Open Up and Say Ahhh

Tonsillectomies, once a rite of passage for children, may be making a comeback.

Most remember the sore throat and never-ending supply of ice cream, though today this surgery is a rarity. Rochester dentists Kurt Doolin, and Jeff Haddad say the benefits of tonsillectomys should be re-examined

Haddad says, "It may be worth having your children's tonsils checked if they have poor sleeping habits including sleeping in odd positions, earaches, sore throats, visits to the hospital to have tubes installed in their ears, and subsequent visits when those fall out."

The doctors say common treatments, such as tubes in the ears, focus on the symptoms only, not the cause."Tubes are like putting a Band-Aid on a wound," Doolin says. They just relieve pressure and drainage, and don't address the underlying cause.

Complications from enlarged tonsils or adenoids can be developmentally devastating to dental health, choking off a child's - even an adult's - airway."The tongue shoots up to the roof of the mouth, causing the teeth to collapse inward in the lower jaw and the palette to push upwards from the force of the tongue."

Catching the problem early enough, before the mouth becomes too distorted, could prevent future orthodontic treatment, or at least lessen a child's time in braces, the dentists say.

"Children and adults can have problems with obstructive sleep apnea," "Sometimes it can lead to behavioral problems. With children it can affect their ...

The entire "Open Up and Say Ahhh" Oakland Press article

Five Ways to Keep Your Childs Teeth Healthy

1. Limit the bottle and sippie cup

As soon as teeth start to erupt they are susceptible to decay. Sipping on juice or milk frequently lead to cavities at any age.

2. Start good habits early

From birth until the first tooth erupts wipe your child's gums with a wash cloth. Once the first tooth starts to erupt introduce a tooth brush. Lead by example- make dental care a family event, let your kids see you brushing and flossing.

3. Regular visits to the dentist

By three years of age your child should be on a twice a year cleaning and exam schedule with your dentist

4. Fluoride

Have your water checked to make sure your child is getting optimal fluoride. Talk to your dentist or pediatrician about fluoride supplements.

5. Protect their teeth while playing sports

If your child is playing a contact sport make sure they are wearing a protective mouth guard

Schedule for Childrens Dental Care

Primary teeth eruption

Birth- 3 years old

• Wiping gums with clean cloth after every feeding

• First dental appointment- ADA recommends 6 months after first tooth erupts, many parents choose to wait until there child is closer to the age of 3 and are more cooperative

• As soon as the teeth begin to appear brushing with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
Fluoride free until at least 1 year old (this depends on the individual child)

• Talking to your dentist and physician about fluoride supplements

3 - 5 years old

• Start regular dental visits twice a year


• fluoride and xrays will be recommended when your dentist thinks it is right for your child


• tooth brushing should be taking place morning and night


• by the age of 4 thumb sucking should be a thing of the past


• your child's tonsils, airway and jaw/ palate formation should be evaluated

6 - 12 years old

• the first permanent molars will erupt around 6 and the second molars around 12 years of age these molars develop with deep grooves that should be evaluated for sealants


• an orthodontic consultation and treatment if necessary

12-18 years old

• Education on dietary choices and decay


• Evaluation for wisdom tooth removal

Permanent teeth eruption