Why Are Babies Advised to See a Dentist?

March 15, 2021 by Admin

Taking your baby to the dentist seems like it may be not necessary, but taking them is actually important. Most parents wonder what the correct age is to take their baby to the dentist. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends parents seek out a dentist for their child by the age of one years old, or when they notice the first tooth erupting.

On average primary teeth erupt around six months of age. In some cases parents feel their baby does not have enough teeth to warrant a visit to the dentist. Actually, visiting a dentist at this early age provides many benefits. Ensuring baby teeth are erupting properly is important, and allows the dentist to catch any issues early on.

Children should keep their primary teeth as long as they can until they are lost naturally. There are many benefits to keeping primary teeth relating to development in children.

Benefits of Primary Teeth

Help with speech development in children
Help to chew food properly
Primary teeth give children confidence about their appearance and promote a healthy smile.
Primary teeth save space for future teeth

Teaching Children to Care for Their Teeth

Taking your child to the dentist can establish proper dental hygiene habits at a young age, and teach your child how to care for their teeth. Our team can help explain how taking care of your teeth avoids cavities and other issues in the future. Establishing a good relationship with your dentist is important, and your child will be comfortable when visiting the dentist in the future.

Part of our initial visit process for children include a tour of our office and the highest level of care. We want your child to feel comfortable and at ease when they visit our office. Our team will take a look at your child’s teeth, and create a baseline of information that can be used as your child grows.

Our team will monitor the development of your child’s teeth, and ensure all the primary teeth are erupting properly. We care about your child’s health, and we always ensure each appointment is a positive experience for everyone.

Interested in Making an Appointment?

If you are interested in making an appointment our team is here to help. We encourage parents to set up an initial exam and let us handle everything. Your child is in good hands, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care.

To schedule an exam for your child, please contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you!

Why are my Child’s Teeth Not Coming In?

February 23, 2021February 21, 2021 by Admin

In most children teeth erupt normally and there are no issues. On the other hand there are cases when parents may notice their child’s teeth are not erupting at a normal rate, or not at all. If you notice your child’s teeth are not erupting properly it may be time to bring them in to see their dentist.

One of the many reasons it is important to establish a relationship with your child’s dentist at an early age is so we can keep an eye on their teeth, and get in front of any issues. Knowing ahead of time your child may have an issue can help prevent further complications. There are a few common reasons why teeth may not erupt properly in children.

Space Is Limited

In many cases children do not have enough space in their mouth for permanent teeth to erupt properly. Permanent teeth are larger and wider than baby teeth, and this can cause an issue if there is not enough space available.

Impaction

Impaction is when a permanent tooth is unable to erupt on its own. Impacted teeth develop under the gums and can be caused by extra teeth, lack of space, or narrow jaws. If your child has impacted teeth we will refer you to an orthodontist for treatment. Orthodontic treatment is typically needed to help make the necessary space in the mouth. A simple procedure is done to uncover the impacted tooth under the gum, and gently pull the tooth into place.

Teeth Erupting the Wrong Way

A common issue children face is when their permanent teeth erupt in the wrong direction. This typically happens to either the upper canine teeth or the lower bicuspids. If your child’s teeth are erupting in the wrong direction you will be referred to an orthodontist to help move the teeth into the correct position.

Extra Teeth

Another common issue with tooth eruption in children is when they have too many teeth. This condition is called hyperdontia, and the extra teeth can block permanent teeth from erupting. To correct this issue we may recommend extracting the extra teeth that are causing an issue. For this condition, orthodontic treatment may be needed.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions can affect if and how teeth erupt, as well as the development of the jaw. If development is affected by a medical condition, this can delay permanent teeth from erupting on time. Common medical conditions that may cause an issue are down’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, and rickets.

Ready To Visit Your Child’s Dentist?

If you feel your child has an issue with their teeth erupting please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment in our office. Our team is here to help, and the sooner we can take a look at your child’s teeth the quicker we can devise a treatment plan.

Your child’s health is our priority, and our team always strives to provide the very best care for all of our patients.

If you have a concern about your child’s teeth, and you would like to schedule an appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Do Pediatric Dentists Perform Surgery?

February 23, 2021February 15, 2021 by Admin

A Pediatric dentist treats children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists have skills to interact with infants and children, and this makes visits comfortable and easy for both the parent and child. Finding that perfect pediatric dentist is important, and helps to set the tone for good oral hygiene.

Pediatric dentists provide many procedures and treatments to help keep your child’s teeth and mouth developing properly and feeling great.

Common Pediatric Dentistry Services

Cleanings and exams
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants
Deep cleaning
Fitting oral appliances such as mouthguards
Surgical procedures including tooth extractions, tooth implants, gum surgery and tissue grafts
Treatments to restore damaged teeth such as fillings, crowns, and root canals

What Surgeries Does a Pediatric Dentist Perform?

Pediatric dentists perform surgeries that include implants, tooth extractions, gum surgery, and tissue grafts. If your child has been recommended for oral surgery, and the surgery required is not a common surgery done by your pediatric dentist, they will refer you to an oral surgeon. Typically if the surgery involves impacted teeth higher in the gum line, or other areas that are not easy to reach an oral surgeon is required.

Pediatric dentists must complete three or more years of undergraduate education, as well as graduate with either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). In addition, pediatric dentists must complete an additional 2-3 years of specialized training specifically for diagnosing and treating children.

Pediatric dentists should be seen when an infant gets his or her first tooth or no later than one year old. Attending regular exams and cleanings every six months sets the tone early on, and teaches children at a young age how to care for their teeth. How often your child needs to be seen depends on their dental needs and level of plaque buildup.

Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home and eating a healthy diet can help teach your child how to take great care of their teeth and mouth. Establishing a good relationship with your dentist is important, and gives your dental team the opportunity to monitor your child’s development and get in front of any issues.

Interested in Scheduling Your Child’s Exam?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s dental exam and cleaning our team is here to help. We provide the highest level of service, and always make sure all of our patients are comfortable and relaxed. We want each appointment to be an exceptional one!

To schedule an appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

How Do I Prepare My Child For Their First Dental Visit?

December 21, 2020 by Admin

Planning your child’s first dental visit can be stressful. Many parents wonder when the perfect time is to bring their child in for their first exam. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists or AAPD recommends that children visit the dentist by the age of one, or when they first notice signs of teeth erupting. Typically, primary teeth do not erupt until about six months of age.

Parents tend to worry how their child will feel or behave at the dentist for the first time. There are many benefits to visiting the dentist starting at a young age, and with positive encouragement and our amazing staff we always ensure your child’s first visit and every visit after will go well.

There are a few things we recommend to parents to help prepare their child to visit our office for the first time. We want all of our patients to feel calm and relaxed and enjoy their visit. Our staff is specially trained to work with children, and they are in good hands while in our care.

Helpful Ways to Prepare Your Child Before Their First Visit to Our Office

We welcome all new patients to schedule a tour of our office and meet our staff. This helps your child get to know where they are going, and when they arrive they will feel more comfortable because they have already been here for a visit.
Talk to your child about how important it is to see your dentist regularly. With positive attitude your child will feel excited and not afraid, and will enjoy visiting our office.
There are dental books and TV shows available that you can show your child so they can get an idea what a dental office looks like, and what we do during a dental exam and cleaning.
During your child’s appointment we recommend bringing in any comfort items such as a stuffed animal or blanket to make your child feel relaxed.
Our staff provides each child with a reward at the end of each visit so they have something to look forward to. Parents are welcome to plan for a reward as an incentive to help the child get through their first appointment.
It is important to talk to your child about how important dental hygiene is. Keeping our teeth and gums clean so we can have beautiful smiles can help teach them good oral hygiene habits at a young age.

Starting your child out right with proper dental care helps to set the stage for later in life and teaches children good oral hygiene. We look forward to establishing a good relationship with each of our pediatric patients, and our staff will help your child understand how important it is to take care of your teeth and visit our office regularly.

Our dental exams are thorough and we can check for any issues as your child grows older. We believe in preventative care to help keep your child’s teeth feeling and looking their best.

Are You Interested in Scheduling Your Child’s First Exam?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s first dental exam we are here to help. Contact our office and our friendly staff can assist you!

Helping your child take charge of their oral health at a young age is important and our staff is here to support both our pediatric patients and their parents, and provide the highest level of dental care.

We look forward to meeting you and having your child join our dental family.

Oral Health Tips For Teenagers Part 2 Of 2

March 12, 2020February 13, 2020 by Admin

Oral health tips for children and teenagers

Now that we know what the most common problems are that our children might face in the previous blog, it is time to get on to the solution to these problems. They are simple steps that will help them have a beautiful smile and good oral health.

Importance of brushing

It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. This should be taught to children from a very young age. They can be induced to listen to a song they like for three minutes to take time to brush their teeth. Technology can be truly be a great ally in these cases. Other than this, we also recommend using dental floss or interdental brushes. As parents we should enforce brushing before bedtime, because it is the most important. This complemented with the mouthwash will prevent the appearance of plaque and decay.

Additionally, children must include tongue cleaning as a regular habit so as not to have bad breath. You should make sure your children get rid of habits such as biting pens, nails and other objects. It is ideal for young people to carry an oral hygiene kit for when they are away from home. Although if they cannot brush, they may choose to use sugar-free gum for a few minutes after eating or drinking. This is not a substitute for brushing, but it helps to clean your teeth a bit.

Good nutrition

They have to learn to eat healthy, especially eating a diet rich in vegetables, meat, fruits and fish. Another recommendation is to reduce sweets or replace them with those without sugar. If you are going to consume any soda, do it with a straw so it does not come in contact with your teeth. It is recommended that you rinse your mouth when you have finished drinking it. Another of the oral health tips for teenagers is to encourage them to drink water during the day to eliminate excess food and bacteria from their mouths. If your child practices a contact sport, he should wear a mouth guard to prevent oral injuries. But you should keep it clean and store it in a ventilated container.

Beware of anorexia and bulimia

It is necessary to be aware of the behavior of young people, because according to experts they are increasingly obsessed with their appearance. They focus for example on posting a perfect photo on social networks. If they do not meet the standards, they often require cosmetic surgery, new dentures or fall into diseases such as bulimia or anorexia. Both pathologies seriously affect oral health. These disorders cause wear, hypersensitivity, cavities, gum retraction until denture loss. Therefore, if you suspect that your child may be one step away or suffer from any of these diseases, you should seek medical attention. We should all become responsible for our own and our children’s oral health. The tips mentioned in this post can help prevent any major trouble and save you and your children from a lot of trouble.

Is Dental Sedation Safe for Kids?

December 6, 2019December 4, 2019 by Admin

Sedation has long been used in the dental field as a way to improve the lives of children undergoing care. For some kids, it can be difficult to sit still for treatment, or they might suffer panic attacks and anxiety whenever visiting the office. While we do everything we can to improve their experience in our office, there are times when a child would benefit from quality sedation. As a parent, you might be wondering if sedation is safe for your child and if it is necessary when undergoing dental procedures.

What Sedative Options are Available?

We offer several different types of sedation that are all suited to children. Nitrous oxide involves placing a mask over the nose and instructing your child to breathe in the sweet-smelling fumes. This sedative helps to relax your child so that they can be more comfortable in the office. The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. Oral sedation involves taking a small pill, which works to relax and calm down anxious kids. IV sedation is ideal for kids who are undergoing more complex procedures and who need to be in a sleep-like state to receive care.

Is Sedation Safe for Kids?

Sedation is always safe for children because we carefully administer it and monitor it throughout the course of the appointment. Sedation is personalized to your child’s needs, and we will go over any medical or health information prior to recommending sedation to them. You can feel confident in knowing that sedation is entirely safe and effective for your child. In fact, many parents find that sedation improves their child’s experience in a way that eliminates fear and anxiety.

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Most children can benefit from sedation when coming in for treatment. We often recommend sedation to kids who have disabilities or special needs, since it might be difficult for them to sit still in the dental chair. If your child is coming in for more invasive treatment, we may recommend undergoing sedation in order to make the procedure more comfortable for them. You can always rest assured that sedation is safe for your child, and we are here to answer questions you may have regarding sedative options.

If you would like to learn more about sedation and how it can benefit your child, call us today to speak with one of our helpful staff members.

Sedation Dentistry: Questions to Ask Your Dentist

December 6, 2019November 23, 2019 by Admin

Sedation is a great way to improve your child’s experience while in our office. We offer nitrous oxide, oral and IV sedation to make it easy for your child or teen to receive the dental treatment that is needed. Before they undergo sedation, you may have some questions regarding what to expect throughout the course of treatment. We are here to answer any and all questions that you might have concerning sedation dentistry.

What Options are Available?

We offer a number of different sedative options specific to children. Children and teens may benefit from nitrous oxide, oral sedation as well as IV sedatives for the treatment that is needed. Be sure to ask us about these choices and which one is best suited to your child’s needs.

What to Expect Before, During and After Sedation?

Sedation often puts your child into a deeply relaxed or sleep-like state during treatment. It’s a good idea to know what to expect before, during and after sedation has been administered. In most cases, we will recommend that children and teens have a way to get home with a relative because they may not be awake enough to get home themselves. This is especially true for teens who may drive themselves into the office.

Is Sedation Safe?

Sedation is always a safe and reliable option for our patients. Regardless of your child’s age or medical needs, we safely administer and monitor sedation while they are in the office. We even provide aftercare to our patients to ensure that they know what to expect as the sedative wears off. You can feel confident in knowing that sedation has been used for many years on children undergoing dental care. It helps kids to relax during treatment, and it can be especially beneficial for those who may have special needs that prevents them from sitting still for their care.

Does My Child Always Need Sedation?

There are times when some children benefit from sedation with every visit. This often includes children with severe anxiety or who have special needs. We can go over your child’s specific needs to determine if they may benefit from sedation at every appointment, or if it is only necessary for more invasive treatments.

If you’d like to learn more about sedation, call our office today so that one of our friendly staff members can further assist you.