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Feb 16

From Fever to Red Cheeks: What Science Says About These 6 Symptoms Commonly Attributed to Teething

By Kids Dentistry, Orthodontics

Babies grow up so fast! It seems like one day, your sweet baby is melting your heart with gummy smiles. The next day, they’re teething, and before you know it, they’re winning you over with toothy grins! So when can you expect those little pearl whites to actually start showing up? Every kiddo’s teething timeline is unique, but it typically starts around six months old with the eruption of a lower front tooth — and a host of teething symptoms. Some, like biting and chewing, irritability, and loss of appetite make sense as a response to the discomfort of cutting a tooth. But are all the things you see directly connected to infant teething?

Your Denver-area pediatric dentists at Kids Mile High to the rescue with answers! We’re here to help alleviate your uncertainty by covering six symptoms commonly attributed to infant teething and answering whether science actually links them to teething.

1. Does Teething Cause A Fever?

Many parents will swear that fever is a teething symptom. However, research generally shows that while teething might cause a slight increase in temperature due to inflammation in the gums from teeth erupting, the increase isn’t typically high enough to be an actual fever. According to this study, the answer to the question, “Do babies get fevers when teething?” is essentially that they shouldn’t. However, increased temperature is typical the day before and the day of a tooth erupting, but these temperatures aren’t in fever territory. If your child does have a fever during or after a tooth erupts, we recommend calling your pediatrician.

2. Red Cheeks When Teething

Are red cheeks when teething a surefire symptom of new teeth coming in? Scientifically, red cheeks can happen because of the slight temperature rise we mentioned above. Face-rubbing because of oral discomfort can also lead to red cheeks when teething, while increased drooling can irritate skin and cause redness or a rash on your wee one’s chin.

3. Is Diaper Rash a Symptom of Teething?

Speaking of rashes, what about diaper rash as a symptom of infant teething? No, diaper rash isn’t a direct symptom of teething, though a child experiencing diarrhea (as we’ll cover next) might get diaper rash from it.

4. Is Diaper Rash a Symptom of Teething?

Speaking of rashes, what about diaper rash as a symptom of infant teething? No, diaper rash isn’t a direct symptom of teething, though a child experiencing diarrhea (as we’ll cover next) might get diaper rash from it.

5. Does Teething Cause An Earache?

Earache and teething: directly related? Research shows that the answer to “Does teething cause earache?” is yes. In our experience as pediatric dentists, Dr. Paddy, Dr. Roger, and Dr. Meredith know that earache is one of the common teething symptoms kids experience. How do teething earaches happen? Teething pain can radiate and travel from your child’s mouth into their face and head, making your little one’s tiny ears feel achy.

6. Is a Runny Nose a Symptom of Teething?

Some experts say a runny nose isn’t a direct symptom of infant teething — it’s stress on the body from erupting teeth that can make babies more susceptible to germs, leading to sickness and a runny nose. On the other hand, this study published in Pediatrics did find a correlation, making the answer to “Is a runny nose a symptom of teething?” anything but cut and dried. Again, the safest step is to see your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your little one’s runny nose.

So, what’s the verdict? Well, while some teething symptoms — like drooling and biting — are directly related to teething, others, like fever and diarrhea, are more likely caused by other factors. As always, keep a close eye on your little one and check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure.

Have any other questions about teething? Your Denver-area pediatric dentist has got you covered. Come in to see us at your kiddo’s first birthday so we can chat about avoiding cavities for your child’s tiny smile and spot any baby teeth dental issues early on those first teeth.

Set up a first visit today at our award-winning pediatric dental offices in Englewood, Central Park, or Thornton, CO!

Nov 25

6 Holiday Foods That Are Good for Kids’ Teeth

By Kids Dentistry, Orthodontics

Smiling kids eating fruits

The holiday season is here. And whether you’re eating Thanksgiving leftovers right now or about to indulge in Christmas or Hanukkah meals, it’s nice to know if what’s on the menu is healthy for your kids. As your Denver-area pediatric dentist, Dr. Paddy and the Kids Mile High team want to help you figure out the best holiday food for happy teeth and gums.

As a start, here’s a list of 6 healthy holiday foods offering great nutrition for teeth and why:

  1. Turkey

For many holiday tables, turkey is the main event. If this is your family, you’ll be pleased to know that turkey is one of the season’s foods that are good for teeth— it’s a lean meat full of vitamins and minerals. Turkey contains phosphorus, which along with calcium, is key for maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and bones. Turkey is also low in fat and high in protein, which helps maintain strong bones and tooth enamel.

And bonus? Turkey leftovers like turkey sandwiches, soup, or pasta mean your kiddos get quite a few chances at benefiting from turkey’s nutrition for their teeth.

  1. Sweet Potatoes

Minus the marshmallow topping, mashed sweet potatoes is another one of the healthy holiday foods you can feel good about serving the kids. Sweet potatoes are chock-full of vitamins A and C for teeth health, building strong teeth and bones. 

Vitamin A also helps keratin, a protein that promotes the formation of tooth enamel. And it contributes to saliva production, which brings down the acidity in your child’s mouth after eating. Less oral acidity means less tooth enamel erosion and better cavity prevention.

The vitamin C you find in sweet potatoes is super important for strengthening your kiddo’s gums and soft oral tissue. Strong gums and connective tissue keep your little one’s pearly whites firmly in place. And vitamin C helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

  1. Greens Like Peas, Broccoli, and Brussel Sprouts

You can’t go wrong when offering a variety of greens! Greens are one of those all-star foods that are plain good for your kiddo’s teeth and their overall health. Holiday table favorites like peas, broccoli, and brussel sprouts are packed with teeth-healthy calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. 

It makes sense that calcium intake is vital for strong teeth since tooth enamel is mostly made up of calcium. As for Vitamin C, not only does it help with strong gums and oral tissue but it aids in healing and helps prevent bleeding gums. And Vitamin K? Vitamin K and calcium are buddies. Like Robin supports Batman, Vitamin K helps calcium absorption as a calcium binder. 

Another reason greens are considered healthy holiday foods: it’s in the chewing. Chewing produces saliva. When it comes to broccoli and brussel sprouts, lettuce and kale, you need to chew these greens well to aid swallowing and digestion.

  1. Nuts

A bowl of nuts to snack on before dinner? Or maybe as part of a cheese plate? You can count on nuts as a healthy holiday food for kids, as long as your kiddo’s not allergic of course! A handful of nuts provides plenty of teeth-friendly vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and protein that support both teeth and gum health. Nuts are also a great source of antioxidants, which helps prevent cell damage and fight bacterial infections.

Peanuts are a great source of calcium and vitamin D, almonds boost calcium, and walnuts offer minerals and vitamins for teeth like magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B, and potassium. Cashews and brazil nuts help fight oral bacteria, doing their part to prevent tooth decay in children. 

That said, your Kids Mile high pediatric dentists suggest the non-roasted and unsalted kind. And candied nuts should be enjoyed in moderation since they’ll coat your child’s teeth with sticky sugars.

Keep in mind, if your kiddo is in braces with Dr. Scheer, nuts should be avoided as they can loosen brackets!

  1. Cheese 

Cheese, please! From charcuterie boards to potatoes, cheeseballs to cheesecake, cheese blintzes to kugel… and more. The good news for cheese lovers is that cheese is super teeth-friendly. Cheese has lots of calcium, phosphorus, and protein — three things we’ve already established as superheroes when it comes to good nutrition for kids’ teeth.

Eating cheese also lowers the acidity in your mouth and increases saliva production, doing a great job of cavity prevention. Try offering cheese to your kids after they’ve eaten a sweet treat like cookies or candy to counteract the sugar and acidity.  

  1. Salmon

Fish is a welcome add-on to holiday menus — and we all know salmon as a superstar food for kids’ overall nutrition and teeth health. Lox, baked filet, or salmon cake… any way you serve it, this fish has vitamin D, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids to bolster teeth and gum health. Vitamin D helps your body absorb and use calcium better. The “sunshine vitamin” also aids in maintaining saliva levels and preventing dry mouth. 

  1. Pumpkin Pie

What’s Thanksgiving or Christmas without pumpkin pie? We’re all for holiday fun and having a few treats now and then so we’re happy to say that you can feel okay about your kiddo saying “yes” to a slice! Pumpkin is great for overall nutrition for teeth because it has lots of vitamin A, which we’ve said earlier helps build strong teeth and bones, and encourages saliva. 

Just remember to eat pumpkin pie in moderation since it has a lot of sugar. And we suggest having your child drink some water afterwards to rinse the sugars out, or better yet, brush their teeth well as part of a good oral health routine.

Cavity Prevention With Kids Mile High

It goes without saying that visiting your pediatric dentist for cleanings and checkups goes a long way in cavity prevention and teeth health. Pair that with healthy holiday foods this season and your kids (and you!) will be smiling big in the New Year!

Make an appointment today at our Englewood, Central Park or Thornton, CO office to keep your kiddo’s teeth shining bright. 

 

Mar 18

An Important Message from KMH

By Community

Dear friends of Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry,

We are still open!

However, with the situation rapidly changing day-by-day, we’ll continue to keep you updated via email, social media, and our website should the status of our office change in the future.

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 virus situation in our community, we want to reach out and share the actions KMH is taking to keep our patients and staff healthy and protected, so that we can continue to provide the best pediatric/orthodontic treatment for your children.

We follow and exceed all CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines with the highest level of disinfection between patients and use modern state-of-the-art sterilization techniques and equipment to ensure our instruments are always pristine. Our top priority has always been the safety and wellbeing of our patients, guests, staff, providers and community.

Established Standard Precautions
Our staff and providers strictly adhere to the CDC’s Standard Precautions for Healthcare settings.  These include disinfecting treatment rooms between patients, using single-use personal protective equipment (such as masks and gloves) with each patient, and sterilizing instruments using best practices in sterilization techniques.  We routinely disinfect patient waiting areas, as well as frequently touched surfaces (door handles, toys, etc).  We publish and enforce standards for hand washing, maintenance of patient safety measures, and conduct routine training on best practices for all office staff to ensure compliance.  These standards have always been in place in our practice, even prior to the recent pandemic.

Additional Precautionary Measures for COVID-19
We are constantly monitoring and following all recommendations from the CDC, the World Health Organization, the American Dental Association, as well as local and national government agencies, to stay current with information and safety measures.  We are implementing all process changes recommended by these leading agencies.  Our staff is trained to recognize symptoms of COVID-19 so additional safety measures will be taken immediately if there is potential exposure.

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a list of registered surface disinfect products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Our disinfection process utilizes products on this list.

With an abundance of caution, we have established additional, temporary protocols in our offices by:

  • Monitoring the number of people in our office in order to enable appropriate social distancing
  • Asking families to bring only scheduled patients and 1 parent/guardian
  • Asking patients to arrive on time for their appointment and no more than 15 minutes before a scheduled appointment
  • Requiring everyone to sanitize their hands when entering and leaving our office -we will supply the appropriate sanitizer
  • Asking you to stay home and call to reschedule if:
  • You meet the CDC criteria for home isolation: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • Have flu-like symptoms including:
    – fever
    – chills
    – cough
    – shortness of breath
    – muscle aches and/or
    – gastrointestinal symptoms
  • You or your child is ill (unless it is an emergency appointment)
  • You or a family member has been diagnosed with, or are in the testing phase of diagnosis of COVID-19
  • You are 60 yrs or older
  • Are immune-compromised
  • Have chronic conditions such as
    – Diabetes type 1
    – COPD
    – Heart disease
    – Lung disease

We are confident we can and will be able to care for your children’s dental needs in a safe and effective manner and rest assured we will make adjustments as the situation dictates and as directed by authorities. We look forward to keeping our patients and their families happy and healthy!

Nov 14
Types of Braces for Kids

What are the Different Types of Braces for Kids and Teens?

By Orthodontics

At Kids Mile High, we know that getting braces is a big deal for any child or teen. It’s a big first step towards achieving the smile they’ll have for the rest of their lives. But the decision to get braces is one thing — choosing from the many different kinds of braces is another. Depending on your personal preferences for how you want to look and your various lifestyle choices, there are a number of factors that indicate the type of braces that are best for you.

Every one of our Denver orthodontic patients has different goals for their smiles and there are many different ways to get straighter teeth. Traditional braces are a classic, proven way to straighten your teeth, but many teens would prefer a more discreet option. Fixed brackets might fit easily with some kids’ lifestyles, but for those who play sports, a removable device, like Invisalign aligners, are a better choice.

With so many different types of braces available, it can be difficult to know what’s best for your kids. But your kids shouldn’t have to change their whole lives to work with their orthodontic treatment — their orthodontic treatment should work with them to change their lives. If you’re struggling to choose the best type of braces for your teens, here’s everything you need to know about the kinds of braces we offer at Kids Mile High.

Not Your Parents’ Metal Braces

 

Metal braces are probably what come to mind when you first hear the word “braces.” That’s because they’re tried and true, with decades of proven results under their belts. Metal braces have been so popular over the years that they’ve practically become a teenage right of passage. They’re an effective method to straighten your kids’ teeth and give them the smile of their dreams.

Here’s how they work: the brackets are bonded to your teeth, where they’ll stay put for the entire duration of treatment. Then, your orthodontist will fit the brackets with a wire that’s bent into the desired position of your teeth. The brackets and wires work together to put pressure on your teeth and slowly move them into place. You can even customize them with funky colored elastics to let your personality shine through.

Even though metal braces have been around forever, they’ve come a long way from the chunky brackets and pokey wires they used to be. Braces today are much more streamlined, with smaller brackets and thinner wires. They cause less discomfort than traditional versions and are much more subtle than the mouthful of metal your parents wore in the ‘70s!

Cool and Clear Ceramic Braces

 

At Kids Mile High, we understand that metal braces aren’t for everyone. Some kids, particularly older kids and teens, would rather not have metal hardware on display every time they smile. For patients who prefer a more discreet kind of braces, we offer clear braces. Also known as ceramic braces, this type of treatment functions in the exact same way as metal braces, using brackets and wires to gradually straighten your teeth. But instead of metal, they’re made from (you guessed it) ceramic. The material blends in with the color of your teeth, meaning your braces will be much less noticeable to the naked eye.

The most common concern with ceramic braces is that they’re not as durable as metal braces and they can stain easily. That’s why they’re often recommended only for older teens and adults who will take care of them properly. But the newest kind of clear braces are stain resistant and made from stronger materials. Kids Mile High offers the latest ceramic braces technology for kids and teens of all ages.

Invisalign Teen: No Brackets, No Problem

 

You can’t argue with the proven teeth-straightening power of braces, but a fixed orthodontic device isn’t compatible for every person’s preferences and lifestyle. Fortunately, your kids can effectively straighten their teeth — free from brackets and wires — with Invisalign Teen.

Here’s how the process works: first, we’ll take a digital scan of your child’s mouth using the latest technology. Dr. Owens will use the scan to create a 3D model and map out the ideal movement of your child’s teeth. The prescription will then be sent to Invisalign where a series of customized clear aligners will be created. As your teen’s teeth continue to move throughout treatment, he or she will receive a new set of aligners to wear approximately every one to two weeks.

The benefits of Invisalign are obvious: since there’s no fixed appliance, your kiddos can still eat their favorite foods, it’s easier for them to clean their teeth and they can simply remove their aligners for sports activities. But for Invisalign Teen to be effective, your child has to wear his or her aligners for 22 hours a day. This type of orthodontic treatment is best for responsible kids who will stay on top of their treatment schedule and keep track of their aligners.

Kids Mile High is proud to offer the latest in orthodontic treatment options to give you and your kids the opportunity to choose your own braces adventure (under our expert supervision, of course!). Need help deciding which type of braces are best for your teen? Call your Denver orthodontist to book a consultation today.

Dec 12
Candy, Chocolate, Cookies and Santa Claus: Keeping Your Kids Teeth Healthy

Candy, Chocolate, Cookies and Santa Claus: Keeping Your Kids Teeth Healthy

By Kids Dentistry

Candy, Chocolate, Cookies and Santa Claus: Keeping Your Kids Teeth Healthy

Hanukkah is underway, Christmas is fast approaching and before you know it, we’ll be ringing in 2018. This time of year means twinkling lights, candles aglow, festive tunes, gifts, enjoying the company of loved ones and a general feeling of goodwill but it also means sugar, sugar and more sugar! There’s nothing the mouth monsters love more than holiday sweets. Dr. Paddy and the Kids Mile High team are all well aware that patients aren’t going to follow up a night of caroling with hot carrot juice instead of hot chocolate and we wouldn’t expect little ones to give up all of their favorite treats. However, a few small tweaks can really go a long way in preventing cavities. Here are our tips for parents on how to keep your kids teeth healthy during the holidays.

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  1. Pay Special Attention to Brushing and Flossing: So, you got home late from a family gathering. It would be so easy to let the kiddos skip their oral hygiene routine for the night and fall into bed. Try your very best to avoid this and spend the few extra minutes making sure their teeth are brushed and flossed. As always, have your kids brush twice a day (once in the morning and once at bedtime) with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at night. You may even want to follow up with a cavity-fighting mouthwash. If you’re unsure of what to use, ask us, and we’ll point you in the right direction. During the holidays, if your kids are really getting down with the sweets, it’s a good idea to throw in an extra brushing session or at least have them rinse their mouth out really well with water after eating or drinking something high in sugar.
  2. Moderation is Key: We know it’s easier said than done but sticking with a balanced, nutritious diet during all of the celebrations is important. Munching on desserts and sipping on sweet drinks is best done in moderation. Plus, it will make them taste all that much better knowing it’s a special occasion. Limiting treats at the holidays for kids really starts at home. Keep your own pantry stocked with healthy essentials and let them get their treat fix when you’re out and about so that it’s not a continuous cycle of sugar. If there’s a particularly sugar-fueled event on the calendar, it could be helpful to be extra careful about what your kids eat leading up to it.
  3. Don’t Eat or Drink too Slowly: There are a lot of benefits of eating slowly and savoring your meals but when it comes to kids and candy, soda and all of the big cavity offenders, slow isn’t better. The bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches and as they do, they release acids that mix with spit and food debris and form plaque. When it isn’t brushed away, the acids start to damage the enamel, eventually leading to cavities. After eating or drinking, the bad acids hang out for about a half hour and with each sip or bite, the clock starts over. So, slowly sipping on hot chocolate over the course of an hour or snacking on treats throughout the day just means little teeth are exposed to acids for much longer. Sugar here and there is fine but constantly bathing the teeth in it isn’t. Instead, make sure your kids are drinking sugary drinks or eating sugary snacks at a normal pace and in one sitting.
  4. Make Some Healthy Swaps Where You Can: Some of the worst holiday treats for your kids can easily receive a healthy makeover and still taste fantastic. Using fresh fruit in certain cakes, for example, can take the place of some of the refined sugar while offering a hint of sweetness. Making hot chocolate that’s heavy on the milk and lighter on the chocolate, will give teeth a boost of calcium and milk has been shown to decrease the acid levels in plaque.
  5. Give the Kids a Few Tooth-Friendly Holiday Gifts: Only putting dental floss and fresh vegetables under the tree probably won’t go over that well but that doesn’t mean a few gifts can’t be related to oral health. Sugarless gum with xylitol is excellent for killing sugar bugs and it’s the perfect stocking stuffer or small, add-on Hanukah gift. You can also try exceptionally tasty toothpaste along with an electric toothbrush for older kids or a super fun, colorful toothbrush for younger ones.
  6. Hydrate with Water: Water is up there on the list of things that teeth love. It keeps spit flowing and spit neutralizes those plaque acids. Plus, it gives teeth a bath, washing away food debris and bacteria. Have the kids drink water throughout the day and balance out any other beverages with a glass of H20. Fill up your water bottle before heading out to a party or a visit with Santa.
  7. Keep Up With Dental Exams and Cleanings: We know it gets really busy around the holidays and going to the dentist probably falls lower on the to-do list than say, eating a ton of Christmas cookies. However, your child’s checkups and cleanings are the cornerstones of their preventative care. We’re able to get rid of the hardened plaque that can’t be eliminated with brushing and flossing at home, make sure teeth and gums are in top-notch shape and, if problems do arise, we can catch them early while treatment is less invasive. Consider it your gift to your little one’s smile!

Keeping your child’s teeth healthy during Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s doesn’t have to turn into a seasonal full-time job. Just be mindful of their sugar intake and follow the same guidelines as you do the rest of the year. As long as your child is brushing and flossing, going for their regular checkups and cleanings and not eating an all candy cane diet, there’s no need to worry. If you have questions or concerns or want to start your child’s 2018 off with a bright smile under the care of a Denver pediatric dentist, contact us.

Happy holidays from Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry!

Jan 16

Say Cheese!

By Memes

Here’s a fun fact: nibbling on cheese between meals helps neutralize damaging acids that eat away at teeth!

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