Safe, Holistic Approaches to Children’s Dental Health
Non-Toxic, Biocompatible Restorations: No Plastic, No Metal
When it comes to restorative dentistry for children, we prioritize materials that are both biocompatible and free from harmful substances. Many traditional dental restorations contain materials like metals and plastics, including bisphenol-A (BPA), which can pose risks to your child’s health. Instead, we use composite resins that are free from plastic fillers and BPA, ensuring that the materials we place in your child’s teeth are completely safe and non-toxic.
These restorations are crafted from natural, mineral-based substances that are designed to be compatible with the body, reducing the risk of sensitivities and reactions. Additionally, these restorations are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and provide excellent performance without compromising your child’s health.
By avoiding plastic-based composite materials, we ensure that no harmful chemicals leach into the body, giving both parents and children peace of mind. This focus on biocompatible, non- toxic materials is a cornerstone of our holistic, biologic approach to children’s dental care.
Diet Analysis: The Foundation of Oral Health
We believe that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. An optimal diet provides the nutrients needed to strengthen teeth, promote enamel remineralization, and reduce the risk of tooth decay. At our practice, we perform a diet analysis to assess your child’s nutrition and provide guidance on how to incorporate the best foods for oral health.
Key nutrients that support dental health include:
Calcium: Essential for strong teeth and bones, calcium helps to keep tooth enamel strong and resistant to decay.
Vitamin D: Vital for calcium absorption, vitamin D ensures that your child’s body can effectively utilize the calcium they consume.
Phosphorus: This mineral is necessary for healthy enamel and teeth, and it works in synergy with calcium and vitamin D.
Magnesium: Supports bone health and helps in the formation of strong tooth enamel.
Vitamin K2: Plays a role in calcium metabolism, ensuring calcium is directed to the bones and teeth rather than soft tissues.
We also emphasize reducing processed sugars and acidic foods in the diet, as these can contribute to tooth decay and disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth. Our goal is to help families create a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports both overall health and optimal oral health.
Correcting Mouth Breathing: A Key to Healthy Teeth and Gums
Mouth breathing is a common habit among children and one that can negatively impact oral health. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in the protective properties of saliva. This can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Additionally, chronic mouth breathing can affect the development of the jaw, teeth alignment, and the airway, potentially leading to more serious issues like sleep apnea or malocclusion (misaligned teeth).
At our biologic dental practice, we work with children and their families to identify and address mouth breathing habits. If we detect that your child is consistently breathing through their mouth, we explore the potential causes—such as nasal blockages, allergies, or tongue posture issues—and recommend targeted interventions. In some cases, we may refer your child to a myofunctional therapist to help retrain the muscles of the mouth and encourage proper nasal breathing.
By correcting mouth breathing, we can not only improve your child’s oral health but also enhance their overall well-being and support optimal facial development.
Balancing the pH Level of Saliva: Protecting Enamel and Preventing Decay
The pH level of saliva plays an important role in protecting your child’s teeth. Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, wash away food particles, and remineralize tooth enamel. When the pH of saliva is too acidic, it can lead to enamel erosion and increase the likelihood of cavities and tooth sensitivity.
We assess the pH levels of your child’s saliva and work with families to help balance it. Strategies to maintain a neutral pH in the mouth include:
Avoiding acidic foods and drinks, such as sugary beverages and citrus fruits, which can lower the pH of saliva and contribute to enamel erosion.
Encouraging the consumption of alkaline foods, such as leafy greens, vegetables, and certain fruits, which help maintain a balanced pH in the mouth.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is essential for promoting healthy saliva production and maintaining an ideal pH balance.
We also recommend natural, fluoride-free mouth rinses and gentle, non-toxic oral hygiene products that help maintain the pH balance in your child’s mouth.
Reinforcing Good Oral Hygiene Habits: A Lifetime of Healthy Teeth
No matter how well a child eats or breathes, good oral hygiene is still essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy. We believe in teaching children and their families the best oral hygiene practices, emphasizing the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
We guide families in selecting non-toxic toothpaste, which is free from fluoride, artificial colors, and other chemicals commonly found in conventional oral care products. Many fluoride-free toothpastes contain ingredients like xylitol, baking soda, and plant-based oils, which effectively clean teeth without exposing children to potentially harmful substances.
We also educate children on proper brushing techniques to ensure they’re effectively cleaning all surfaces of their teeth without causing damage to their gums or enamel. In addition, we stress the importance of flossing and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and exams.
Upstream Preventative Care: Addressing Root Causes
Instead of simply treating dental issues once they arise, our holistic approach to pediatric dentistry focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of tooth decay and other oral health problems. This upstream preventative care strategy allows us to help your child avoid issues like cavities, gum disease, and orthodontic concerns before they develop.
By focusing on diet, breathing habits, pH balance, and good hygiene, we can empower families to take control of their oral health and make lasting changes that promote a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.