Innovative Pediatric Dentistry

“My child brushes and flosses their teeth every day, how could they possibly have cavities?” 

It can come as a big – and unwelcome – surprise when you find out your child has a cavity in spite of their diligent oral hygiene routine. And, yup, brushing and flossing and regular preventative dental care are the most well-known ways to keep kids’ teeth and gums healthy. 

But, nutrition is an unsung hero. What and how often kids eat directly impacts their oral health. And, when kids are deficient in certain key vitamins and minerals, it can also result in issues, ranging from an increased risk of tooth decay to bleeding gums. 

Innovative Pediatric Dentistry is here to break it all down. In this post, our Naperville pediatric dentists will talk about nutrition for healthy teeth and gums, as well as the vitamins and minerals needed to support children’s oral health. 

Diet and Oral Health

Foods that cause cavities

While genetics, medications and other factors can make children more prone to oral health issues, when tooth decay isn’t the result of a lack of brushing and flossing, it often boils down to what kids are eating. 

Even some seemingly healthy(ish) foods — we’re looking at you, crackers – are notorious cavity causers. This is because the two factors behind tooth decay are carbohydrates and time. When kids drink or eat something with sugar or starches in it, the bacteria in the mouth feed on the carbohydrates and release acids that erode the enamel. 

The acid attacks last for about 30 minutes after eating or drinking. Then, saliva swoops in and saves the days by neutralizing the acids and depositing the lost minerals back into the teeth. 

So, as long as kids are having sugars and simple carbohydrates in moderation and regularly removing food debris and plaque from their teeth, they can avoid tooth decay and keep their enamel strong. 

However, there is also a time component. The longer the carbohydrates sit on the teeth, the longer the acid attacks go on. Saliva isn’t able to remineralize the teeth enough to balance out the mineral loss, leading to tooth decay and, eventually, cavities. 

Foods that get stuck in the teeth like gummy candy, crackers, white bread and dried fruit, prolong the acid attacks and are more likely to contribute to tooth decay than things that rinse off the teeth easily like ice cream or yogurt, though they also contain sugar. 

Slowly snacking or sipping on a drink over a long period of time makes the acid attacks go on and on as well, increasing the risk of cavities. 

Nutrition for Cavity Prevention

The good news is, knowing how tooth decay in children occurs, means you can take measures to prevent it. To keep cavities at bay:

• Have kids enjoy sugars, simple carbohydrates and sticky foods in moderation. 
• Limit snacking to once or twice a day. Stick with foods that help to remineralize the teeth or that won’t cause cavities like cheese, nuts and seeds, carrot and celery sticks, firm fruits, etc.  
• Encourage kids to eat or drink sugary and starchy treats in one sitting. Serve them with a larger meal when saliva production is at its peak, and have kids brush their teeth afterwards or rinse their mouth out really well with water.
• Aim for a well-rounded diet consisting of lean proteins, fresh fruit and vegetables in a variety of colors, healthy fats, dairy (or dairy alternatives) and complex carbohydrates. 
• Choose fresh whole foods when possible. These foods tend to stick in the teeth less than their processed or dried counterparts and are usually eaten more quickly. For example, kids typically eat fresh grapes in one sitting and they don’t end up packed in between their teeth. Raisins, on the other hand, do stick in the teeth and last at room temperature for a long time, so people often eat them slowly.

Vitamins and Minerals for Kids’ Teeth and Gums

Having sugars and starches in moderation and minimizing the amount of time kids’ teeth are exposed to carbohydrates will go a long way in preventing cavities and gingivitis. 

But, it’s also important for children to get an adequate amount of the key minerals and vitamins for strong teeth and gums. These nutritional building blocks create a foundation for a lifelong healthy smile:

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and the jawbone. It makes teeth more resistant to acid erosion and tooth decay. The body is pretty talented at storing extra calcium in your teeth and bones, meaning it can make up for the calcium that’s lost due to normal wear and tear and cavity-causing acids. 

When a child doesn’t get enough calcium in their diet, however, it makes it more difficult for the body to replace the lost minerals. The teeth then become susceptible to decay and breakage. 

Thankfully, kids can get enough calcium to keep their teeth strong through a variety of sources. To maximize the oral health benefits, choose calcium-rich foods and beverages that don’t have a lot of added sugar. We’d recommend milk, yogurt, cheese, seeds, sardines, beans, tofu, lentils, almonds, leafy greens and fortified foods and drinks, such as non-dairy milk, cereal and orange juice. 

Phosphorus

Phosphorus joins forces with calcium to create the main structural component of tooth enamel and bones. It also works with calcium and vitamin D to rebuild and maintain enamel and tooth-supporting bone. Similar to calcium, a phosphorous deficiency makes kids more prone to cavities and tooth breakage. 

The best sources of phosphorus include meat, poultry, milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, legumes, cashews, brown rice, potatoes, whole wheat bread, pumpkin seeds and seafood like sardines, tuna, salmon and scallops.

Vitamin A

One of the best vitamins for teeth and gums is vitamin A. It helps with saliva production, and saliva is crucial for washing away food debris and plaque, neutralizing acids in the mouth and remineralizing the teeth, making them strong and cavity resistant. Vitamin A also boosts immunity and fights inflammation, thanks to its antioxidant properties. This keeps the gums and oral tissues healthy, reducing the risk of gingivitis and mouth sores, and ensuring the mouth heals quickly.

A review published in the Indian Journal of Applied Research found that a vitamin A deficiency is linked to gum disease, enamel defects and dry mouth.

Kids can get vitamin A through their diet by eating foods such as carrots, red and orange peppers, sweet potatoes, mango, cantaloupe, apricots, leafy greens, fish, liver and egg yolks.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a part in maintaining the jawbone and teeth. But, its biggest contribution in the mouth is in promoting healthy gums and oral soft tissues. Vitamin C aids in healing and keeps the connective tissues that hold the teeth in place strong. A lack of vitamin C may cause bleeding gums and gingivitis. 

Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, green, orange and red peppers, leafy greens, cauliflower, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, papaya, watermelon, kiwi and mango. 

There is one caveat though: Acidic sources of vitamin C like citrus fruits, while amazing for periodontal (gum) health, can hasten enamel erosion. To avoid this, mix up the foods and drinks your child is getting vitamin C from. And, have them brush their teeth before eating something acidic or wait an hour after eating or drinking it to brush. Brushing immediately afterwards can damage the temporarily weakened enamel. 

Vitamin D

Another of the vitamins for strong teeth and bones is vitamin D. It enhances bone density and helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus to harden enamel and remineralize the teeth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties for a decreased risk of gingivitis in kids. 

A study determined that a severe vitamin D deficiency in early childhood can cause enamel defects that increase the risk of tooth decay. The researchers also found that people with a vitamin deficiency had a higher prevalence of gum inflammation and periodontitis (severe gum disease). 

Kids can get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, as well as through their diet with fatty fish, mushrooms and foods fortified with vitamin D, including cereal, milk and orange juice. 

Other Nutrients Kids Need for Oral Health

While those listed above are the primary minerals and vitamins for healthy teeth and gums, a well-rounded diet is still essential. Iron, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins all work to create a healthy body and mouth too. Brown rice, leafy greens, bananas, nuts, seeds, beans, meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products will give your child the right balance for excellent oral health. 

Schedule a Visit With a Naperville Pediatric Dentist

For more cavity prevention tips and a full array of preventative care, schedule an appointment for your child at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry in Naperville. Once we’ve examined your child and chatted with you about their lifestyle and needs, an expert dentist will work with you to create a personalized plan to give your child their healthiest smile. 

Updated 7/1/2022

At Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, we are still committed to the safety of our patients and staff. We continue to have advanced protocols to make your visit safe. Please read below for a quick introduction to these steps, and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

FACEMASKS

All patients, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face coverings per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

PRE-SCREENING OF EVERY PATIENT

A quick health questionnaire should be completed 24 to 48 hours prior to the in-office appointment.

CDC-APPROVED INSTRUMENT STERILIZATION

As always, we will continue our high-level disinfection between patients, hospital grade sterilization of instruments, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

APPOINTMENT RESCHEDULING

Please reschedule your appointment if anyone in your household has been sick in the last 14 days.

ADVANCED STAFF TRAINING & HEALTH CHECKS

Each member of our team has completed additional awareness and prevention programs to enhance their knowledge to provide safe dental care. Each day, we complete health checks for our team with no-touch temperature checks and a quick set of questions.

Thank you for your understanding as we work together to achieve your best smile! As guidance for COVID-19 prevention changes, we’ll keep you updated on what’s happening in the office. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Stress isn’t just an adult problem. Kids experience stress too, whether it’s from school, social pressures, the pandemic or life changes. And while you might expect stress to cause behavioral issues, fluctuations in appetite and loss of sleep, did you know it can also impact your child’s oral health? In this post, our Naperville kids’ dentists will be sharing how stress can affect the teeth and mouth, as well as ways to manage it to help your child maintain top-notch oral health. 

What Causes Stress in Kids?

In small amounts, stress is normal and can even be good. However, when stress is excessive or chronic, it’s a problem and can have a big impact on all areas of your child’s life. Since kids don’t always know how to manage stress effectively, especially very young children, sometimes, even seemingly inconsequential changes can be a stressor. 

Common stressors in kids include:

• Injury or illness
• Academic pressure
• Juggling multiple responsibilities and activities like school, sports, a social life, an afterschool job, etc.
• Issues with friends or classmates (e.g., peer pressure, bullying, etc.)
• Starting daycare/school or changing schools
• Moving
• Having negative thoughts about themselves
• Problems at home, including conflict with siblings and parents fighting or having financial issues
• A new sibling
• Things they see or hear on the news
• Loss of a loved one or pet

Signs of Stress in Children

According to the National Library of Medicine, there are a number of signs and symptoms that could indicate you have a stressed out kid on your hands, such as:

• Changes in eating habits 
• Headaches
• Nightmares
• Trouble sleeping
• Upset stomach
• New or recurrent bedwetting
• Other physical symptoms without a physical illness
• Worry and anxiety
• Inability to relax
• New or worsening fears (e.g., afraid of the dark, fear of strangers, etc.)
• Anger
• Crying or whining
• Clinging and separation anxiety
• Inability to control emotions
• Aggressive behavior
• Doesn’t want to participate in school, family or social activities
• Reverting back to behaviors they did at a younger age like thumb sucking

Stress and Oral Health

As you can see, stress can cause a range of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. As a Naperville pediatric dentist, the stress-related concerns we encounter are those that show up in your child’s mouth. 

Here are some of the most common ways stress can affect kids’ oral health:

Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. What causes canker sores in kids? Experts aren’t certain, however, they’re thought to be related to an infection, weakened immune system, vitamin deficiencies or other factors. 

Even though stress isn’t the underlying cause of cold or canker sores in kids, stress does trigger both. Cold sores are usually located on the lips and around the mouth, while canker sores are found inside of the mouth. Both can be painful and annoying, but they do usually heal on their own. 

Teeth Grinding 

Teeth grinding in kids is fairly common. In very young children, it’s not always a concern, because many grow out of it by age 6 or so. If your child is older than 6 and the habit still continues, they could have bruxism, which is the technical term for habitual teeth grinding or clenching. 

While there isn’t one single, known cause of teeth grinding, stress can be a major contributing factor. Grinding often gets worse when kids are anxious about something. Parents sometimes ask, “Can stress make your teeth hurt?” The answer is yes, and teeth grinding is a main reason why. Children may wake up in the morning with sore teeth, an aching jaw and headaches due to the forces from grinding their teeth at night.

In addition to a sore mouth and headaches, chronic teeth grinding can also lead to the erosion of tooth enamel, gum recession, cracked, chipped or fractured teeth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. 

As for how to stop teeth grinding from stress, it’s a good idea to talk with your pediatric dentist about the problem. If your child’s bruxism is causing pain or damage to the teeth, we might prescribe a night guard for your child to wear while sleeping. The dental device fits over the teeth like a mouthguard and protects the teeth against those grinding forces.

Depending on your child’s situation and needs, additional steps like using relaxation techniques or talking with a therapist could also be helpful. 

Jaw Pain and TMJ Dysfunction

Can stress cause jaw pain? You bet. Tensing or clenching the jaw when under stress is common in kids (and adults), as is teeth grinding, which we talked about above. Both actions put pressure on the jaw and TMJ. 

So, if your child engages in stress-related jaw clenching and teeth grinding, jaw pain could be the result. Over time, it can cause inflammation and deterioration of the TMJs, leading to TMJ dysfunction or a TMJ disorder. Symptoms of a TMJ disorder include: 

• Tenderness or pain in the jaw, face, neck or ear
• Facial swelling
• Popping or clicking noises
• Difficulty chewing
• Stiffness and limited range of motion in the jaw.

Frequent jaw pain from stress due to clenching, teeth grinding or any other cause also warrants a discussion with your pediatric dentist. If your child has signs of a TMJ disorder, a custom oral appliance can be made. The device holds the jaw in a position that takes the pressure off of the joints and allows them to heal. 

Cavity-Causing Habits

Another way stress can affect your teeth is by triggering poor habits. Just like grown-ups, older kids and teens may make unhealthy food choices when they’re stressed. They might snack frequently or skip the fruits and veggies in favor of starchy and sugary foods and drinks. 

Why is this a concern? Well, the bacteria in your child’s mouth feed on the sugars and starches they eat and release acids that erode the enamel, eventually causing tooth decay. As tooth decay progresses, a hole can form in the tooth, which is what we call a cavity. If your child snacks a lot or continually eats things like chips and candy while stressed, this will make them more susceptible to cavities. 

An upset or stressed out kid might also lack the energy and motivation to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, further increasing their cavity risk, as well as their risk of gingivitis.

Thumb Sucking

When stressed, anxious or worried, some kids revert back to comforting habits they had when they were young. That’s why even if a child hasn’t sucked their thumb in months or years, you might find them popping their thumb back in their mouth when faced with new situations or change. 

While a baby or toddler sucking their thumb is fine, once kids start to get their permanent teeth, thumb sucking can cause misaligned teeth and jaws. Aggressive thumb sucking can even cause changes in the palate and teeth as early as age two or three. 

Stopping thumb sucking can be tough, and if you’re not successful, your pediatric dentist is the resource to turn to. We can give you guidance on how to break a thumb sucking habit and, if all else fails, create a custom habit-breaking appliance for your child. This will prevent orthodontic problems from occurring. And, by taking thumb sucking away, it will encourage your child to develop different coping mechanisms too. 

Dry Mouth

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects found that stress, anxiety and depression can slow down saliva production and lead to dry mouth (xerostomia) in adults. It’s likely stress will do the same in children. 

Dry mouth at any age has a negative impact on oral health. Saliva contains minerals that are deposited back into the enamel, replacing those lost to cavity-causing acids. It also helps wash away food and plaque that will otherwise sit on the teeth. With dry mouth, there isn’t enough saliva to do either of these things, which makes kids more likely to develop tooth decay and gingivitis. 

Decreased Immune Response

Excessive stress weakens the immune system. What does that have to do with the effect of stress on kids’ oral health? When your child’s immune response decreases, they have more trouble fighting off infections, including gingivitis, which is actually a bacterial infection in the gum tissue, and other oral health-related issues. As we mentioned above, a weakened immune system is also tied to outbreaks of cold sores and canker sores.

How Parents Can Help Kids Manage Stress and Keep Their Smile Healthy

• If possible, try to limit or avoid triggers that cause your child to feel stressed.
• Talk with your child and get to the bottom of what’s bothering them. Then, together, figure out coping mechanisms that work for them, whether it’s deep breathing, doing physical activity, listening to music, playing with a stress toy or drawing. 
• Inform your kids about upcoming changes like moving, getting a new babysitter or going to a new school in advance. You can also brainstorm ways to make the transition easier. Knowing what to expect lessens some of the anxiety children commonly experience in the face of change. 
• Model healthy behaviors. Brush and floss your teeth in front of your child, exercise, manage your own stress appropriately and eat a well-rounded diet. 
• Create routines to establish positive habits. Have kids go to bed at the same time each night to ensure they’re getting enough sleep, and encourage them to floss and brush their teeth at the same time every morning and night. Sticker charts and a temporary system of small rewards can be helpful until the habits are formed. 
• Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or school counselor. They can offer guidance on managing your child’s stress and give you a referral to a specialist if necessary. 
• Keep up with your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings and be sure to let your pediatric dentist know what’s going on with your child. The dentist will assess your child’s oral health and offer solutions for preventing stress from affecting their teeth and gums. If a problem like a cavity does develop, treatment will be easier, less invasive and more affordable if it’s caught early. 

Worried About Stress and Your Child’s Teeth?

Schedule an appointment for your child with a Naperville pediatric dentist. Our friendly team will put your child at ease and provide personalized care to stop stress-related dental problems and achieve the healthiest smile possible!

Whether because of taste or worries about contamination, over the past decade or two, more and more parents have been skipping tap water and giving their children bottled water. But is bottled water bad for your child’s teeth? It could be, because it’s often missing one key ingredient: fluoride! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridated water is effective in reducing cavities by more than 25% in kids and adults. Considering dental caries (cavities) are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, this is a huge benefit for your little one’s smile. 

Community Water Fluoridation: The Basics

Communities have been adding fluoride to their water sources for over 75 years. The practice dramatically reduced the incidence of tooth decay in the United States, which is why the CDC has called community water fluoridation one of the “greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.”

Is fluoride safe for kids? You bet! Study after study has indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and extremely effective in improving the oral health of people of all ages, including children. It’s supported by the American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization. 

How Does Fluoride Work to Prevent Tooth Decay?

The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars and starches from what we eat or drink. When they do, they release acids that attack the enamel, causing a loss of minerals, called demineralization. 

Minerals in saliva, as well as fluoride, help replace the lost minerals (remineralization). When demineralization happens more often than remineralization, tooth decay occurs. As tooth decay progresses, it eats away at the enamel, leaving a hole, or a cavity. 

Fluoride is an oral health superhero and works in a number of ways. First, it helps to remineralize the teeth by combining with the calcium and phosphate present in saliva. Second, it strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to those acid attacks. Third, fluoride works on the bacteria itself by lessening the bacteria’s ability to produce acids and making it harder for it to stick on the tooth surface. 

Fluoridated water is considered both topical and systemic fluoride. It’s a source of topical fluoride because the fluoride comes into contact with the tooth surfaces as a child drinks it, promoting remineralization. 

It’s also systemic because the water is ingested. When kids receive systemic fluoride before their permanent teeth erupt, it gets incorporated into the structure of the permanent teeth, making the teeth stronger and better able to fight off cavity-causing acids.

What if I Don’t Want My Child to Drink Tap Water?

Plain water doesn’t contain sugar or starches and, therefore, does not cause tooth decay, regardless of whether it comes from a bottle or your tap. So, it’s not that bottled water is bad for your teeth, it’s just that kids are missing a regular source of fluoride when they drink it. 

If you’re concerned about your tap water, most home water filters, like Brita and Pur filters, can filter out the stuff you don’t want, while still maintaining the optimal level of fluoride. This, combined with an excellent oral hygiene routine and regular dental exams and cleanings, will reduce your little one’s risk of tooth decay. 

Is there fluoride in bottled water? Yes, there is fluoride in bottled water from certain brands. They’ll be labeled “fluoridated,” “fluoride enhanced” or “fluoride added.” If you do choose bottled water with fluoride, make sure your child is drinking enough of it to get the benefits. 

If your municipal water source doesn’t have fluoride, you have a reverse osmosis filtration system, which filters it out, or you prefer the bottled water brands that don’t contain fluoride, all isn’t lost. Ask your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about fluoride drops or supplements once your child is 6 months old. These can give kids systemic fluoride for stronger permanent teeth, while fluoride toothpaste and professional, topical fluoride treatments will offer a powerful boost in remineralization. 

How Do I Know if My Child is Getting the Right Amount of Fluoride?

Not enough fluoride can lead to cavities, while too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which may result in white spots or pitting of the enamel. So how can you tell if your child is getting the ideal amount? If your child drinks tap water and brushes their teeth with the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste (a tiny smear the size of a grain of rice from the first tooth to age 3 and then a pea-sized amount from age 3 to 6), they should be getting the correct dose. 

If your child isn’t getting fluoride through their water, again, talk with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician about fluoride supplements. These supplements are usually only needed if your child doesn’t drink fluoridated water. To find out if your tap water has fluoride in it, contact your public water system or check the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride tracker. 

Schedule a Visit With a Naperville Dentist for Kids!

Let’s work together to give your kiddo a healthy, cavity-free smile. Our expert kids’ dentists will evaluate your child’s fluoride intake and offer personalized guidance to ensure they’re getting the ideal amount. Schedule a visit at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry in Naperville, IL today!