Topics Of Interest

Bad breath in children often stems from food particles, bacteria on the tongue, dry mouth, or chronic postnasal drip. Foods like garlic and onions can be absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled through the lungs, while poor brushing and flossing let debris accumulate between teeth and along the gumline and tongue. Identifying the cause is the first step toward treatment, because persistent halitosis can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue such as sinusitis or gastrointestinal disturbance.

Parents can help by establishing a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing, and a gentle tongue cleaning to remove bacterial buildup. Encouraging regular fluid intake and addressing mouth breathing can reduce dry mouth, and a pediatric dentist can review medications or health conditions that might contribute to odor. If bad breath persists despite good home care, a visit to Myers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics or a primary care physician is warranted to rule out medical causes and recommend targeted treatment.

Bruxism, or tooth grinding and clenching, is often noticed by parents because of audible grinding, morning jaw pain, headaches, or visible wear on teeth. A dental exam can reveal worn enamel, fractured fillings, or increased tooth mobility, and the dentist will evaluate bite alignment, stress factors, and sleep habits that may contribute to the condition. Because grinding forces during sleep can be up to six times stronger than daytime biting, early identification is important to limit long-term damage.

Treatment focuses on protecting teeth and reducing symptoms rather than curing the underlying tendency to grind. Custom nightguards made by a dentist are the most common and effective appliance to cushion teeth and distribute forces, while addressing contributing factors such as sleep apnea, stress, or poor dental alignment can reduce severity. Regular monitoring and, when appropriate, orthodontic or restorative care help preserve tooth structure and maintain oral function.

Canker sores are noninfectious ulcers that develop inside the mouth and are often triggered by trauma, stress, hormonal shifts, or nutritional deficiencies such as low vitamin B12, iron, or folate. They cause localized pain, especially with eating, but do not spread from person to person and typically heal on their own within one to two weeks. Cold sores, by contrast, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and most often appear on the lips or around the mouth, preceded by tingling or burning and progressing to blisters that scab over.

Management differs because cold sores are viral and contagious while canker sores are not. For canker sores, treatment centers on pain control and avoiding triggers, with topical protective or anesthetic products for comfort; severe or recurrent cases may require medical therapy under a provider's guidance. Cold sores may benefit from antiviral medications or topical therapies prescribed by a clinician to shorten outbreaks or reduce frequency, and patients should avoid direct contact with lesions to prevent transmission.

Dry mouth results when saliva production is reduced, and it can be caused by dehydration, certain medications, breathing through the mouth, systemic conditions, or allergic reactions. Saliva plays a key role in neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, aiding digestion, and protecting tooth enamel, so reduced flow increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Children with persistent dry mouth may experience a sticky feeling, cracked lips, a burning sensation of the tongue, or difficulty swallowing.

Addressing dry mouth involves both behavioral strategies and clinical evaluation to identify underlying causes. Simple measures include increasing fluid intake, using sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva, avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes, and running a humidifier at night; the dentist can also review medications that may contribute to the symptom. If conservative measures do not relieve symptoms, a pediatric dental or medical evaluation can identify treatable conditions and recommend therapeutic options to protect oral health.

Mouth guards vary from inexpensive stock models to boil-and-bite types and dentist-made custom appliances, and the right choice depends on activity level, comfort, and fit. Over-the-counter stock guards are the least expensive but often bulky and poorly fitted, while boil-and-bite guards provide a better fit after molding at home; custom-fitted guards crafted by a dentist offer the best protection, comfort, and ability to breathe and speak normally during play. For children involved in contact sports or activities with a high risk of facial injury, a properly fitted guard is strongly recommended to protect lips, cheeks, tongue, and teeth.

Proper care prolongs a mouth guard's usefulness and reduces infection risk: rinse it after each use, clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap, store it in a ventilated case, and inspect it regularly for wear or damage. Replace the guard if it becomes misshapen, cracked, or no longer fits well, and bring it to dental visits so the dentist can check its condition. A custom guard from the dental office may require less frequent replacement and offers superior protection for growing athletes.

Oral piercings pose multiple risks because the mouth harbors millions of bacteria, making infection a common and potentially serious complication. Immediate problems can include pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, nerve injury, and airway compromise, while longer-term issues often involve chipped or cracked teeth, gum recession from constant jewelry contact, and the potential for jewelry to loosen and create a choking hazard. The trauma from a piercing can also complicate dental procedures or lead to persistent irritation of soft tissues.

Because of these hazards, dental professionals generally advise against oral piercings, especially for children and teenagers whose mouths are still developing. If a patient chooses to proceed, strict aftercare, monitoring for signs of infection, and timely removal of problematic jewelry are essential, and regular dental exams should include evaluation for damage related to the piercing. Discussing risks with a dentist can help families make informed choices and identify early signs of complications that require prompt treatment.

Pregnant patients should inform their dentist about their pregnancy before any x-rays or dental procedures so the dental team can take appropriate precautions and coordinate care with the patient's obstetrician as needed. Routine dental exams, cleanings, and necessary restorative care are generally safe during pregnancy and are important because hormonal changes can increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Elective or nonurgent treatment is often deferred to the second trimester when possible, but urgent dental issues should be addressed promptly to avoid complications.

When x-rays are necessary, modern dental imaging uses protective shielding and low exposure levels, and dentists follow guidelines to minimize radiation while ensuring proper diagnosis. Maintaining good oral hygiene, controlling inflammation, and keeping routine dental visits helps protect the health of both the patient and the developing fetus. If you have concerns, discuss them with the dental team at the office so they can tailor care and reassure you about safety measures during treatment.

Tobacco use and vaping both have harmful effects on oral tissues and overall health, and young people who use these products face increased risks of gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and changes in taste and smell. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow, which impairs healing and worsens periodontal disease, while components of e-cigarette vapor can introduce heavy metals and other chemicals that damage oral and respiratory tissues. Smokeless tobacco also poses significant risks, including localized tissue damage, decay, and a markedly higher chance of oral cancer.

Prevention and cessation are critical: dental professionals can counsel patients and families about the oral consequences of tobacco and vaping and provide resources to support quitting. Early intervention reduces the long-term risk of irreversible damage and improves oral healing potential, so encouraging healthy behaviors and discussing these topics during dental visits helps protect adolescents' oral and systemic health. If you suspect a child or teen is using these products, bring the concern to the dentist so you can receive guidance and appropriate referrals.

Tooth fractures can range from superficial enamel cracks to splits that extend into the tooth root, and symptoms often include sudden pain with biting, sensitivity to temperature, and visible chipping or mobility. Unlike bone, a cracked tooth cannot heal on its own, and early diagnosis is essential to prevent worsening damage or infection that could threaten the tooth. A dentist will examine the tooth, consider the fracture pattern, and may use radiographs or other imaging to determine the extent and plan appropriate treatment.

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the crack and may include smoothing and bonding for minor fractures, crowns to restore strength and function, or root canal therapy if the pulp is involved. In cases where the tooth is not salvageable, extraction and replacement options are discussed to restore oral function. Prompt dental care after an injury improves the likelihood of saving the tooth and minimizing long-term complications.

Traumatic ulcers commonly occur when children accidentally bite the inside of the cheek or lip, and they are especially frequent after dental anesthesia when numbness leads to inadvertent chewing of soft tissue. Most traumatic ulcers heal on their own within a few days to a week as the tissue regenerates, and parents can help by keeping the area clean, offering soft foods, and using over-the-counter pain relievers or topical protective agents as recommended by a dentist or pediatrician. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, discharge, or fever, is important because these symptoms warrant prompt professional evaluation.

If a traumatic ulcer does not improve or if the child is in significant pain, contact the dental office for guidance; the dentist may suggest topical treatments, protective coverings, or, rarely, antibiotics if there is evidence of infection. Preventive measures include supervising younger children after procedures that cause numbness and teaching safe eating habits to reduce the risk of accidental bites. Timely communication with the dental team ensures appropriate care and a faster, more comfortable recovery for the child.