Wylie Children's Dentistry Blog

When your child’s pediatric dentist states that your little one has a decayed or damaged tooth, you may wonder how they plan to address it. Will they need a dental filling? Is it so bad that the tooth needs to be extracted? In certain situations, the infection may be too severe for a filling to suffice but not enough to warrant a root canal or tooth extraction. In these instances, it may be that a dental crown will be enough. In the past, traditional amalgam was the only way to protect these teeth; however, nowadays, children, just like adults, want a less noticeable option. Here are four reasons to choose a metal-free dental crown to repair your child’s smile.

Keeping your little one healthy is key, and that includes their smiles. It’s crucial to protect your child’s teeth and gums from cavities and decay, even at a young age. Fluoride toothpaste is recommended by dentists, but there’s ongoing discussion about the right amount and when to start using it. Keep reading to learn if fluoride is safe for your child and when they should begin using it for dental protection.

Your child’s baby teeth are only in place for a few years, but they are influential in their oral health and development. The biggest threat to teeth is tooth decay, despite being preventable. Cavities are common, especially in children. If your child has a cavity, their pediatric dentist will recommend a dental filling. Although the tooth will eventually fall out, not treating it can have lasting consequences for your child’s dental health. Here’s why fillings are necessary, even when it’s a baby tooth.

(more…)

Your baby will likely be fussy as they get their first teeth. Given this fact, perhaps you’re considering a teething ring for them. This item can, after all, help your tyke manage their pain. Still, it’s natural to wonder, “How safe are teething rings for babies?” You don’t want to buy a harmful tool. Luckily, your pediatric dentist has good news: teething rings are pretty safe. Here’s a summary of what they are, their low risks, and tips on using them safely.

If you had to guess, what would you say is the most common chronic condition among Americans? Joint pain? Allergies? Maybe headaches or migraines?

As it turns out, the answer is tooth decay! This condition is incredibly common among people of all ages, and babies aren’t an exception.

So-called “baby bottle tooth decay” can happen for quite a few reasons, so it’s worth being vigilant about it from an early age. Here are some things you should watch out for, and that you may want to avoid.

When your child’s two-year molars start to come in, it can be exciting. This is a sign that they’re growing up and their smile is nearly fully formed. As exciting as this time is, it can be difficult to know what to do when your little one’s teeth are coming in. Continue reading to learn about signs that their two-year molars are erupting as well as what you can do to help them manage the discomfort.

Apple. Grape. Orange. Fruit juice is a common drink for kids…of course, it’s sweet and delicious! While it may have some nutritional value for them, it can negatively affect their oral health. Your little one’s daily favorite beverage may be dramatically increasing their risk of cavities. Read on to learn more about how juice affects your child’s teeth and what you can do to keep their grin healthy and happy.

Keeping your child’s smile in good condition can feel like quite the task. Many children would rather fill up on candy and other sweets than on fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, a lot of the foods that kids tend to gravitate towards can cause tooth decay. The good news is that there are lots of tasty snacks that are better for their smile. Continue reading for ideas on alternatives to cavity-causing foods that you can serve your little one to promote a healthier smile.

Sedation dentistry has been utilized since the late 1800s to help children and adults have comfortable experiences at the dental office. For some patients, especially little ones who haven’t had many dental encounters yet, this service is necessary for them to build a positive relationship with their pediatric dentist so they actually want to come back. Plus, when sedation is administered by a trained professional, it’s completely safe. If you’re a concerned parent, these four common myths about sedation may be the root of your worries. Read on to learn why they’re no more than tall tales and how dental sedation can help your little one have a better experience.

If your child is on the spectrum, even a routine dental cleaning and checkup can be overwhelming. The sights, smells, noises, and unfamiliar faces can cause severe overstimulation; however, your child can’t skip seeing a dentist. Their oral health, development, and general wellness rely on a healthy smile, but it doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience with special needs dentistry. Here are 6 ways to keep your child with autism comfortable at the dentist. 

(more…)