Fluoride treatments are beneficial to your dental health. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel to make it more resistant to decay and damage. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments as a preventive measure to avoid cavities. Should kids get fluoride treatments? Is fluoride safe for children of all ages? Here’s what you should know about fluoride treatments and their use …
Are Root Canals Needed For A Child’s Dying Baby Tooth?
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat a tooth that is infected or at serious risk of infection due to severe decay or damage. In pediatric dentistry, a similar and more common procedure is a pulpectomy that is typically performed only on baby teeth. If your child has a baby tooth that is infected or decayed, …
How Old Does a Child Need To Be To Get Laughing Gas At The Dentist?
Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is a form of sedation used primarily in dentistry to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is especially helpful for children who feel nervous or fearful of getting dental treatment. If your child has an upcoming dental procedure, such as a filling, you may be wondering if laughing gas will be used …
What Should You Expect If Your Kid Has A Cavity?
Cavities are a normal dental issue for kids. While the ultimate goal of dentistry is to prevent cavities, sometimes they still occur. Children are still learning how to brush and floss effectively, something that even adults don’t always accomplish. This means tooth decay may happen in between dental visits. If your dentist discovers a cavity in one of your child’s …
How Often Do Kids Need Fluoride Treatment?
Fluoride treatment is a preventive measure used to protect the teeth from decay. It is especially helpful for children’s teeth as they are developing. Your child’s dentist may recommend fluoride treatment as part of a routine dental cleaning and oral examination. If you’re not familiar with fluoride treatment, you may have some questions. How often do kids need fluoride treatment? …
How Do You Know If a Child Needs A Tooth Filling?
Tooth fillings are one of the most common procedures in dentistry, especially for children. When a cavity develops in a tooth, a simple filling can usually restore the health of the tooth and prevent further damage. How are cavities found in teeth? How will I know if my child needs a dental filling? Learn about the diagnostic tools used in …
How Often Should Kids Get Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-Rays, also called radiographs, create images of the teeth, mouth, and jaw. As you probably know, X-Rays allow you to see what is underneath your skin and the soft tissues of your body. They are a valuable diagnostic tool for a wide variety of dental and health problems. If you have young children who are ready to receive dental …
Why Kids Need Teeth Cleanings Every 6 Months
Regular dental cleanings are important for everyone, including children. In order to maintain good oral and dental health, dentists recommend that children have their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. Why are dental cleanings necessary? What can happen if children don’t get their teeth cleaned? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this guide to pediatric dentistry. How …
Should You Fill A Child’s Cavity Or Pull The Tooth?
Cavities are a common form of tooth decay in children as well as adults. Children are especially prone to developing cavities in their teeth because they are still learning oral hygiene skills. Lack of adequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque to build up on the teeth and lead to decay. When a child gets a cavity in a primary …
Should Kids Get Dental Sealants If They Already Have Them?
Dental sealants are a preventive measure against tooth decay. They are most often used on children’s teeth, although adults can also get dental sealants. Your child’s dentist may recommend dental sealants for teeth that are at a higher risk for plaque buildup that could turn into cavities. What if your child already has dental sealants? Can they get them again? …
When Is It Safe To Give A Child Their First Dental X-Ray?
Dental X-Rays, also called radiographs, are images of the mouth and face that show what is underneath the visible tissues. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows dentists to detect a wide variety of potential problems that may need to be addressed, from cavities to soft tissue abnormalities. When is it safe for a child to have their first …
When Should Kids Start Getting Their Teeth Cleaned by a Dentist?
Professional teeth cleaning plays a crucial role in dental health. Going to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned is something everyone in the family should do twice a year. Dental cleanings remove plaque from the teeth that is left behind after brushing and flossing. If not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. As a parent …
What Is In The Dental Sealants Used For Children’s Teeth?
Childhood is an exciting time, full of growth and many changes. It is also a formative time, a period in which your child learns habits that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Helping your child learn good oral hygiene habits is vital, but even kids who learn to brush and floss daily may find themselves …
How to Prepare Your Child For a Tooth Extraction
Taking your child to the dentist for tooth extraction is often a scary and intimidating experience. It’s important to be aware of what to expect and to be prepared for the procedure. Knowing the facts about tooth extractions and how to prepare your child for the appointment can help ease the tension and make the experience less overwhelming. This article …
How Often Should Children’s Teeth Be Cleaned by a Dentist?
Taking your child to the dentist is a critical part of providing them with good oral hygiene. It is important to make the right decisions when it comes to your child’s dental health and to understand when the right time is to take them in for a check-up. This article provides you with an understanding of when to take your …
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation dentistry involves administering medications to help young patients relax and feel less discomfort while they receive dental work. Parents and dentists work together to choose the right level of sedation for the child. Options range from local anesthetics to full IV sedation. This blog will explain how each type of anesthesia works and when it might be appropriate. Why …
What Are Dental Sealants, and What Are the Benefits?
Dental sealants are a tailored plastic coating that dentists apply to the molars and premolars. Dentists use sealants to stop food and plaque from collecting in the deep grooves and fissures in the molars, where these materials can settle and cause decay. Sealants are most frequently used for children and teenagers, though adults who do not have fillings or decay …
Is It Common For A Child Under 6 To Get A Root Canal?
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that is performed on an infected or at-risk tooth. Root canals are a common dental service for adults and children 12 years old or older, but they can be done for younger children when necessary. If your young child has a tooth that is in need of a root canal, here’s what …
What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas on Children?
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” as it is commonly called, is a sedation option used in dentistry to help patients relax. Nitrous oxide is a specialized combination of nitrogen and oxygen. When breathed through the nose it creates a calming effect that can make dental treatment easier for the patient. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in pediatric dentistry, offering a …
Is Fluoride Necessary For Kids?
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, especially when used in combination with other treatments like regular brushing and flossing. Fluoride is found naturally in foods such as vegetables, fish, and grains. It’s also present in drinking water supplies and toothpaste. Fluoride treatments can help protect children from tooth decay but should only be used under the guidance of a dentist. The …
How Long Should A Child’s Teeth Cleaning Take?
Getting your little one off to a great start with taking proper care of their teeth is an important step in their overall health and wellness. Regular teeth cleaning is a major component of establishing a routine that will keep teeth growing strong and healthy – and help ensure their oral health now and long into the future. Starting dental …
At What Age Should a Child Get Their First Dental X-Ray?
It is recommended that children should see the dentist by the time they reach one year of age. This gives them an opportunity to have a positive dental experience – and it also helps them to develop a solid foundation for a lifetime of oral health. During these early visits, the child may or may not have erupted teeth – …
Can A Child Swim After Getting a Tooth Extraction?
It is hard to keep kids down – even when they have had a tooth removed. While you may be thankful that they feel great enough to run around after their dental procedure, you can’t help but remember the dentist’s aftercare instructions – keep heavy physical activity to a minimum for the two to three days following the extraction. As …
Is It OK for Kids to Swallow Fluoride-Free Toothpaste?
You have so many choices when shopping for children’s toothpaste. There are pastes designed for kids in different age ranges. They come in a variety of flavors. Some have decorative tubes, often featuring popular characters loved by young children. Then you have toothpastes with and without fluoride. Fluoride-free toothpastes are growing in popularity, especially in areas with adequate fluoride in …
What Causes Cavities in a Child?
Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children in the United States. Also known as tooth decay or dental caries, cavities are permanently damaged areas of tooth enamel, which is the outer layer of teeth. In other words, cavities are holes in the tooth enamel. Left untreated, cavities can cause toothaches, infection, and even the loss of teeth. Cavities …
How Do Dentists Clean a Child’s Teeth?
Visiting the dentist as a child is a huge step. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral health. Because of this, you want the experience to be a good one – and that includes regular dental cleanings. Sure, routine brushing at home is a very important part of oral health, but it is not the only part. Let’s …
What Should You Feed Your Child After a Tooth Extraction?
Taking care of your child after a tooth extraction can be challenging, especially when it comes to figuring out what to give your child to eat or drink. Your child needs the fluids and nutrients since they haven’t had anything to eat or drink since the night before they had their tooth pulled. Choosing the right foods can help your …