Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Four Things You Should Definitely Share With Your Child's Dentist

10 September 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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At your child's regular dental checkups, their dentist will look over their teeth and gums for any signs of a problem. However, your child's dentist will also rely, in part, on information from the parents to assess whether your child is taking good care of their teeth and whether any issues may be emerging. So it's important to share any pertinent information about your child's dental health, habits, and overall health with the dentist, which includes the following.

1. Whether your child is willing to brush their teeth

Some kids love brushing their teeth and will spend plenty of time doing it without you having to beg. Others basically refuse to brush at all. Make sure you tell your child's dentist how willing they are to brush, and whether you ever struggle to convince them to brush. This way, if the dentists spot any problems like early-stage gum disease or cavities, they will know whether it's due to a lack of dental hygiene or some other problems. They can also help encourage an unwilling child to brush more often. Sometimes encouragement coming from the dentist, rather than from the parent, is more meaningful to the child.

2. If your child eats a lot of candy

It's no secret that candy is bad for your child's teeth. However, there are times when you may have a hard time controlling your child's intake, such as if your child gets candy at school or is given candy by a less-careful spouse. It's okay to be honest with the dentist about the situation. They should not make you feel guilty, but they can offer some advice to ensure the candy your child eats has less of an impact on your child's teeth.

3. If your child takes any medications

Many medications have an impact on dental health. Corticosteroids for asthma, for instance, may lead to a dry mouth, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities. Make sure your dentist knows what medications your child is taking so they know what side effects to be on the lookout for. If they do notice side effects, they may be able to work with your child's regular doctor to adjust the prescription and minimize risk to the teeth.

4. If your child is scared to see the dentist

Definitely let the dentist know if your child is nervous for their appointment! This way, they can take their time and put your child's mind at ease, which makes the appointment easier on everyone. 

Talk to a family dental clinic like RTC Dental for more information on taking care of your child's teeth.