For many children, a visit to the dentist can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s fear of the unknown or anxiety about a procedure, these feelings are common but manageable. Sedation dentistry is a fantastic option for kids who may be nervous, ensuring they stay relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. Read on for a breakdown on sedation dentistry for kids and how it can help make dental care a positive experience. 

When you think of laughing gas, you may immediately remember how it has been comedically portrayed in cartoons and other media. While these depictions of nitrous oxide can certainly elicit a good laugh, they are not true to life. Nitrous oxide can be a safe and effective dental sedation treatment for patients of any age because it does not cause erratic behavior or any other dangerous or long-lasting side effects. Here’s a brief guide to why this treatment may be an excellent way to help your child remain comfortable in their pediatric dentist’s chair.

If you have a child with Down Syndrome, you likely already know that they often face unique challenges with their oral health. Children with special needs may struggle with sensory issues that can make hygiene a challenge, and unique physical characteristics may make them more susceptible to certain oral health conditions. Here are some dental issues you should be aware of and how to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!

As a parent of a child with special needs, you likely know more about them than anyone else. That includes any challenges you might have when it comes to their oral health care routine.

It is not uncommon to struggle to properly maintain their oral hygiene, putting them at a greater risk for cavities and gum disease. Children with special needs are also more prone to behaviors like tongue thrusting, jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and sometimes they may also have oral malformations such as enamel defects, high lip lines, and even variations in teeth size and shape.

Because of these challenges, it can be difficult for these children to be seen by a dentist. They can sometimes be fearful of new situations and people, as well as of the possibility of pain, making a trip to the dentist stressful and scary.

If you have a child with special needs, here are a few areas you should look out for when caring for their oral health, and why you should take them to a pediatric dentist trained in caring for children with special needs.

Brushing and flossing can be a battle if your little one has sensory issues or other special needs. However, a healthy mouth is important for their overall well-being. Here are a few tips to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy while accommodating their unique needs.

(more…)

You may or may not already know that some discomfort is to be expected after your child’s pulp therapy. But your parental sixth sense is going off. Something’s not right.

You could very well be correct. There is a level of dental discomfort that could point to a more complicated issue than expected post-treatment soreness. It’s always a good idea to call your pediatric emergency dentist if you’re unsure. But as they say, knowledge is power. We’ve got some pulp therapy details that will help you feel more informed.

Unexpected toothaches can be alarming, especially for children! While these are often a result of dental damage or a cavity that has provided harmful oral bacteria with an access point to the inner cavity of their tooth, the good news is that this concern is treatable. In fact, pediatric dentists offer pulp therapy to not only preserve your child’s natural tooth, but also erase their pain.

You may be thinking, though, “Why wouldn’t they just opt for a tooth extraction since the infection is affecting a primary tooth?” Read on to learn the answer to this question and why pulp therapy is likely the better option than removing the tooth completely.  

Ouch! If your child yelps while chewing and the pain doesn’t fade, you may need to schedule a dentist appointment. Tooth pain isn’t normal, especially if it occurs while eating room-temperature food or appears out of nowhere. But what if it goes away? Should you still take them to their dentist? Continue reading to learn more about pulp treatment and how disappearing pain might mean more than meets the eye.

As your toddler’s guardian, you’re expected to provide for all their physical and emotional needs, including their smile. While it’s easy to believe that their baby teeth aren’t as important, caring for them correctly goes a long way toward preventing tooth decay and gum disease that can impact their overall oral health. One popular method many dentists use to treat cavities is SDF, or silver diamine fluoride. This substance is known to halt enamel erosion in its tracks, but is it safe for young children? Keep reading to find out!

Children are notorious for roughhousing and neglecting their oral hygiene, both of which being common reasons for someone to need a dental crown. While dental crowns can restore a damaged tooth to its original appearance and function, they need a few days after being placed before they can handle harder foods. If your child has recently received a dental crown, you might be wondering how they can get all the nutrition they need when on a soft diet. Here’s a list of nutritious foods your child can enjoy while recovering from the procedure.