Parents ought to know that tooth decay affects children in the U.S. more than any other chronic infectious disease. Dr. Pankaj Singh regularly visits schools to teach kids how to brush their teeth, accompanied by a large stuffed alligator on which he demonstrates how to brush. Here are his tips.

Dental health tips for kids

How do you get kids to brush their teeth? There are toothbrushes that light up for the amount of time the kids should be brushing for. And toothbrushes that sing songs for as long as you should be brushing. My philosophy is TELL, SHOW, DO: TELL them why they need to brush their teeth, SHOW them the right way, DO it with them. Other parents have had success by having their kids practice on a favorite doll first, or brushing in the bath where kids can’t get away, or even singing them their favorite song. If they bite down on the brush or try to run off, you stop singing. As a last resort you can even do it in front of a favorite TV show or movie.

When should you start brushing your kids teeth? As soon as the first tooth comes in you should be wiping down your kids mouth with a damp cloth. Switch to a soft kids size toothbrush as more teeth come in.

How much toothpaste should they use? What kind? Just a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste will do the trick. Don’t use fluoride toothpaste until your kid is over 2. Stick to a pea-sized amount, kids who swallow too much fluoride before the age of 6 can have white spots on their permanent teeth! There are tons of flavors, from bubble gum to watermelon.

Do you need a fluoride supplement? Probably not, especially if your water has fluoride. If you have city water, you can check your water districts billing statement for the utilities contact info. If you have well water you can have it tested at a lab; local health districts often have testing capabilities. Always check with your dentist or pediatrician about your kids fluoride needs before giving a supplement.

What are dental sealants? Should my kid get them? Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves. They are best for permanent teeth – they should be applied shortly after the permanent back teeth come in, before they have a chance to decay. They last 5-10 years and should be checked by your dentist at your regular visit.

What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out? Find the tooth and rinse it gently in milk or saliva. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap, use just water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

What if my child has a toothache? Call your dentist promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area.

About Dr. Singh:

Dr. Pankaj Singh is an innovator, educator, author and pioneer in the field of dentistry. The founder and CEO of Arch Dental Associates, Dr. Singh specializes in implant, sedation and restorative dentistry, dental sleep medicine and facial aesthetics. In addition to overseeing his three premier New York dental practices in Manhattan, Huntington and Garden City, Dr. Singh is an attending doctor and serves as faculty at LIJ/NS University Hospital in the Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Surgery. He has also served as associate professor in the International Dental Program at NYU College of Dentistry.

Chewing sugarless gum can have a positive effect on your teeth and gums. The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. Saliva acts as a cleanser, washing away food particles and neutralizing the acid that can lead to cavities.

If you chew sugarless gum after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Remember, no matter how much gum you chew, it’s never a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

If you are a regular gum-chewer be aware of the potential for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems caused by frequent and long-term chewing. If you notice any aching, popping or other discomfort in or around your jaw, take a break from the gum- chewing, and give us a call.

Did you know that stress can leave a lasting impact on your oral health? In fact, stress can affect your teeth and gums, which in turn affects your overall health. There is mounting evidence that there is a strong link between gum disease and stress and related psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression and loneliness. Studies suggest that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol which weaken the immune system, create conditions that are ripe for bacteria from plaque to invade the gums. If you are experiencing chronic stress, pay attention to your oral health to avoid long-term problems.

Stress has been associated with canker sores, teeth grinding, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, TMJ and gum disease - with gum disease being the most serious.

Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, painful chewing and bad breath. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and loss of bone in the jaw. Dr. Pankaj Singh, director of Arch Dental Associates states that "Individuals with high stress levels tend to increase their bad habits, which can be harmful to periodontal health. They are less attentive to their oral hygiene and may increase their use of nicotine, alcohol or drugs. Patients should seek healthy ways to relieve stress through exercise, balanced eating, plenty of sleep and maintaining a positive mental attitude." Patients who minimize stress may be at less risk for periodontal diseases.

If you are experiencing stress you can take these preventative measures to protect your oral and overall health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least three minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue.
• Floss everyday
• Regular visits to your dentist is extremely important in helping keep your mouth healthy. Schedule cleanings at least twice a year.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar that plaque-causing bacteria feed on.
• Rinse thoroughly after every meal
• Exercise regularly
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep

For many people, a bright, white smile is a great confidence booster. For many of our patients, simply maintaining proper oral hygiene and regular visits to our office for cleanings are enough to keep their smile healthy. Those looking to help improve the aesthetics of their smile with whiter teeth should consider the professional teeth whitening procedures we offer at our practice.

While teeth whitening is safe for most people, there are factors worth considering before beginning professional whitening treatment:

- The degree of tooth staining can affect how successful the whitening treatment will be. Dark stains may not bleach as well as lighter, yellow stains.

- Individuals with tooth-colored fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding and bridges should keep in mind that these materials do not whiten. Using a whitening product on teeth that contain these types of restorations can result in uneven whitening. At Arch Dental Associates, we can share with you additional information about the professional tooth whitening procedures that can help you achieve your desired results.