Posted on November 15, 2022

Helping children establish a foundation of quality oral health care at a young age is very important. Part of this foundation is built upon the professional dental care your child receives. That’s why choosing to use a professional pediatric dentist is a great way to set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health habits. Here are a few reasons why speciality pediatric dental care has benefits for both you and your child.

1. Specialty Training. Pediatric dentists are not only dentists that focus on younger patients. Additional training is required for those who wish to go into pediatric dentistry. Dentists looking to focus on pediatrics must successfully obtain their degree before focusing on obtaining a pediatric dental license. The average residency time needed to specialize in pediatric dentistry is between 2-3 years. Having the additional years of training helps separate pediatric dentists from other dentists when it comes to treatment protocols, and this training helps them deliver the best possible care and comfort to your child.
    
2. A Child-Friendly Office. It’s non uncommon for young children to have fear about going to the dentist, viewing it as a “scary” place. Pediatric dental offices do their best to put this stigma to rest. Often painted in fun color schemes, the offices are designed to look inviting. Often, waiting areas have child-centric activities such as toys, games, books, or even children’s programming on TV,  Combining the office with a professional pediatric dental staff can put you and your child’s mind at ease. Our staff can not only provide quality care but can help by telling jokes or even offering a small prize like a sticker once treatment is completed. The office environment can only help so much, but having the right pediatric dental team can turn a good experience into a great one.
   
3. Teaching Your Child to Care for Their Teeth. Visiting a pediatric dentist for a cleaning and dental examination is very important, but being able to teach kids to take care of their teeth is also essential. Pediatric dental staff members take the time to help educate kids with steps like showing them how to properly brush and floss their teeth. This makes your job of reinforcing good habits at home that much easier.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact our office today. Our team is here to provide your child with the best dental care and to help your child learn and understand the importance of proper oral hygiene. 

Reference: https://www.asdanet.org/utility-navigation/career-compass-home/grad-career-options/Life-of-a-Dentist/Pediatric-Dentistry

Posted on November 1, 2022

Thumb sucking is one of the most recognizable behaviors found in children. Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy, or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may even encourage sleep. Studies have proposed that as many as 90% of children have engaged in this type of activity in their lives. We have even seen that thumb sucking can begin in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. It’s natural, safe, and can be quite helpful to parents, as their baby learns to soothe themselves from time to time. 

Whether this oral fixation is satisfied with a thumb or the commonly used pacifier, most children discontinue this practice before long. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. 

Once your baby’s first set of teeth are in and thumb sucking persists, there is a chance that this habit could push the teeth slightly forward. Fortunately, this will in no way affect the placement of the adult teeth or add to the cost of your child’s future dental bills. Thumb sucking, even in toddlers, is considered normal. It does not mean there is anything wrong with your child and that they should feel embarrassed or ashamed. Even the most persistent thumb sucker ordinarily stops on their own by the time toddlerhood has ended. 

Thumb sucking infrequently continues past the age of four. This is usually found to be the result of too much attention or negative reinforcement given to the habit in previous years. Beyond this age, thumb sucking can begin to impact the alignment of the adult teeth, so it is best your child shed the habit sooner rather than later. 

How do you help them with this? Don’t reprimand them because of it, don’t remove the thumb from their mouth and don’t mention it. This is where their growing awareness and social cues come in handy. As your child begins to notice that the kids around them aren’t sucking their thumbs anymore, they won’t want to either. They will also start to discover other skills or items to give them comfort and security. Peer pressure becomes a much greater deterrent than a parent’s disapproval.  

What Can I Do to Support my Child Through Thumb Sucking?

●     Insecurity often causes anxiety in children and this may lead to thumb sucking. Instead of reprimanding them, try to focus on what is making them feel anxious. 

●     Parents who provide comfort and positive reinforcement to their children will see a less likelihood of thumb sucking.

●     Take note of the times your child tends to suck on their thumb and create diversions during these occasions. 

●     Ask your child’s dentist to speak with them about the impact thumb sucking will have on their mouths.

●     Place a band-aid or a sock on your child’s thumb as a reminder to avoid putting their thumb or fingers in their mouth. Thumb sucking can be a troublesome habit for parents, mostly when it feels like your child is the only one still engaging in the behavior. Permitting your child to find other ways of comforting themselves is more helpful to them in the end.

If you have any other questions on how to improve your child’s oral health, please give our pediatric dental office a call. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call today.

Posted on September 15, 2022

Have you heard your child making an unidentifiable noise in their sleep? The sound you could be hearing is the sound of your child child grinding their teeth together. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a problem primarily common amongst adults but can happen in young children as well. In some cases, children as young as a year old can have the nightly habit. While childhood teeth grinding usually isn’t very problematic, it is still something you should mention to our pediatric dental team. Learn more on the causes of bruxism and what to do if your child grinds their teeth.  

What Are the Causes? 

There are a few common causes of bruxism in young children. Teeth shifting or teething, replacing pacifier use, and ear infections can be the cause of a child’s teeth grinding. One other area that can be a big cause of bruxism is stress. Like adults, the effects of stress can manifest in physical ways in children. Changes in routine such as eating or sleeping habits, or even problems at school can play a role in this. 

What should I Do?  

Luckily bruxism usually fades in children with the addition of their permanent teeth. However, if the habit continues, or teeth are being worn down quickly, schedule an appointment at our pediatric dentist in Lewisville TX. We will evaluate your child’s mouth to see what kind of damage is being done, and help you decide whether further action needs to be taken.  

Working to eliminate any additional stress can also help ease the causes of bruxism. Maintaining a consistent schedule for your child, specifically around bedtime, is very important.  

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our pediatric dentist in Lewisville today. 

Posted on September 1, 2022

If your child is a candidate for braces, chances are both of you have a least a few questions and potential concerns. Young children and even teens may feel a combination of apprehension and excitement as they begin their journey towards a straighter smile. Here’s what you can do to help them prepare for orthodontic treatment: 

1. Include them in discussions about treatment options. 

Orthodontia is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. Talk to your orthodontist about all of your child’s potential treatment options and include your child in the conversation. While metal braces are the most popular choice for children and teens, there may be other methods that are equally effective and affordable. 

2. Describe what to expect during treatment. 

Ask our office to help you anticipate common questions. Plan to be as candid as possible and honest when it comes to discomfort – braces take some getting used to, but assure your child that any potential discomfort will ease with time. Also emphasize the commitment needed to keep their teeth clean during treatment; brushing and flossing will take longer with braces, but the time investment is well worth it. 

3. Stock up on soft foods. 

Your child’s teeth may feel sensitive for the first few days after getting their braces fitted. Keep them comfortable by stocking up on softer foods that will make eating easier. Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, yogurt, and pudding are all great choices.  

4. Invest in orthodontic wax. 

Your child may experience some mouth soreness as they get used to the brackets on their braces. Orthodontic wax offers a thin layer of protection between the brackets and their tender gums. Show your child how to use it so they can keep it handy in their backpack for use at school and during extracurricular activities. 

5. Focus on the benefits. 

Explaining the benefits of braces to your child will reinforce the importance of adhering to their treatment plan. Children are often impatient and want immediate gratification, so remind them that while a year or two may seem like forever, the pay-off will be a beautiful, self-confident smile they can be proud of for years to come. 

If you and your child are embarking on your first orthodontic journey together, our Lewisville pediatric dentist here to help. Contact our Lewisville TX pediatric dentist for additional tips to set your child up for treatment success.