Kidz Planet Pediatric Dentistry | The Lowcountry's Leading Pediatric Dentist

Why is a Good Diet Related to Healthy Teeth?

Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups. Most snacks that children eat can lead to cavity formation. The more frequently a child snacks, the greater the chance for tooth decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time, which cause longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. If your child must snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children's teeth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during pregnancy. Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease during pregnancy.

Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their young children. Mother's should follow these simple steps to decrease the risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria:

- Visit your dentist regularly

- Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque

- Proper diet, with the reduction of beverages and foods high in sugar & starch

- Use a fluoridated toothpast recommended by the ADA and rinse every nigh with an alcohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse with .05% sodium fluoride in order to reduce plaque levels

- Don't share utensils, cups or food which can cause the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children

- Use of xylitol chewing gum (4 pieces per day by the mother) can decrease a child's caries rate

Tongue Piercing - Is it Really Cool?

You might now be surprised anymore to see people with pierced tongues, lips or cheeks, but you might be surprised to know just how dangerous these piercings can be. There are many risks involved with oral piercings, including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, heart infections, brain abscess, nerve disorders (trigeminal neuralgia), receding gums or scar tissue. Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your airway!

Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection, and increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue. Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve buncle is in the path of the needle. So follow the advice of the American Dental Association and give your mouth a break - skip the mouth jewelry.