Will
Thumb Sucking or Using a Pacifier Hurt My Child’s Teeth?

Thumb sucking and pacifier use can be comforting and soothing to infants and toddlers, but they can also have long-term effects on your little one’s teeth. While most children outgrow these habits, it’s important to be aware of potential oral health risks. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to provide you with information and support to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

Understanding Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common among young children. They provide a sense of comfort and a means to self-soothe. Most children naturally stop these oral habits between the ages of two and four with no permanent harm to their teeth and jaws. 

If thumb sucking and pacifier use continue for an extended period, they may result in a host of oral health problems. We highly recommend tapering off these habits at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends reducing thumb sucking and pacifier use by 18 months of age.

What Are the Oral Health Risks of Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use?

Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can interfere with your child’s oral health development. The extent of harm will depend on how aggressively your child sucks on the thumb or pacifier. The pressure from sucking can cause changes to the roof of the mouth. It can also push the teeth out of position and cause changes in your child’s bite and the shape of the mouth, often leading to misaligned teeth, an overbite, or an open bite. These problems can lead to speech, eating, and sometimes even breathing difficulties. 

Breaking Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habits

While most kids give up thumb and pacifier sucking on their own, some may need a little help. The most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude and keep in mind that encouragement goes a long way. Take the time to celebrate every milestone and moment of success. Never resort to punishment or scolding, which may backfire. 

Weaning your child off a pacifier or thumb sucking starts from a young age. Keep the pacifier away when you feel your baby does not need self-soothing. Offer other distractions, such as teething rings, mobiles, or rattles. When your child is a toddler, choose a day to celebrate being a “big kid” and pack away all the pacifiers. Offer another comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or lovey in their place. When it comes to thumb sucking, parents may find it helpful to place a bandaid on the thumb during the day and mittens over the hands during sleep. 

Keep in mind that children suck on their thumbs or pacifiers when they are anxious, insecure, or in need of comfort. Focus on the causes of anxiety and help your child find other ways to self-soothe when tired or stressed. Remember, rewards go a long way. Give your child a sticker, a small toy, or a favorite treat to celebrate every success!

Compassionate Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you need more tips, talk to your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We may recommend an oral appliance or behavioral therapy. We will help you find solutions to break unwanted oral habits to prevent long-term dental complications. We are all about keeping your child’s smile healthy and sound. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

What
Kinds of Candy Are the Most Damaging to Teeth?

Most children find candy irresistible, which unfortunately increases the risk of damage to their teeth. However, sweets are not equal in terms of the harm they inflict on your child’s oral health. Some pose less of a threat than others, so it’s important to know the types of candy that are most detrimental to your child’s smile and health.

How Do Cavities Develop?

The human mouth is filled with bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, sugary treats provide an abundant food supply for cavity-causing bacteria, which, after feasting, produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, forming holes known as cavities that worsen over time if left untreated.

What Types of Candy Are the Most Damaging to Teeth?

The worst types of candy are the chewy, gummy, or sticky ones, which get stuck between your child’s teeth and in the grooves and crevices of the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars. However hard your child brushes, the sticky material is almost impossible to remove, leaving the teeth susceptible to bacteria and acid attacks.

Sour candy is not much better for your child’s oral health. It is highly acidic, leaving your tooth enamel weaker and more vulnerable to cavities. Hard candies are also harmful. They contain high levels of sugar that promote bacteria activity in the mouth. Moreover, biting down on a jawbreaker or a lollipop can break or fracture a tooth, allowing bacteria to enter the inner parts, wreaking havoc on your child’s oral health.

What Are Better Candy Choices?

While it’s best to limit any candy, some types pose less of a threat to your child’s oral health. These include chocolate, especially dark chocolate, which melts away quickly and is easy to rinse or brush off. Dark chocolate is rich in calcium and is relatively low in sugar levels. Furthermore, it is made from cocoa beans, which contain compounds that fight bacteria and plaque. So dark chocolate is a go-to choice if your child has the urge to enjoy a sweet treat.

Sugar-free chewing gum sweetened with xylitol is also a good choice for your child’s smile. In fact, the chewing action increases saliva production, which helps rinse bacteria and food debris away. Moreover, xylitol is a natural sweetener that neutralizes acid-producing bacteria.

Tips on Maintaining Your child’s Healthy Smile

If you have to give your child a sweet treat, do so right after a meal instead of snacking throughout the day. That reduces the amount of time the sugar stays in contact with your little one’s teeth, limiting the harm. Moreover, the saliva produced during a meal helps counter the effects of consuming candy.

Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day and flosses daily. However, avoid doing so right after eating candy, which increases the harmful effects of the acid. Instead, have your child rinse thoroughly and wait at least an hour before brushing. Better yet, consider trading candy for healthy treats, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, or nuts, and make sure to encourage your child to drink plenty of water.

It’s important to schedule your child’s twice-a-year dental visits at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We will clean your child’s teeth and conduct a thorough examination to evaluate your child’s oral health. We may recommend preventive procedures such as fluoride treatment or dental sealants, or restorative procedures such as dental fillings if needed.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s smile healthy and free of disease. Our kid-friendly team is proud to offer outstanding preventive and restorative services for long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

How
to Treat the Symptoms of Teething

Seeing those tiny bumps forming on a baby’s gums is an exciting moment for every parent, but unfortunately, teething can cause pain and discomfort. You and your little one don’t have to deal with sleepless nights. Understanding the symptoms of teething and ways you can help will allow you to enjoy this magical milestone.

When Does Teething Begin?

While the teething timeline isn’t the same for every child, most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to come in, followed by the two upper front teeth. Most toddlers have their full set of 20 baby teeth by age 3. A tell-tale bump on the gums is usually the first sign a tiny tooth is ready to make an appearance.

What Are the Symptoms of Teething?

Symptoms of teething may vary from child to child. These include red, swollen and tender gums, excessive drooling, a rash around the mouth, ear pulling, fussiness, irritability, a slight increase in temperature (not a fever), an increased desire to gnaw, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

Teething may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t cause signs of illness. If your baby has a high fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, or vomiting, something more than teething is likely going on. We recommend contacting your child’s pediatrician for evaluation and treatment.

How Can You Treat the Symptoms of Teething?

Here are some dos and don’ts to help soothe and comfort your teething baby:

Dos: Allow your baby to chew on a clean, cold cloth or rag to help decrease inflammation. You can also massage those sore gums with a clean finger or gauze. You may want to offer your baby chilled foods such as yogurt or applesauce, or frozen fruit (if your baby is on solids). Another option is providing a refrigerated (not frozen) pacifier or teething ring.

Teething babies love to chew, so an unsweetened teething biscuit can provide comfort, but make sure you don’t offer these before your child is eight months old. If your little one is inconsolable, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about pain medication.

Don’ts: It’s important to keep your baby safe while dealing with the teething blues. Avoid using topical medications containing lidocaine or benzocaine and stay away from herbal products, which often do more harm than good. Never give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen without checking with your child’s healthcare provider first. Moreover, beware of teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets due to the risk of choking, strangulation, or injury.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit after the first tooth arrives and no later than the first birthday. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will help you establish proper oral practices to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Are you ready to get your little one’s smile off to a great start? Call us and schedule your appointment today!

What
Causes Spots on Baby Teeth?

Parents eagerly await that special moment when the first tiny pearly white comes in. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a significant role in a child’s development, so it’s essential to keep them healthy and sound. So what happens if you notice spots on your little one’s teeth? While you don’t want to panic, a visit to Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will allow for prompt treatment to safeguard your child’s oral health. We are all about healthy, happy smiles!

Tooth Decay and Cavities

The first warning signs of tooth decay in children are often white spots that appear along the gumline that usually have a dry, chalky appearance. These early decay spots result from mineral loss from the enamel, a process known as demineralization. The good news is that this point the decay is still reversible. If the condition continues to progress, the white spots will eventually turn yellow or brown and may require more extensive treatments.

Once you notice white spots on your child’s teeth, schedule an appointment with Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We will clean off any plaque or tartar and may recommend a gentle fluoride treatment, which will help reverse the decay by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it resistant to the acid attacks that wear the teeth over time. Moreover, fluoride replaces the missing minerals restoring your child’s oral health.

Dental Fluorosis

Sometimes white spots on baby teeth can be a sign of too much fluoride, a condition known as fluorosis. Fluoride offers multiple benefits to your child’s teeth, strengthening and protecting the tooth enamel. But, just like most good things, it’s possible to get too much of it. The good news is that your child can only develop the condition while the teeth are still forming below the gum surface, and once the permanent teeth come in, the risk for fluorosis drops. Moreover, the fluorosis spots are not weak spots on your child’s teeth. In fact, they tend to be stronger than the surrounding enamel. So while they pose a cosmetic concern, they are not a problem from an oral health standpoint. A visit to your child’s pediatric dentist will help determine if your child’s fluoride intake is adequate.

Calcium Deposits

White spots on baby teeth could also result from calcification and adhesion of dental plaque to your little one’s teeth. If this is the case, we may recommend a professional cleaning to treat the affected area.

How to Prevent Future Spots on Your Child’s Teeth

Promoting healthy habits early on is the best way to avoid spots forming on your child’s baby teeth. Encourage proper brushing habits, pay attention to fluoride intake, limit the consumption of sugary treats or drinks, and make sure your child consumes a balanced diet. And don’t forget to schedule your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor your child’s oral health and treat any issues as they surface. These preventative practices will help safeguard your child’s oral health and keep dental disease at bay.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s oral health in tip-top shape. Our highly trained and experienced team is proud to offer quality preventative and restorative services to maintain your child’s healthy smile. We are committed to providing our valued young patients with outstanding, gentle care. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

What
Causes Bad Breath in Toddlers?

If you’ve noticed that your toddler’s breath is not as fresh as it should be, you’re not alone. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is common among toddlers. If the condition persists, visit your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to help identify the cause of your toddler’s bad breath. We are here to support your child’s oral health every step of the way!

What Are Common Causes of Bad Breath in Toddlers?

Poor Oral Hygiene or Dental Problems: In most cases, bad breath results from poor oral hygiene. If your child does not thoroughly brush and floss each day, plaque can quickly build up and produce an unpleasant odor. The plaque can also cause dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, which, in turn, can cause bad breath. Halitosis can also develop due to damaged or chipped fillings.

Odor-Causing Foods: Consuming pungent foods like garlic and onions can give the best of us bad breath, and your toddler is no exception. Limiting these foods will help keep your little one’s breath fresh.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva cleans the mouth by washing away bacteria, which helps keep halitosis at bay. If your toddler breathes through the mouth or is dehydrated, dry mouth can develop, causing bad breath. Hydration is key. Make sure your child drinks three to four glasses of water to help address this condition.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems and Other Illnesses:Toddlers sometimes have bad breath due to sinus infections, tonsillitis, or other seasonal allergies, where mucus from the sinuses makes it way to the mouth. Moreover, some conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease allow stomach acids to make their way to the mouth, also contributing to bad breath.

How Can You Eliminate Your Toddler’s Bad Breath?

Brush at Least Twice a Day: Make sure you brush your toddler’s teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your toddler’s tongue, because halitosis-causing bacteria live on the tongue’s surface. Having your child rinse with kid-friendly mouthwash can also help.

Floss Daily: Flossing daily will help remove any food particles between your toddler’s teeth, which can help keep your child’s mouth free of unpleasant odors.

Visit Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist: Prevent bad breath and other oral concerns by scheduling your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings. Keep in mind that halitosis is a symptom, not a disease in itself. The first step in treating the condition is identifying its cause. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will address any dental problems as required. In some cases, we may need to refer your child to a pediatrician or an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) to treat any underlying health condition.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your toddler’s breath clean and fresh. Our team is proud to offer quality preventive and restorative services to keep your child’s oral health in tip-top shape. We are all about maintaining our young patients’ long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

Do
Cavities in Baby Teeth Really Need Fillings?

Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to offer quality preventive services for long-term healthy smiles. If, however, your child develops a cavity, we may recommend a dental filling. Some parents wonder if cavities in baby teeth really need treatment. After all, those tiny chompers will eventually fall out!

How Do Cavities Develop?

Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which results from the erosion and breakdown of the tooth’s hard, protective surface known as the enamel. It all starts with dental plaque, a clear and sticky film that coats your little one’s teeth. It forms when your sugars and starches are left sitting in your child’s mouth, which provides an abundant food source for bacteria to feast on and form plaque. The acids in plaque attack the outer enamel, eroding it and causing tiny holes, which is the first stage of cavities. Soon after, the bacteria and acids reach the next layer called the dentin, which is softer than tooth enamel and less resistant to acid attacks. If left untreated, the decay will continue to progress deep into the tooth and eventually reach the pulp containing the nerves and blood vessels. That can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort.

Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary?

As your child’s baby teeth grow and develop, it’s important to keep them healthy while waiting for the permanent ones to come in. Primary teeth play a significant role in speech development. They also help your child chew properly, which contributes to the healthy development of the tongue and jaw muscles.

Losing a tooth prematurely is detrimental to your child’s oral health. The surrounding teeth may start shifting into the gap, which results in crooked permanent teeth or a crowded mouth that will likely require orthodontic treatment down the road. Moreover, those pearly whites help maintain the needed space for the adult teeth that will eventually come in. Restoring a child’s decayed tooth using dental fillings prevents complications, infections, and a host of oral health problems down the road.

Does My Child Need a Tooth Filling?

Your child will need a dental filling to repair a cavity. Some cavities are visible and may cause a toothache, while others are less easily detectable. That is why we recommend visiting Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry twice a year for your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings. That allows us to diagnose tooth decay early on, where it is most easy to treat.

Types of Dental Fillings for Children

The most common types of restorations used to repair cavities are amalgam (silver) and tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings, made of a resin material, offer an aesthetic solution when addressing cavities in the front teeth because they look natural and blend in seamlessly with your child’s smile.

What Is the Dental Filling Procedure?

The procedure involves administering a local anesthetic to numb the area and dental sedation, if needed, before removing the decayed parts of the tooth and filling the cavity with the filling material. We, at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, are committed to providing our young patients with a positive, stress-free experience.

Dental Fillings in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy and sound. We are proud to offer quality preventive and restorative services to prevent or promptly address tooth decay. You can always trust our team for outstanding, gentle care at our kid-friendly facility. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

Should
My Child Use a Mouthguard During Sports?

Have you been wondering how to protect your young athlete’s teeth? We, at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, recommend that all children wear mouthguards if they are engaged in any sports activity that involves contact with other players or hard surfaces. With more than five million Americans losing their teeth every year due to sports-related injury, taking this necessary precaution will prevent potential damage to your child’s smile.

Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries

The most common sports-related injuries include knocked out, dislodged, cracked teeth, or fractured roots. A blow to the face can, at times, result in tooth intrusion, which refers to a tooth driven back into the jawbone. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children without mouthguards during sports activities are approximately 60 times more likely to sustain injuries, potentially causing long-term dental problems. 

What Are Sports Mouthguards?

Sports mouthguards are oral appliances young athletes use to protect their teeth from injury due to blows to the face by absorbing the force of sudden impact. They can also prevent accidental biting of the tongue or soft tissues. A blow can cause significant damage to braces and other orthodontic appliances, so it’s essential to use a mouthguard. When worn correctly, these appliances can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the teeth and gums.

What Are the Types of Mouthguards?

There are different types of sports mouthguards available for purchase at sporting goods or department stores, including “stock” and “boil and bite.” However, these appliances rarely fit well, and most do not provide adequate protection. The best mouthguards are those we custom create for your child. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer quality sports mouthguards, designed by our outstanding team for a perfect fit and the most reliable protection.

What Is the Process of Fitting Your Child with a Custom Mouthguard?

Preparing a sports mouthguard involves taking impressions of your child’s teeth and mouth, from which we will create the appliance. We will ensure a snug and comfortable fit to provide the best protection for your child’s teeth, jaws, and gums.

Caring for Mouthguards

Have your child rinse the sports mouthguard before and after each use. Regularly clean it with fresh, soapy water, then rinse it thoroughly before storing it or placing it back in the mouth. When not in use, keep the mouthguard in a hard perforated container to keep it safe, dry, and prevent bacteria growth.

Avoid exposing the mouthguard to high temperatures to prevent any distortion or damage. Check its fit frequently and be on the lookout for wear and tear, which would mean the appliance may need replacement. Bring the mouthguard with you during routine exams and cleanings for an evaluation, to ensure it continues to provide your child with the best protection.

Quality Sports Mouthguards in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about protecting your young athlete’s oral health with custom-made sports mouthguards. We are all about prevention for healthy, happy smiles. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

Why
Choose Dental Sealants?

Encouraging your child to brush and floss daily is the best way to prevent cavities. However, it’s not always possible to reach every groove or crevice, especially on the teeth at the back of the mouth. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer quality preventative services, including dental sealants, to protect your child’s pearly whites and to prevent tooth decay. We are all about maintaining beautiful, healthy smiles!

How Do Cavities Form?

The chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars and premolars have grooves on them, known as pits and fissures. These depressions often trap food particles and plaque, allowing bacteria to attack and erode the tooth enamel, which can cause tooth decay and cavities.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, clear plastic resin protective coatings that we place onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s premolars and molars to smooth them out and make them more resistant to decay. When applied, the material bonds to the grooves and crevices, forming a protective shield that prevents plaque and acid from eroding the tooth enamel. Teeth treated with sealants are less likely to develop cavities, which, if left untreated, can cause pain and may require involved dental procedures down the road.

When Should Your Child Have Dental Sealants Applied?

We usually recommend having dental sealants applied around age six when your child’s permanent molars start coming in. Sealing and protecting these teeth right from the start keeps them healthy and helps reduce the chances of tooth decay as well as many future dental problems.

What Is the Procedure?

The procedure is safe and painless and can be completed in one short visit. No need for anesthesia and no drilling! After cleaning and drying your child’s teeth, we will prepare the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars by roughening them up using an etching solution to allow the sealant to bond. Next, we will apply the sealant, which will flow into the grooves and crevices of the prepared teeth and will use a curing light to harden the material. The resulting coating will protect your child’s teeth from plaque and bacteria exposure, allowing for long-term healthy smiles.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can potentially last from 5 to 10 years but will need to be evaluated during your child’s routine dental exams for chipping or wear. Having teeth treated with sealants doesn’t mean your child should neglect to brush and floss regularly. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices will help ensure those little chompers stay in tip-top shape. 

Dental Sealants in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our preventative procedures designed to keep your child’s teeth healthy and sound. Our outstanding team is committed to delivering exceptional, gentle care in our kid-friendly environment. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

How
Can I Keep My Child from Wanting to Eat Toothpaste?

While brushing with toothpaste is essential for keeping your child’s teeth clean and free from cavities, it is important to avoid swallowing it. Ingesting fluoride toothpaste in a small amount is generally considered to be safe. However, large amounts can damage your child’s permanent teeth, as well as causing stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other health problems.

Here are some tips to help you keep your child from eating toothpaste:

Apply the Right Amount of Toothpaste

The best way you can prevent your child from ingesting too much toothpaste is by applying the right amount to the toothbrush yourself. The CDC recommends not using fluoride toothpaste for children under the age of 2. Children between the ages of 2 and 3 should use a smear of toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice, while children ages 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount. Make sure you keep the toothpaste container out of reach of your child at all times.

Practice Spitting

Children need to learn how to spit out their toothpaste, and you need to teach your little one. You can start by going outside and practicing spitting out water. Demonstrate how to do it and offer praise when your child does it right. Turning brushing time into target practice is also a fun way to encourage spitting out the toothpaste. You can use the middle of the drain as the target, or you can place a colorful plastic ring at the bottom of the sink. If your child continues to need encouragement, you may want to offer incentives or tangible rewards when your child spits out the toothpaste.

Switch Your Child’s Toothpaste

If your child continues to struggle with spitting, make sure to use toothpaste without fluoride. You may want to switch to a stronger, mint-flavored toothpaste, rather than one with bubble gum or fruity flavor to discourage eating toothpaste. Be careful, though, because you don’t want to turn your child off brushing altogether.

Model Good Brushing Habits

Children love mimicking their parents, so modeling the desired behavior is an excellent way to reinforce proper brushing. Brush your teeth alongside your child, and encourage brushing for at least two minutes, holding the brush correctly, brushing the tongue, and spitting out the toothpaste when done.

Monitor Your Child When Tooth Brushing

Children, especially those who eat toothpaste when brushing, need constant monitoring. Turning away for a moment provides an opportunity for your child to experiment with and swallow the toothpaste, so make sure not to leave your child unattended while brushing.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Should your child ingest a large amount of toothpaste, call poison control immediately. To prevent emergencies altogether, be there with your child while brushing and keep the toothpaste tube out of reach.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about caring for your child’s teeth to ensure healthy, happy smiles. Our exceptional team is committed to delivering quality, gentle care in a kid-friendly, relaxing environment. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

How
Do You Treat Dry Mouth in Children?

Dry mouth is a condition that typically affects adults, especially the elderly. However, even children can develop this condition. Dry mouth can jeopardize your child’s oral health, nutrition, and development, and may, at times, require intervention from your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We are all about keeping your child’s smile healthy and sound.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is characterized by low saliva production. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause a host of dental problems. The most apparent symptom of dry mouth is constant thirst. Symptoms also include painful skin chaps and cracks along the mouth and dry and irritated gums. Saliva prevents acids and bacteria from destroying tooth enamel, so when there is not enough of it, your child may experience increased tooth decay, plaque deposits, and gum disease. You may also notice problems with eating, drinking, swallowing, and talking.

Most of the above symptoms can occur from time to time, and should not be cause for alarm. However, if the symptoms persist, contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for evaluation.

Common Causes Of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth may be as simple as the result of dehydration or from a long night’s sleep, which can be resolved by drinking some water. In some cases, it can result from normal growth and development. Children may experience temporary bouts of dry mouth but tend to grow out of it quickly.

Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications your child takes. It can also be caused by radiation therapy, or from medical conditions such as an autoimmune disorder known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which can attack the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.

Treating Dry Mouth in Children

Whether temporary or long-term, some practices and treatments help alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth in children. The most important thing you can do is to ensure your child stays hydrated by drinking more water. The more hydrated one is, the easier it is to create saliva. Better yet, water helps moisten the mouth, which eases discomfort and makes it easier to eat, drink, and talk. If your child has trouble swallowing, using a straw can help ensure adequate fluid intake.

Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies encourage saliva production, providing relief from dry mouth. Avoid sugary drinks, sodas, or caffeine, which all dry out your child’s mouth further. Moreover, sodas, even diet ones, contain high levels of acid, which can damage your child’s already dry and vulnerable teeth. Make sure your child maintains good oral hygiene practices. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash helps remove harmful bacteria and debris left sitting due to the lack of saliva.

Professional Dry Mouth Care

One of the most effective ways to find the right dry mouth treatments is to schedule a visit at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ. We will determine the underlying causes of your child’s condition and will recommend treatment options to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. By addressing symptoms right away, you’ll be giving your child the best chance to prevent long-term oral health complications. If your kid’s dry mouth has been a persistent issue, make sure to contact us immediately.