Posted on April 1, 2023

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children also may suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.

There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, however diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, chronic gingivitis is common in children. Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

• Sore
• Swollen
• Red
• Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular cleaning and exam appointments will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun, our team can help. Contact our office for your child’s periodontal screening today.

Resource: https://www.perio.org/newsroom/periodontal-disease-fact-sheet

Posted on March 15, 2023

Many parents don’t realize that babies derive comfort from non-nutritive sucking. It’s been shown that some babies begin to self-soothe by sucking on their fingers or thumbs even before birth.  By allowing your child a pacifier, you may be able to more easily break the habit as the child reaches an age where this self-soothing behavior is no longer needed, by removing or cutting the pacifier. If a child learns to self-soothe by thumb sucking, it may be more difficult to break this habit.  

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, If your child is still using a pacifier at the age of 3, the habit should be discouraged. This is because the upper front teeth may tip outward or come in improperly as a result. If you’re unsure if your child’s pacifier or thumb-sucking habit is interfering with the healthy development of teeth and jaws, please contact us. We’re happy to advise you with behavior modification techniques.  

Here are a few additional guidelines for pacifier use:  

• Never dip the pacifier into a sweet substance such as honey. 
• Do not use a string, ribbon or cord to secure the pacifier to clothes or cribs. 
• The pacifier shield should be larger than the child’s mouth. 
• Discontinue use if the pacifier fits into the child’s mouth.  
• Discard pacifiers that are worn or deteriorating 
• Do not allow the child to sleep with the pacifier.  

Remember, the AAPD recommends your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist by the age of 1 or with the eruption of the first tooth. If you’ve yet to find your dental home, we welcome you to become a part of our dental family.  

Posted on March 1, 2023

Oral health may not be your teen’s top priority, but through education, you can help your teen adopt healthy habits. There are three common issues that teenagers struggle with when it comes to their oral health. 

Issue #1: Tooth Decay

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is still the most prevalent disease affecting children in the United States. 

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your teen’s risk of tooth decay. Encourage your teen to eat a balanced diet and limit the amounts of sugar they consume when possible. Sugar is the prefered breeding ground for many kinds of bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay. 

A proper oral hygiene routine is another way to help prevent decay in your teen’s teeth. Encourage him or her to brush and floss for the recommended amount of time each day. Visiting our pediatric dental office regularly can help establish oral health habits in his or her routine.

Issue #2: Tobacco & Nicotine

The adolescent years mark the first time teens may feel pressured to try tobacco, nicotine, and vape products. If you notice that he or she has begun any of these habits, encourage them to drop the habit. Tobacco has been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease, bad breath, and stained teeth, along with other side effects.

Besides the negative effects these products can have on the health of your teen’s teeth and gums, many of these products, including e-cigarettes and vaping, can be a detriment to their overall health as well. Remind your teen that smoking increases the risk of strokes, heart disease, lung disease, and more.

Issue #3: Injuries Caused by Sporting Activities

Many teens participate in sports. While this is a great way to stay healthy and create friendships, it’s important to remember the potential danger these sports pose to your teen’s teeth and gums. 

You can help protect your teen’s mouth by getting them a mouthguard. While there are many options today that will do a fair job at protecting him or her, a custom fit mouthguard will provide the most complete protection. It helps safeguard not only their teeth, but also their gums, lips, face, and head.

We hope that this information will help your teen to maintain optimal oral health, not only for their school years, but for the rest of their life. We take pride in setting the foundation for your child’s oral health and are here to help. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to schedule your child’s next appointment at our dental office. We look forward to seeing you.

Posted on February 15, 2023

As a child, losing a tooth might mean an exciting visit from the tooth fairy. As a parent, however, it can be scary to hear your child may need to have a tooth pulled. Our young patients’ health and best interests are always our top priority, so we will discuss every option with parents before making a decision about extractions. Here are several reasons why an extraction may be an option:  

Trauma 

If your child has chipped or cracked a tooth with the permanent tooth close to erupting, we may recommend an extraction. 

Disease

When tooth decay goes unattended and reaches the center of the tooth, it can infect blood vessels, nerves, gums and even the jawbone beneath. We will assess the tooth carefully to determine the best course of action.  

Orthodontic Preparation 

Excessive crowding in a child’s mouth doesn’t allow room for permanent teeth to erupt where they are supposed to. Removing baby teeth can leave more space for permanent teeth to grow in, which is especially helpful during orthodontic treatment.

Stubborn Baby Teeth

Sometimes baby teeth will refuse to fall out on their own, making it either difficult for permanent teeth to come in or causing permanent teeth to erupt next to the baby tooth. We sometimes refer to these as “shark teeth.” We may recommend removing the baby teeth ourselves to speed along the process. 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth usually emerge around the ages of 17 and 21. The purpose of wisdom teeth is to help you chew, but they can lead to problems if there isn’t enough space for them to surface correctly. This can lead to food becoming trapped between them or providing an opening for bacteria to enter the gums.

How Can My Child’s Tooth be Saved?

In many instances, your child’s tooth may not require extraction. We’ll be sure to evaluate your child’s needs and provide a treatment plan that is best for your child’s health and development. 

Our Pediatric Dentists Always Put Your Child’s Comfort First

Our team of pediatric dental specialists provides a comfortable atmosphere where children can feel safe and at ease. We offer the most advanced anesthesia and sedation options to help your child relax, and then provide care instructions to help your child recover as quickly as possible. If your child has experienced any oral trauma or is complaining of tooth pain, call us right away so we can determine the best treatment plan.

Posted on February 1, 2023

It’s vital that the pediatric dental team and parents of patients work together to foster a positive dental experience for each child. There are several ways that parents can support the efforts of their pediatric dental team, including:

Early Dental Visits

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should begin seeing their pediatric dentist once their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Early care will help your child feel comfortable in a dental office. 

Pass on Your Dental Fears

Any phobias or misgivings you have towards the dentist are quite commonly shared with your child. Be aware of your mannerisms, as well as what you say before, during and after your own visit to the dentist. Focus on how visiting the dentist is an important part of keeping your mouth and body healthy. 

Get Your Child Excited for the Visit

Inform your child of the appointment. Let them know we’ll be counting and cleaning their teeth. Explain how beautiful and clean their teeth will be after the appointment. Teach them about the importance of dentistry. With your support, your child will grow to love dentistry, which will contribute to a healthier life. 

Your child’s visit to their pediatric dentist can be a positive experience when you and the pediatric dental team work to ensure your child’s health and comfort are prioritized. For more information, contact our team.

Posted on January 15, 2023

Pediatric dentists must receive the following credentials prior to becoming a pediatric dentist: 

• High School
• Undergraduate Degree
• Dental School (4- Year program)
• Licensing
• Residency (2-Year Program)

A pediatric dentist has 6 years of postgraduate education. This credentialing process is intense but necessary for pediatric dentists to undergo to provide the highest quality care. Some of the training involved in a pediatric residency includes clinical experience, child psychology, child development, child-related pharmacology among many other areas. Some programs offer training related to radiology, advanced surgical procedures, special needs care, sedation and treating injuries. 

Excellent Experiences 

Pediatric dentists are experienced in handling routine dental care for children of all ages and levels of need. For routine care, you can trust that our team knows how to consider your child’s emotional state, and will tailor our interactions to accommodate the individual needs of your child.  

Emergency Care

In the case of an emergency, your pediatric dentist may work with a team of specialists to provide the most appropriate care for the given situation. No matter your child’s dental needs, your child’s positive experience and long-term health will be prioritized. 

Relationship Focused

When choosing a pediatric dentist, you’ll want to consider the following: 

• Qualifications
• Team
• Reputation

When your child looks forward to visiting his or her dentist, maintaining a healthy smile becomes much easier. Your child will listen to the at-home advice of the dental team and embrace healthy habits. Choosing a dentist who is qualified to care for your child is the first step. Next, ensuring your child’s dental team will communicate properly allows you to build trust and confidence in the care received. Lastly, you’ll want to consider the reputation of your dental team. Do other parents and patients leave raving reviews? Do you get a sense of family and friendship when entering the office? 

Contact Our Pediatric Dental Team

If you’re seeking a pediatric dental team that can provide your children with quality care in a compassionate environment, contact us today. We look forward to meeting you.

Posted on January 1, 2023

By establishing a proper oral health routine at a young age, children can more easily maintain a healthy smile throughout adolescence and adulthood. The following will outline ways to introduce these healthy habits.

Introduce Healthy Habits Early 

It is recommended by the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) that children should see a dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth has erupted- whichever occurs first. This will allow your child to establish professional dental care as a part of their optimal oral healthcare routine. Visiting the dentist should be an enjoyable experience for your child. Creating early positive dental experiences can reduce the likelihood of your child suffering from dental phobia (odontophobia) later in life. 

In addition to modeling the importance of professional oral healthcare to your children, it’s important to show proper at-home habits. Brushing and flossing in front of your child will show them it’s a normal, daily activity. Teaching your child about the consequences of inadequate home care can also help to motivate the adoption of healthy oral hygiene habits.

Make Proper Oral Hygiene Habits Fun 

Celebrate the eruption of your child’s new teeth. Take a special trip to the store with your child to pick out their first toothbrush. Get them excited about keeping their teeth healthy. 

Do your best to make brushing fun by playing a special song while your child is brushing. Getting your child to look forward to this time together can make this seemingly mundane task into a celebrated daily activity. 

If brushing is simply not fun for your child, consider rewarding or celebrating your child for partaking in the behaviors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. If your child is motivated by stickers or points on a rewards chart, be sure to include brushing as one of the good deeds celebrated. 

Establishing healthy oral health habits in children is vital to their overall health. Whether at-home care is a game, special time together or a chore to check off the list, make sure your child is receiving proper oral hygiene care at home from a young age to prevent further intervention later.

Welcome to Our Pediatric Dental Office

If you’d like to meet our team for an enjoyable pediatric dental experience for your child, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re confident you and your child will love our compassionate, fun environment. 

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.