonged sugar stays in your mouth, the more bad bacteria reproduce.

Check out this guide for candies to stay away from this Halloween:

Sticky and Gummy Candies

If it’s sticky, be picky and if it’s gummy it’s not yummy. That is the golden rule this Halloween, as these two candy types are the worst offenders when it comes to causing cavities. While you might swallow most of the candy faster than you would hard candy, little pieces of these bad boys stay in your mouth for a very long time. The candy is hard to remove, and therefore causes an explosion of bacteria in your mouth.

Hard Candy

The other big offender, hard candy is a bad option because it stays in your mouth for a long time. And more than that, the hard surfaces can cause surface damage or chips on the already weakened enamel of your child’s teeth during the holiday season. What’s worse is when the hard candy is hidden underneath the soft candy. Because hard candy can cause damage as well as decay, make sure to pick and choose this type of Halloween candy carefully.

The Best Candy For Your Teeth On Halloween

It’s not just about taste– the best Halloween candy is also better for your teeth. Many popular candies for Halloween are also better options. That being said, remember to practice a good oral hygiene routine! Just because these candies are better for your enamel does not mean that they don’t cause erosion.

Chocolate

It might come as a surprise, but when it comes to Halloween candy, chocolate is your best bet. That’s a good thing because it’s also one of the most popular types of candy received each year. If you have the chance, try to keep as much dark chocolate in your child’s stash year. That’s because dark chocolate has less sugar and will cause less decay.

Sugar-Free

Of all options this Halloween, the best of them are sugar-free. Nearly every type of candy comes in a sugar-free form, and they’re increasing in popularity every year. That’s not surprising because as more and more people care about their health, the taste of sugar-free candy improves. More consumers always mean a better product!

Popcorn Candy

Although not as common as other types of candy, homemade popcorn candy is a good idea. That’s because, with a little floss, the kernels come out of your mouth. These candies are also often made with natural sugars, which is an added benefit!

Prevent Halloween Teeth With Good Habits

The most important thing you can do to prevent decaying Halloween teeth this year is to have good habits morning and night. If you brush, floss, and use mouthwash, you will drastically reduce your odds of developing cavities. It’s not a fool-proof plan, but it betters your odds. But not all kids take to good hygiene habits easily. In that case, make sure to give this article a read– it will help you get your kids brushing and flossing in no time!

If you want to take it a step further, you can book your regular check-up before this Halloween with Treehouse Dental Care. With proper cleaning and assessment, our pediatric dentists can take the best steps to protect your child’s teeth.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call at:  1-833-993-6287. Or, if you want to take a look at our services including cosmetic dentistry, click here.

More Tips

• Eat more fibre
• Use a CDA-approved toothpaste with fluoride
• Brush after eating candy
• Eat your child’s candy for their sake

Treehouse Dental Care Prevents Cavities from the Worst Halloween Candy

No, Halloween candy isn’t dangerous. But that doesn’t mean that all those sugar highs don’t come without consequences. This Halloween, you can do your best to protect your child’s teeth from decay by wisely choosing which candies to sort out.  Remember, The best candy for your teeth doesn’t stay in your mouth for very long. And before the night even comes, you can practice good habits in the bathroom. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash will all help build your child’s enamel strength and hopefully prevent cavities.

That being said, when it’s time to see the professionals, it’s time. To harden enamel and eliminate dangerous bacteria in the mouth, professional cleaning is the best option. That’s why Treehouse Dental Care offers premium pediatric dentistry and happily accepts new smiles! Click here to get started booking.

When it comes to keeping your child calm during their appointment and informed when they go home, there’s no better pediatric dentist than Treehouse Dental Care. That’s why we are the best pediatric dentistry in the GTA.

Another milestone has finally arrived! The time for your child’s first dentist visit is here and it’s time to get prepared. But with all the new things and experiences, this process can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, our team at Treehouse Dental Care are experts at making sure this process is easy for parents and children alike. Keep reading to find out how you can plan ahead and prepare for your child’s first appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

For just one short appointment, a lot of work must go in to make it a positive experience and memory. It only takes one bad experience for a child to hesitate about their future dental appointments. From there, avoidant habits can develop, and those are the best to avoid! This article will cover the who, how, and what of preparing for your child’s first visit. By covering each of these steps, you’ll help ensure the success of your child’s appointment.

Choosing a Child-Friendly Dentist

The best thing you can do to prepare for this milestone is to make the right decisions beforehand. One of the most common mistakes guardians make is the assumption that their current dentist is the best place to bring their child.

Unfortunately, though, pediatric dentistry is a specialty that not all dentists possess. It’s important to research the dental office and talk with the dentists about their experience working with kids. But even better? Network with other parents to find out where they got their best experiences.

When Should a Child First Visit the Dentist?

While every child’s development differs, it’s strongly recommended to visit the dentist either when a child’s first teeth develop, or they reach their first birthday. It’s an easy rule to remember!

This check-up doesn’t usually involve more than an opportunity to normalize dental work for the child, and to ensure that there are no avoidable incoming complications.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dentist Appointment

If your child doesn’t have any early signs of complications, then you can expect the first routine to be extremely simple and fast. The most important thing during the first visit is to give the child a positive memory.

Here’s a look at what you can expect from your first visit:

1. Meet & greet
2. Information
3. Introduction to dental tools
4. Tooth inspection
5. A quick polish and clean of the teeth
6. Optional fluoride treatment

Every practice does it differently, but this is generally what you can expect. And every child handles their first visit differently, which is why our team of pediatric dentists is the best choice. If you’d like the specifics of your child’s first dental visit at Treehouse Dental Care, give us a call at 1-833-993-6287.

Planning Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

The best thing you can do to prepare your child for their first dental visit is to start dental hygiene habits as soon as possible. Remember, prevention is always the best treatment. This essential step will allow your child to develop life-long habits that will make the rest of their smile journey a breeze.

Let’s go over some specifics on habits you can establish before the dentist:

• Stop the use of pacifiers and bottles as soon as possible
• Stop thumb-sucking
• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Brush teeth as soon as they develop
• Build a comprehensive routine early

With these healthy habits mastered before going to the dentist, you’ll be well on your way to success. Keep reading to find out how you can further ensure your child has a positive experience

Make a Plan

The best first visits have a plan. Even if things go wrong, having a few essentials prepared will make your trip much easier.

• Take extra time
• Explain to your child beforehand so they don’t feel surprised
• Speak up during the appointment to verbally reassure your child
• Bring a soothing toy or companion

Being prepared and open about your child’s first dentist will not only make their first visit more pleasant but yours as well! And what is a plan without a start date? Contact us here to book your child’s first dentist appointment, and keep reading to get all the information you’ll need to ace it.

Have a Backup

The life of a parent is never complete without a contingency plan, right? By the time you’ve brought your first child to the dentist, every parent knows to have things like backup snacks on hand, or a favourite blanket always laundered, just in case. Visiting the dentist is no different!

You know your child best and what will work. So bring the backup just in case!

Make the First Dentist Visit Fun

Fun is one of the first languages kids learn.

And you can incorporate fun into their first dental visit by making it exciting. Make a game beforehand that gets your child excited about their teeth. Practice the noises the dentist’s tools make. Get a fun toothbrush! Or maybe show them some instructional shows or songs.

Set a Reward

There’s nothing like a little positive reinforcement, right?

Setting up a reward or fun activity after the trip to the dentist is a great way to positively associate time at the dentist. It’s also a helpful tool to use as a reminder in the examination room.

The only thing to stay away from is sugary foods and candy of course!

Visit Treehouse Dental Care for the Best First Dentist Appointment Experience

Hopefully, the task of preparing for your child’s first dental visit doesn’t sound too complicated. Especially if it’s your first child, or if you have dental anxiety of your own, a child’s first dental visit can be a challenge. But don’t worry! With some preparation and pro-parenting tips, you will be well-prepared.

Make sure to have a plan and a backup plan. Openly communicate with your child, and bring some of their favourite things. And don’t forget to set a reward for afterwards. Also, do silly little things like whizzing like a polisher, or swooshing like a hose. Follow these tricks and you’ll see plenty of smiles at your child’s first dental visit.

Treehouse Dental Care has an expert team of pediatric dentists. We take great pride in creating a comfortable, safe, and fun environment for children’s first visits. For a deeper look into our pediatric services, click here.

Ah, teething: the nightmare that all parents expect and dread. But once it’s passed, many realize that it wasn’t that bad. Although every child has a different schedule for teething, there are some commonalities you can expect. Most children begin around the same time and have the same duration and severity of teething symptoms. If you think your child might be suffering beyond expectations, reach out to one of our pediatric dentists at Treehouse Dental care for a free consultation.

Keep reading to find out more about soothing your baby’s teething symptoms.

When Do Babies Start Teething?

You can expect your child to develop teething symptoms around 6 months of age. This can vary by a few weeks, so don’t be surprised if your child starts early or late. Usually, the front bottom two teeth (the lower central incisors) pop up first followed by the two top front teeth (the upper central incisors). This is a universally painful experience and is often a child’s first real experience with pain and soreness at this level. Remember that this can be very challenging and frightening for a child, so our first tip for soothing teething symptoms is patience.

Are you looking for more information about when your child loses their baby teeth? Check out this article!

Teething Symptoms

So your child is approaching the age when teething begins. What can you expect? Check out this quick list of the most common teething symptoms:

• Irritability or fussiness
• Drooling
• Chewing on firm objects
• Sore and sensitive gums

Many parents also report diarrhea and fever, but the evidence on these claims remains unclear. Keep reading to find out more about signs of teething in a baby.

Baby Teeth Chart

Check out this image as a reference for your child’s teeth! In just 25-33 months, your child will develop each of these. Every stage is unique and comes with different expectations.

Let’s take a look at the timeline for this teething chart!

5 Stages of Teething

Did you know that teething happens in five stages? It lasts a long time and can be really hard for both parents and children. Knowing what to expect during these stages will help parents ease their stress and their child’s physical discomfort.

Baby Teeth Stage 1: 0-6 Months

From birth, babies actually have the full set of their baby teeth embedded into their jawbone. If you saw an x-ray of this, it would look a bit strange. These are commonly called, “milk teeth,” because, during this time, a baby only feeds on milk. There’s not much pain or discomfort to be expected at this stage. That occurs when your child’s teeth first emerge.

Baby Teeth Stage 2: 6-8 Months

The teeth are coming– the teeth are coming! Ready or not, here they come! At around 6 months, the lower and upper front teeth emerge. Teething symptoms can actually occur before this though, so keep an eye out for drooling or discomfort. The drool can irritate your baby’s skin, so make sure to attend to it carefully, with a soft touch and gentle products should you choose to use any.

Baby Teeth Stage 3: 10-14 Months

We’re halfway there! During this stage, the first molars erupt. These teeth come in the back of the mouth, both lower and upper. This stage is very similar to stage 2, but you will likely notice more drooling and irritability. It’s at this stage that many babies start chewing anything they can get their hands on, so be prepared with soothing techniques. Pressure on the baby’s gums can help alleviate pain, but we’ll get into pro-parenting tips in a bit.

For now, let’s take a closer look at the final stages of your baby’s teething symptoms.

Baby Teeth Stage 4: 16-22 Months

We’re almost there! Following your child’s molars are the canine teeth. The recommendations for this stage are the same as stages 2 and 3. However, you can expect your child’s irritability to increase as time goes on. It’s a lot of work pushing bone and enamel through gums!

Baby Teeth Stage 5: 25-33 Months

33 months– Did you read that correctly? Yes, teething is a long process! And the worst news? The final stage is without a doubt the most painful. During this time, large molars appear. These are the biggest teeth found in the back of your mouth. It’s likely at this point that many of your soothing techniques will fail, and you will have a very unhappy child. Try freezing vegetables and allowing your child to suck on them under supervision. The mixture of coldness and firmness can provide some relief.

Think you’re on your way to becoming a pro parent? Now that we understand the answer to, “when do babies start teething,” let’s take a look at what you can do as a parent to alleviate teething symptoms.

How to Soothe Teething Symptoms

Check out this guide for soothing your baby’s teething symptoms:

• Massage your baby’s gums. You can try your finger. The pressure on the gums can alleviate the baby’s pain.
• Hard rubber teething devices, like a rubber ring. Don’t get a liquid-filled object, as these can break.
• Cool washcloth. Don’t freeze it or make it too cold!
• Hard foods to suck on. Solid peeled vegetables work really well!
• Prevent drool irritation.
• Teething medicines. Ask your doctor first!

Remember that the Canadian Dental Association strongly recommends against rubbing painkillers directly on your child’s gums. Have your child’s teeth grown in? Check out this article on how to make brushing your child’s teeth fun!

TLDR: Patience is the Best Response to Teething Symptoms

Teething can be a daunting task for babies and parents alike. The good news is that with the right information and techniques, you can ease through this transitional period. Remember that every child is unique in how they teethe. Your child may start earlier or later. Maybe they’ll have an easier or harder time than most. As a parent, all you can do is stay updated on information, stay calm, and stay prepared.

And now, you have everything you need to manage your baby’s teething symptoms! Looking for more information? Check out this article on how pacifiers affect your baby’s teeth!

Treehouse Dental offers a range of pediatric dentistry services to fit any smile. Find one of our pediatric dentistry offices nearest to you and book your next appointment with us today.

The long days of summer are passed and Halloween is just around the corner. Soon you’ll have witches, monsters and ghouls hounding your door for candy. And if you’re lucky (or unlucky), your kid will come home with a giant bag of candy to munch on. That’s right, we know you secretly eat from their hoard! With that in mind, the whole family could use some Halloween dental tips. Don’t worry, Treehouse Dental Care has your family’s needs covered.

Our goal is to help children, youth and adolescents build the foundation they need to maintain healthy and happy smiles. That’s why we write this informational blog and provide the best pediatric dentistry in the Greater Toronto Area.

Keep reading to find out how you can keep your teeth safe this Halloween!

6 Healthy Halloween Dental Tips

With a revolution in candy happening, your child has more options to choose from, and likely gets a bigger bounty than you ever saw as a child. That’s why it’s important to think ahead for a healthy Halloween. Preparation with good habits and regular check-ups are both good ideas.

It’s a good idea to get your child in for their regular appointment before Halloween. That way we can address any issues like cavities that might get worse with a higher sugar intake.

If you’re due for regular cleaning, don’t wait to give us a call at  1-833-993-6287. Our dentists and orthodontists in Toronto, Etobicoke and Thornhill have been working with patients in the Greater Toronto Area for over forty years.

1. Daily Brushing

If you haven’t locked down this healthy habit with your kid, the best thing you can do is start now. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a CDA-accepted fluoride toothpaste will protect your child’s soft enamel from all the sugar they’re about to eat.

Don’t forget to replace your kid’s toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles fray. A worn toothbrush doesn’t do much for cleaning and can be worse for spreading bacteria. Yuck!

2. Make Your Child Floss!

Flossing is one-third of an important at-home oral hygiene routine for your child– well, for everyone. If you floss once a day, you’ll notice a big improvement in your smile. Decay-causing bacteria get stuck in hard-to-reach places. From there, they cause problems like cavities or bad breath. That’s why it’s important to floss daily. It helps remove food and plaque from between your teeth. To wrap up this Halloween dental tip, you can always try a water flosser to make the activity more fun!

Is flossing a battle in your home? Don’t worry, we’ve got some expert tips on how to get your kid flossing here.

3. Don’t Drink Sugary Beverages

These are truly the worst offenders when it comes to wearing down your enamel and cavities. While soda and pop are the worst offenders, fruit juices, sports beverages, and flavoured waters are all very bad for your child’s health. If you’re worried about the toughness of your kid’s teeth, it’s a good idea to take a break from these drinks. Or, if they’re an important part of your diet, try using a straw.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

Your body is a complex machine that is powered by the food you eat. Or, more simply put, you are what you eat! And that goes for your mouth too. If you maintain a healthy diet with balanced nutrients, then you will have a healthier smile. Fibre is particularly useful, as chewing it is similar to brushing! And don’t forget to keep hydrated! A hydrated mouth has fresh breath and cleaner teeth.

To take a look at the most common dental problems in kids and teens, our article here goes into deeper detail.

5. Choose Candy Carefully

Alright, enough of the preparation details! You want to know the Halloween dental tips you can do the night of the big event. One of the most important things you can do is to limit your child’s hard candy or candies that stay in your mouth for a long time. Aside from snacking habits, the length of time that sugary foods spend in your mouth increases the rate of tooth decay. That’s the last thing we want, so make sure you’re limiting your kid’s access to things like lollipops and suckers.

6. Promote Sugar-Free Candy

You know you love breaking the rules. Well guess what– you can keep sugar-free candy in your mouth as long as you want. That’s right. If you need to get your hard candy fix, swap some of your kid’s candy for sugar-free options. Or try handing them out at your house yourself!

Avoiding Decayed Halloween Teeth

From Halloween through to Valentine’s Day, your family is bombarded with holiday candy. There’s only so much you can do besides total absolution– and no one wants a buzzkill parent. The answer is to find a healthy balance between good habits, compromises, and healthy solutions. Pro parents always have a plan! Many dentists recommend having your family pick out their favourites and then donate the rest. Every community has children too sick or injured to go trick-or-treating. Turn some of those sugar woes into smiles for someone else this year!

Halloween Dental Tips With Treehouse Dental Care

As Halloween approaches, make sure to have an action plan ready. And in the weeks to come, build up your family’s daily healthy habits. The best defence against cavities is preparation! For example, switching to fluoride toothpaste can build back enamel! Once Halloween comes around, there are a few candies you should avoid. Stay away from hard and sticky candies, and try sugar-free alternatives. Aside from these at-home options, the best Halloween dental tip we can give you is to come down to our office for your regular appointment!

If you’re looking for more information on products you can use for your child, check out our article on toothpaste here.

And keep an eye out for Treehouse Dental Care’s blog for future updates on how you can keep your teeth safe throughout the holiday season.

Remember, Halloween is just the start of a long journey in keeping your teeth safe! Treehouse Dental has the expert information and services you need to protect your kid’s teeth.

Have you ever been standing in the shower thoughtlessly and suddenly you wonder– what are teeth even made of? Why don’t we have fangs like a vampire? And what’s going on with that flap in the back of the throat? You would think that we would all know a great deal about a body part we use so often. We eat and drink every day, and we use our teeth to speak! But they still contain many mysteries! So, here are some mindboggling and interesting facts about teeth from Treehouse Dental Care that you can share with your child (or cool friends) to make them more interested in dental care.

Establishing good habits as soon as possible is critical to long-term oral health. Treehouse Dental Care have decades of experience getting kids to enjoy their time at the dentist, so keep reading to see how you can bring that excitement into your daily routine!

10 Interesting Teeth Facts to Share With Kids

Arm yourself with these 10 facts and not only will you be the coolest person at your next office party, but you’ll also excite and energize your child into better oral health habits.

1. They are the toughest part of your body

Your teeth go through an incredible amount of wear and tear throughout your life. And with good luck and proper care, they endure it for the most part. That’s because your teeth are made of Calcium and Phosphate, which is what your bones are made of. What makes the enamel of your teeth even stronger are special proteins and minerals that boost hardness and durability. That makes them the hardest part of your body!

2. Plaque is the enemy

It doesn’t take long for plaque to become a big problem. The longer you leave plaque in your mouth, the more risk to your health. It only takes just 40 hours of not regular brushing and flossing for plaque to start mineralizing. In just a few days, that turns to tartar. And you know that can’t be good! So brush and floss and conquer dentists’ greatest foe!

3. Your teeth are really unique

Just like your fingerprints, your teeth are so unique they can identify you! That’s right, you are the sole owner of your smile! No one else can do it as well as you can, so you might as well flash it proudly whenever you can!

4. Floss is tough stuff

Of course, you can imagine floss used to clean your teeth, but in a tough spot, it can work other miracles. A West Virginian inmate once used it to braid a rope and escape in 1992!

5. There’s nothing like a pearly white smile

Many studies have revealed that a majority of people are attracted to others by their smile alone. And here’s a bonus fact just for fun. You use more muscles when you smile than when you frown!

5 More of The Strangest Teeth Facts

Alright, we started out easy. But these next facts will really stick in your head! Keep reading to learn about Neolithic dentists and the insane tooth production of a shark!

Sometimes fun teeth facts aren’t enough. So if you’re looking for some games to play that encourage kids to brush their teeth, check out our article here.

6. Humans didn’t struggle with crooked teeth until agriculture was invented

According to the bone record, scientists have deduced that it wasn’t until farming became a mainstay for Homo sapiens that crooked teeth appeared in fossils. As humans shifted from hunting and gathering to softer foods that required less chewing, the theory states that our jaws slowly became shorter and wider over time. But our teeth haven’t caught up with this change just yet, and that’s why they can sometimes have alignment issues.

7. The oldest known filling in the world is 6,500 years old and it’s made of beeswax

The fillings belong to a Neolithic man, around 24 to 30 years old. Scientists noticed that one of his teeth had a crack fitted with a perfectly sized cap of beeswax. That suggests that Neolithic humans may have used the materials to fill their cavities! Can you imagine a Neolithic dentist?

8. Your salivary glands work overdrive

Before vomiting, your salivary glands flood your mouth. Have you ever noticed that you sometimes drool before being sick? That’s an ancient physiological reaction designed to protect your mouth, teeth included, from the harmful acidic contents of your stomach. It’s like an automated-internal security system for your teeth!

9. Sharks grow their teeth back endlessly

What’s a shark without its deadly bite? Something in between a seal and a whale, we’d guess. Lucky for these deadly predators, sharks can replace old or missing teeth over and over again. On average, a shark will produce 20,000-40,000 teeth over its lifetime. So count yourself lucky the human teething period is so short compared to sharks!

10. Knocked your tooth out? It can be saved if you’re fast and lucky!

Only consider the following interesting fact in emergency situations! Seriously, call a dentist if you lose your tooth. That being said, there are cases of knocked-out teeth reattaching. It only works if the tooth is cleaned and very gently and accurately pushed back into the socket. The human body has an incredible healing capacity.

Why It Is Important to Get Your Child Excited About Dental Care

Establishing proper oral hygiene habits in your child as soon as possible is very important. The earlier that regular brushing and flossing becomes a normal, everyday thing, the easier it is for your child to maintain those habits into adulthood. And by getting your child excited about their teeth, you’re leading by example. Your enthusiasm is infectious! You’ll probably find yourself improving your own habits yourself after reading these interesting facts. So share them with your child and get them thinking about their teeth in an interesting and positive way.

Here are some tips you can try to help your child get excited about brushing and flossing their teeth:

• Use music! Play an educational and fun song about teeth brushing, or play a fun song that everyone can jam out to when it’s time to brush their teeth.
• Set a reward. It doesn’t have to be large or even an item. Using simple rewards for brushing teeth can be a very effective strategy to promote good habits. Positive feedback goes a long way!
• Invent a story. Use your knowledge of oral health to make up a story about your super strong teeth and the need to protect them from the bad guys: plaque and tartar. If you can make it fun enough, you’ll find your child eager to brush their teeth and defeat them once and for all!

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get your child excited about brushing and flossing their teeth. All you need to do is use some interesting facts about teeth and inventive delivery to get them regularly taking care of their teeth.

Get More Interesting Teeth Facts With Treehouse Dental

You can safely bet that when you come into our offices across the GTA, you’ll be met with dental jokes and facts in abundance. And we only scratched the surface in this article! So keep an eye out on our blog for more crazy teeth facts, or contact us to book an appointment and get them in person.

Treehouse Dental Care has offices in Etobicoke, Thornhill and Toronto. Our pediatric specialists, dentists, and orthodontists take pride in ensuring a positive experience for every child we welcome into our fun and safe offices. If you’re looking to give your child a good start on their smile journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Or take a closer look at our services here so you can see our comprehensive approach to pediatric dentistry.

Parents love nothing more than to see their children smile. But that beautiful sight can quickly turn into a cause for concern if your child’s gums are showing signs of infection.

According to Boston Children’s Hospital, gum disease in kids far more common than most might assume. The BCH states that 50% of kids will develop gum disease and 75% of all people will develop gum disease at some stage in their life. That means that kids are, in fact, likeliest to get some form of gum disease.

Fortunately, with a little regular dental and oral care, you can enjoy your child’s smile without having to worry about their gums.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease—or what your child’s dentist calls periodontal disease—is a bacterial infection of the gums. The infection can range from mild to severe, requiring varying levels of treatment to correct.

Gum disease destroys gum tissue and the supporting “infrastructure”. It causes tooth decay which ultimately leads to cavities—or dental caries—and, eventually, even destruction of the tooth root. In severe cases, gum disease can lead to permanent tooth loss and the need for more invasive corrective procedures.

What causes gum disease?

There are many causes of gum disease but they all, essentially, stem from poor oral health. The main cause of periodontal disease is dental plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums.

Bacteria builds up on our teeth and gums all the time and, if left alone, hardens into tartar—a mineralized buildup of bacteria that only your dentist can remove. Brushing and flossing is the best way to regularly remove plaque buildup before it can harden into tartar and cause infection.

Certain factors can increase your child’s chances of developing gum disease. Poor diet, lack of exercise, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, genetics, autoimmune disorders, puberty, bruxism and some medications can all increase your child’s risk of developing gum disease.

A recent study found some evidence to suggest that vaping—popular with youth and teens—does increase the risk of developing gum disease.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

The symptoms of gum disease vary depending on the severity of the infection. Most children have a milder form on gum disease called gingivitis but, if left untreated, gingivitis can become more severe.

Children and teens are less likely to be able to describe their discomfort in detail so parents have to keep a keen eye on their children’s teeth. The symptoms of gum disease include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Swelling and inflammation of the gums
• Bleeding while brushing and flossing
• Receding gumline
• Change in biting and chewing habits
• Pus between teeth
• Loose teeth
• Large or widening spaces between teeth

It’s easy to mistake gingivitis and periodontal disease with other oral and dental health related issues. If you believe that your child has gingivitis, the best thing to do is to book an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist.

Your child’s dentist will conduct a careful examination and, if necessary, an x-ray to determine the extent of any possible infection.

How is gum disease in children and teens treated?

As with most other diseases, early detection and treatment of periodontal disease is the best remedy to restore a healthy smile. How, exactly, your child’s dentist will treat their infection depends on their age, medical history, severity of infection and overall health.

• Oral and Dental Cleaning

For milder cases of periodontitis, your child’s dentist will likely only need to perform a routine dental cleaning. Nevertheless, the presence of gingivitis could be an indicator that your child either needs to make more regular trips to the dentist’s office or that they need to make adjustments to their dental care routine.

During this visit, your child’s dentist will perform a “deep clean” on your child’s teeth called scaling and root planing. This procedure involves the removal of hardened plaque and tarter from the surface of the teeth and the underlying tooth roots and hard tissues that have become infected with bacteria.

• Antibiotics

If simple scaling and root planing aren’t sufficient to treat a gingival infection, then your child’s dentist may prescribe medication. Antibiotics will work to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The medication can either be topical, i.e., applied to the site of infection, or oral in the form of antibiotic pills.

It’s important that your child’s dentist know their medical history and their overall health so that they can prescribe the right antibiotics for your child.

• Surgery

In more severe cases, your child’s dentist may have to perform oral surgery. Root canals, guided tissue regeneration, flap surgery and gum grafts are just some of the procedures that your child’s dentist may recommend.

Your child’s dentist should also take measures to prevent gum disease from worsening or recurring such as upgrading your child’s dental care tools or scheduling follow-up appointments.

Treehouse Dental Brightens Smiles

The best way to keep your child’s smile healthy and free of infection is to ensure that they stay on top of their regular brushing and flossing. At Treehouse Dental, we specialize in helping your child to smile as brightly as they can. Book your child’s next appointment with us today and prevent gum disease from ever taking root!

Getting your kids to eat a healthy diet that is rich in leafy greens and low in added sugars is a struggle most parents have every time the dinner bell chimes. It often seems like the only foods that children are interested in eating consist entirely of ingredients you’d need a doctorate to pronounce properly.

Now, parents know that the foods they eat affect their smiles but kids might not be so knowledgeable about the latest research in dentistry. But, speaking from experience, we know that kids would be less inclined to eat sugary foods if they knew that those unhealthy snacks brought them closer to braces with every bite.

The good news for our children, however, is that there are more foods and beverages that brighten smiles than there are snacks that dampen them. Get plenty of these foods that are good for oral health into your child’s diet and watch them chew and smile—maybe after they’ve flossed.

Fruits and Vegetables

Unless the fruits are dipped in chocolate and the vegetables are smothered in cheese, your kids probably aren’t interested in anything that grew on a tree or in a bush. But, even if they have to plug their little noses, kids need fruits and vegetables.

• Apples and Pears

Apples and pears are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintaining oral and dental health. Both of these fruits are loaded with vitamins C and K and minerals such as riboflavin and thiamin that your body needs for healthy circulation and healthier smiles. Additionally, these fibrous fruits have the added benefit of removing plaque from teeth… but you’ll still need to brush and floss to remove food particles.

• Citrus Fruits

Any parent who has read about the negative effects of acidic foods on tooth enamel probably tries to keep the lemon wedges away from their child’s teeth. While citrus fruit are, definitely, acidic and we don’t recommend sucking on lemon wedges, citrus fruits are super fruits for young smiles. Oranges and tangerines, for example, have tons of calcium that dairy-weary kids might not get elsewhere.

• Dark, Leafy and Crunchy Greens

Vegetables such as carrots, celery, spinach, kale and the much-maligned broccoli are nature’s natural teeth whiteners. These vegetables are rich in all kinds of vitamins and minerals that teeth need to shine brightly and much like apples and pears, they remove plaque from teeth.

Dairy

You’ve probably been hearing, ever since you were, yourself, a child, that you need calcium to build strong bones. Even though teeth are not, strictly technically speaking, bones, you also need calcium to build strong teeth. Fortunately, dairy products are high in calcium and vitamins. They’re also delicious—the nutritious part is just an added benefit.

• Cheeses

Cheese isn’t just high in calcium, it’s also full of proteins that your teeth need to build enamel and dentin. Along with yogurt and milk, cheese also increases the production of saliva which is crucial for washing away bad bacteria and remineralizing tooth enamel.

• Yogurt

We’ve talked a lot about vitamins and minerals but yogurt brings something else to the smile party. Rich in probiotics, yogurt helps to reduce bad bacteria in the mouth and wards off gingivitis, gum disease and even bad breath. Yogurt also rebalances your mouth’s pH level, further reducing the presence of bad bacteria… and bad breath.

Beverages

Most of the harmful sugars that your child is consuming probably come from the processed fruit juices and soda drinks they guzzle like Hummers at a gas station. But there are some beverages that can brighten their smile.

• Water

Nothing beats water when it comes to a healthy smile. Drinking water washes away harmful bacteria and loosens food particles in the mouth. It’s also just plain refreshing on a hot summer day. Staying hydrated increases saliva production and reduces the risk of developing gum diseases. If regular old water is too boring for your child, try to make it more exciting with fruit-flavoured ice cubes and a stick of cinnamon—it’s the perfect kiddy cocktail!

• Tea

Both black tea and green tea have strong antimicrobial properties that are great for oral health. Needless to say, for your children you’ll want to go with the caffeine-free options—unless you want to play “tea party” well into the wee hours of the morning.

• Natural Fruit Juices

You can squeeze most of the vitamins and minerals found in fruits into a tall glass of pure, no sugar added, natural fruit juice. For kids that squeamish about textures or picky about vegetables, fresh, cold-pressed fruit juices are a nifty way to mask things they don’t like and give them the things they need.

Try the Treehouse Dental Diet

Even we adults sneak in a chocolate bar or two—or three—on occasion so it’s perfectly understandable that kids would as well. While diet is important for oral and dental health, nothing is more important than regular brushing and flossing and trips to dentist’s office. Learn more about our pediatric dentistry services and try the Treehouse Dental diet.