Teething
This can occur in babies all the way through the college years. From their first tooth to wisdom teeth, teething can cause discomfort. Tylenol or motrin is a great option for pain relief. Cold foods, such as a frozen banana, or teether rings help our little ones. We do not recommend using Orajel with infants. Find more infant teething tips on Dr. Aimee’s baby blog where she discusses the ups and downs of her son’s teething.

Cankersores
Sometimes when we have a cold coming on or put our dirty fingers in our mouth we develop an ulcer or cankersore. These pesky spots can cause an immense amount of pain or sting. It usually takes a week or so to heal. It is recommended to stay away from spicy or lemony/acidic foods. Swishing with warm salt water can alleviate the discomfort and heal your mouth quicker.

Staining
If you notice you child develops dark stains on their teeth, there are many possible causes to consider. Often times iron supplements or vitamins can cause a black stain on the teeth. Some people have oral bacteria with chromogenic properties, meaning they form colors on our teeth. These stains can be easily removed with a good dental cleaning.

As your child approaches teenage years they may become more concerned about the appearance and color of their teeth. At this time we can discuss whitening options such as over-the-counter white strips or in-office/at-home tray treatment.