how to get kids to brush their teeth

What Makes Me Smile Art Exhibit

– Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD is offering children 18 years or under a chance to create works of art centered around the theme ‘What Makes Me Smile’. The exhibit is free of charge and will be hosted at Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, 8016 Summerlin Lakes Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907 on Saturday, July 30 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and is open to the general public.

“Art can inspire those to do great things, it takes patience, practice, and persistence,” said Dr. Verwest. “It teaches us different viewpoints, understanding and mental growth valuable for development of children”.

There will be one (1) $100 and one (1) $50 winner from each of four categories including, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School.  Any type of art will be considered. Winners will be selected by a panel of local arts and entertainment industry judges.

The deadline for art submissions is Wednesday, July 20, 2016 and may be submitted to Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers with your name, age, school, and why your art makes you smile.

Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for over 26 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com or (239) 482-2722.

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Caring for your children’s teeth

Start dental visits during infancy

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child to the dentist before his or her first birthday. At this initial visit, the dentist will:

  • check your child’s teeth for decay and signs of early developmental problems;
  • explain how to care for your child’s teeth; and
  • answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Children should see a dentist every six months. To help your child develop a positive attitude about the dentist:

  • Take your child with you when you go in for a checkup so he/she can get used to the office and its staff.
  • Avoid using negative words such as “needle” and “hurt.”
  • “Play dentist” to familiarize your child with what takes place during a visit.
  • Ask your dentist how he or she explains procedures to children.
  • Answer your child’s questions honestly and sensitively.

Caring for an infant’s teeth

Cleaning a child’s teeth should begin when the first tooth is visible, because teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth.

Wipe the baby’s teeth and gums clean after every feeding with a soft, damp washcloth or gauze pad. A leading cause of tooth decay among young children is known as “baby bottle syndrome.” When an infant is allowed to drink from a nursing bottle containing milk, formula or fruit juice during nap time or at night, the baby often falls asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth. Exposure to the sugars and acids in these liquids that pool around the teeth can cause discoloration and decay.

Since breast milk contains sugar, decay also can occur when a baby falls asleep while breast-feeding. To prevent damage to the teeth, clean your child’s teeth after each feeding and, if necessary, give him or her a bottle filled only with water at bedtime or during a nap.

Eating and drinking habits are key to healthy teeth

Studies have shown that children who drink fluoridated water from birth have up to 65 percent fewer cavities, and by the time they become teenagers, many of them still have no tooth decay.

If you live in a community without a fluoridated water supply, you can make sure your kids get their fluoride by using tablets, drops or gel and by having topical fluoride treatments applied at the dental office (to check whether your drinking water contains fluoride, call your local water company or health department). Using a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse is also effective.

A balanced diet is also an important contributor to healthy teeth and gums. Children especially need calcium, which helps build strong teeth. Good sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yogurt. Research shows that eating cheese after meals seems to inhibit the effects of decay-causing acids. Avoid snacks containing sugar or starch.

By age 3

Children should be brushing their own teeth under adult supervision. Only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is necessary. Start flossing your child’s teeth daily when all the primary teeth are in or when teeth are touching each other.

By age 8

Children should be able to brush and floss by themselves, with occasional checks. Turn brushing and flossing into a daily routine — make it fun by giving your child a colorful toothbrush and bubble gum-flavored floss.

With a parent’s guidance and proper personal and professional care, children have a good foundation for maintaining healthy teeth.

Caring for teeth with braces

Braces are often placed in patients between 10 and 14 years of age to correct crooked or overcrowded teeth. “The benefits of braces are many,” says Ken Sutherland, DDS, Delta Dental senior dental consultant. “Straight teeth, an attractive smile, improved dental function and, often, improved overall health are all results of wearing braces.”

Below are some answers to questions about staying comfortable and healthy while wearing braces.

Why is good oral hygiene with braces so important? Food and plaque can get trapped in the tiny spaces between braces and wires, causing decay and enamel stains. Food can also react with the bacteria in your mouth and the metal in the braces to produce a bleaching effect, which can cause small, permanent light spots on the teeth.

How should teeth and braces be cleaned? It is best to brush after every meal and use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss (available at drug stores) at least once a day to clean between braces and under wires. Check your teeth in a mirror to make sure all food particles are gone. If you don’t have your toothbrush with you, rinse your mouth vigorously with water.

How do braces feel? The wires that are used to move teeth into position are usually tightened at each visit to the dentist or orthodontist. This causes pressure on the teeth and some discomfort. Eating soft foods and taking a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®, for instance), can help. Also, braces can rub against the inside of the lips. If this is a problem, a special wax can be placed on the wires to keep them from chafing (available from your dentist or orthodontist and at drug stores).

How long do braces have to be worn? It depends on how complicated the spacing or occlusion (bite) problem is. Most braces are worn for 18 to 30 months. After the braces are removed, the patient wears a retainer, which is used to maintain the position of the teeth while setting and aligning the tissues that surround the newly-straightened teeth.

Should any foods be avoided? Yes. Sweets, soda and other sugary and starchy foods can promote tooth decay and gum disease. Sticky and chewy foods (caramel, taffy, chewing gum, dried fruits) can stick to braces and be difficult to remove. Biting and chewing hard foods, such as some candies and nuts, ice, beef jerky and popcorn, can break wires and loosen brackets. Avoid damaging wires on the front teeth by cutting carrots, apples and other crunchy, healthy foods into bite-sized chunks before eating them.

Baby pacifiers: Pros and cons

Should parents let their infant use a pacifier? According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), there are benefits as well as a downside to baby pacifiers.

On the positive side, pacifiers provide a source of comfort to infants. Pacifiers can also assist in reducing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, according to the AGD. Because babies with pacifiers sleep less deeply than those who sleep without pacifiers, they can be aroused from a deep sleep that could result in the stopping of breathing.

The downside of pacifiers is the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth. Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth and create problems with tooth alignment. Parents who give their baby a pacifier should consider these points:

  • Restrict pacifier use to when the infant needs to fall asleep.
  • Look for a pacifier with ventilation holes in the shield, as they permit air passage. This is important if the pacifier accidentally becomes lodged in the child’s throat.
  • Always clean the pacifier before giving it to a child.

Breaking the pacifier habit

The AGD recommends that children stop using pacifiers by age two. (Up until that age, any alignment problem with the teeth or the developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use is stopped.)

Breaking the habit is not always easy. Here are a few suggestions for helping a child wean from the pacifier:

  • Dip the pacifier in white vinegar.
  • Pierce the top of the pacifier or cut it shorter to reduce sucking satisfaction.
  • Leave it behind on a trip.

Always throw away a used pacifier; it is not sanitary for another child to use or to save.

An apple a day may keep the dentist away

Dietary habits of schoolchildren encourage an increase in sugar intake leading to a greater risk of cavities, reports the Academy of General Dentistry.

Over a 15-month period, researchers tracked the dietary habits and monitored the teeth of preschool children before and after the start of school. Results show that decayed, missing or filled teeth and initial cavities of the children jumped from 9.7 (at age five) to 15.3 cavities (at age six), an increase of 5.6 cavities within one year. Over the length of the study, the percentage of cavity-free schoolchildren dropped from 23 to 19 percent.

The easiest way parents can help children prevent tooth decay and cavities at school is to monitor their eating habits. For example, parents can offer their children healthy snack alternatives, such as apples, bite-size carrots or other foods that are naturally sweet, and instruct children to avoid candies, chocolate, caramels, chocolate milk and other foods that contain refined sugar. Cavity-causing organisms feed on sugar and turn it into acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Sticky, chewy candy especially can linger on teeth throughout the day. If children do happen to eat sugary snacks at lunch, they should brush and rinse with water or eat a piece of fruit to help clean teeth surfaces and gums.

Also, parents should find out what their child’s school lunch program offers. If programs do not offer healthy alternatives, talk to the school about incorporating healthy lunches or snacks.

Finally, parents should consider professionally-applied sealants as another way to protect children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, a thin coating of bonding material applied over a tooth, act as a barrier to cavity-causing bacteria. They can be put on as soon as the child’s first permanent molars (back teeth) appear.

Dr. Ascune Joins Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers

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Dr. Leanet Ascunce, DMD has joined Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD.  Dr. Ascunce obtained her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Ascunce is a graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Dentistry and completed her general practice residency program at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida International University.

Her professional affiliations include The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American and Florida Dental Associations.

Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, is located in Ft. Myers and Port Charlotte. Dr. Verwest continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for the last 25 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com or (239) 482-2722.

Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

In recent years electric toothbrushes have gained increasing popularity among young adults and children.  Some parents have questioned if electric toothbrushes work better than just a manual toothbrush.  There are pros and cons to which one effectively works better at removing plaque from teeth. Technique is a key component when deciding which kind of toothbrush is best for you and your family.  For children, technique is often problematic in brushing teeth.  So if a child does not have the dexterity to manually brush all tooth surfaces properly, he/she will still not be able to do so with an electric toothbrush. Parental assistance is recommended, and  helping your child is more beneficial than an electric or a manual toothbrush. We recommend allowing your child to brush his or her teeth first and a parent help finish brushing at the end. Have your child lie down on the floor with his/her head in your lap.  This allows you easier access and better visibility to your child’s teeth.  When helping your child, the toothbrush should be aimed at the gum line using a 45 degree angle.  Brushing should last a minimum of two minutes. Of the electric toothbrushes on the market, research suggests that an electric toothbrush that rotates is best.  This process is known as rotating and oscillating. The rotating and oscillating action removes more plaque and reduces gingivitis more effectively than a manual toothbrush. Whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, select a brush with soft bristles.  Be sure to replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles are no longer straight and firm.  Replacing your toothbrush is essential because an old brush’s bristles are no longer in the correct position to effectively clean teeth.  Also, using a toothbrush that is size appropriate for your child is important.  If you choose to use an electric toothbrush for your kids, Oral B Professional or a Sonicare for Kids is a great choice for an electric toothbrush.

Reasons to Brush!

With the aid of dental floss, and mouthwash is brushing twice a day still necessary? Absolutely. In fact, twice is the minimum number of brushing recommended by the American Dental Association brushing after every meal is even better. Here are five reasons why the old-fashioned or electric-powered toothbrush remains an essential part of the morning and evening routines. They are great motivators to keep the fingers pointing to the bathroom sink when the little ones insist on going straight to bed. BACTERIA BUILDS UP! Food particles accumulate in the mouth every time you have something to eat. The acids produced as bacteria break down eventually cause damage to the enamel. Don’t give bacteria a 24-hour free pass! Brushing twice a day dramatically reduces the amount of time bacteria can build up on your kids’ teeth. Also, because the cleansing benefit of saliva production decreases at night, brushing before bed is even more important.TARTAR HARDENS! Tartar is one reason why professional cleanings are necessary. Tartar, or calcified plaque, is no match for the ordinary toothbrush. But the ordinary toothbrush is an every day superhero in the sense that using it regularly removes plaque – before it has the chance to harden. PROTECT YOUR GUMS, PROTECT YOUR HEART! Who doesn’t love a good massage? Treat your gums to one each time you brush. Brushing along the gum line is just as important as brushing the surface of the teeth. Research shows that periodontal disease can lead to a range of other problems, from cardiovascular disease and bone degeneration to tooth shifting and sensitivity. FRESH BREATH! Do your kids know the meaning of halitosis? If so, its mere mention probably inspires a scrunched-up face and the expression: “eww.” No one wants bad breath. Brushing twice a day helps maintain a fresh mouth, contributing to a boost in confidence and feelings of well-being.

Motivating Kids to Care for Their Teeth

We can teach children how to brush their teeth, but convincing them to do it is another story.  We talk to people all of the time who are just tired and worn out from battling their kids about brushing their teeth.  To help you out, here are 5 practical tips for winning the war:

Monkey see, monkey do.

Lead by example.  Kids are always copying what their parents do.  Show your kids consistency in your own oral health habits and they’ll follow suit.  Even more, show them that you are proud of your smile and take pride in keeping it healthy and they’ll do the same.

Let them pick their poison.

Make a special trip to the store for your little one to select their very own toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash.  Put extra emphasis on it being completely theirs.  They’ll enjoy the fact that they have something that no one else can use.

Put a little fun into it.

Make up a song or game  to go along with their brushing and flossing routine.  By infusing energy, laughter, and play into the process, they’ll learn to associate brushing with a fun time.

Teach them why.

Instead of only teaching children how to brush, teach them why they should brush.  Put it in children’s terms and tell them that they have to brush away the “sugar bugs” before they attack their teeth and make them dirty. There’s even plaque-revealing mouthwash to show them exactly where the “sugar bugs” are.

Role reversal.

They say you’re an expert in a subject once you can teach it.  Let your child teach YOU how to brush, or have them pretend with their stuffed animal.  If they can teach it well, then they’ve learned it well.

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4 Reasons You SHOULDN’T Give In to a Child Who Refuses to Brush their Teeth

It’s just another normal morning routine — getting the kids out of bed on time, making breakfast, getting everyone dressed, and – of course – the screaming, kicking, and crying that comes with brushing your kid’s teeth. You’re just not in the mood to pick that battle today and, really, what’s the harm?

Think again. Here are 4 reasons why you shouldn’t – and can’t afford to – give in to a child who refuses to brush their teeth.

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1. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. 

Well, you can, but why leave it up to chance?  Maybe you’re hoping that once your kids get older, they’ll adopt good oral hygiene habits on their own. It’s better to start these habits when they’re young and they’re more apt to continue them for the rest of their lives.

2. Permanent teeth can be damaged by baby teeth. 

If the baby tooth is decaying into the roots beneath the gum, the new permanent tooth may be resting upon the decaying baby tooth and begin decaying itself.  If a baby tooth is lost to decay before a permanent tooth is ready to replace it, other baby teeth will fill the empty space and cause crowding when the permanent teeth eventually do come in.

3. Tooth decay affects a child’s education. 

60-90% of school-age children currently have cavities, and over 51 million school hours are missed each year because of this tooth decay.  Let’s break it down even further — in your child’s classroom of 25 kids, 15 of them have at least one cavity.  Furthermore, kids aren’t always able to express their pain and discomfort accurately to their parents, so many of these cavities go untreated.

4. Poor oral hygiene leads to a slew of long-term health consequences. 

The mouth is often referred to as the “window to your overall health.” So if your mouth is suffering, it’s likely that it doesn’t just stop there. Among the dangers of poor oral hygiene are an increased risk of heart attack, increased risk of stroke, increased risk of dementia, severe diabetes mellitus, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease.

Don’t leave the choice up to them!  After all, what child enjoys having their teeth brushed?