Category: pediatric dentist

How to Stop the Habit of Teeth Grinding in Children

Posted on by westerndental

Teeth grinding or bruxism, is the act of involuntarily or habitually grinding teeth, resulting in a harsh sound of enamel rubbing against itself. It is a common problem in children, often occurring during deep sleep or periods of stress. Many children this problem, but parents should remain aware of the issue since it can affect their child’s oral health.

What are the causes of teeth grinding in children?

The root cause of teeth grinding in children is not yet fully understood. It is believed that misaligned teeth or pain from earaches, teething, or toothaches can be contributing factors.

For some children, stress, tension, or anxiety may be the underlying cause of teeth grinding. In situations such as upcoming tests or projects, new teachers or schools, or conflicts with family or friends, teeth grinding may occur. Addressing emotional stress can help to alleviate this habit.

Other than this, certain medications or medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can also lead to teeth grinding in children. Consult with your doctor and pediatric dentist in Rutherford if you suspect any of these potential causes.

What are common indicators of teeth grinding in children?

  • Chipping: If your child’s teeth have small pieces that are chipped away, this may be due to teeth grinding which causes tension that can break off parts of the tooth.
  • Fracture lines: Tiny hairline cracks, also known as fractures or “craze” lines, can be caused by teeth grinding.
  • Worn enamel: Tooth enamel can be worn down by the pressure of grinding, just like it can be eroded by sugary or acidic foods.
  • Sensitivity: If your child feels pain in their teeth when consuming hot or cold foods, teeth grinding might be the cause.
  • Head and earaches: If have ruled out all possibilities of head and earaches, teeth grinding can be the reason.
  • Jaw pain: One of the reasons for jaw pain and discomfort is teeth grinding. So, if your child is having jaw pain, the reason can be teeth grinding.

What are the ways to stop teeth grinding in children?

  • Encourage relaxation: As stress causes teeth grinding, make sure your child is relxed before bedtime. You should implement some relaxation techniques.
  • Use a mouth guard: Wearing a mouth guard can protect your child’s teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding at night.
  • Ensure comfortable sleep conditions: Creating a comfortable sleep environment is crucial, including a cozy mattress and pillows, a cool room temperature, and minimal noise.
  • Promote good dental hygiene: Practicing good dental hygiene can help prevent dental problems associated with teeth grinding. Encourage your child to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for routine checkups.
  • Consult a pediatric dentist: It’s essential to have your child’s teeth evaluated by a pediatric dentist to determine the severity of bruxism and recommend treatment options.

Teeth grinding in children seem normal to many parents and they often ignore it. But, the fact is, if teeth grinding is not addressed timely and properly, it can lead to long-term dental issues in your child. So, if you identify the problem, visit a Rutherford pediatric dentist immediately.

All you Need to Know About Early Dental Care for Children

Posted on by westerndental

Early dental treatment is crucial for children to develop appropriate oral hygiene practices and avoid dental issues. Children should begin seeing a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. The importance of early pediatric dentistry for kids is illustrated by the following:

Avoid Dental Issues

An essential component of children’s early dental care is preventive care. Dentists can monitor children’s oral health through routine checkups and spot any developing issues. This may involve problems including gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. Dental issues that are discovered early can be treated before they worsen and require more invasive procedures.

Create Good Habits for Oral Hygiene

Early dental care can aid in the formation of children’s healthy oral hygiene practices. Frequent dental checkups give dentists the chance to instruct parents and kids on how to properly take care of teeth and gums. This covers correct brushing and flossing methods as well as advice on maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acidity. Children who develop appropriate oral hygiene practices early on are more likely to live long, healthy lives with teeth and gums.

Have a Good Connection with Your Dentist

Early dental care can make kids feel more relaxed and at ease when seeing the dentist. Frequent dental checkups give kids the chance to get comfortable at the dental office and form a good rapport with their dentist. By doing this, both the child and the parent will experience future dental visits with less worry and anxiety.

Diagnose and Address Developmental Problems

Early dental treatment can also help identify and address dental and jaw development problems in youngsters. This entails spotting concerns like poor bite habits, crooked teeth, and crowded teeth. Early detection of these disorders can help avoid the emergence of more serious issues and may lessen the need for future, more involved orthodontic treatment.

Determine Health Problems

Frequent dental appointments with pediatric dentistry can also aid in spotting medical conditions that might have an impact on a child’s oral health. This covers conditions including asthma, allergies, and sleep apnea. Based on oral symptoms, dentists may be able to recognize these problems and suggest the proper course of action or a referral to a specialist.

Together with these advantages, early dental care can assist parents in establishing a child’s oral health. Having a consistent dentist who is aware of the child’s oral health history and who can offer continuous care and treatment as necessary. Children can benefit from consistent, excellent dental treatment throughout childhood and into adulthood if they have a dental home.

Generally, children need to receive dental care from a young age to develop appropriate oral hygiene practices, avoid dental issues, and establish a solid rapport with their dentist. Parents can help set their children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums by establishing regular pediatric dentist checkups early on.

7 Common Signs Indicating You Need Emergency Dental Care!

Posted on by westerndental

Emergencies happen so you have to be prepared. When you experience tooth pain, it is vital to know if you need emergency dental care. However, not all dental issues are emergencies. Today, we are going to learn the 7 most common signs of dental emergency in Valdese.

1. Bleeding:

If your gums bleed after you brush or floss, it can be a cause of concern. It is the most common sign of gingivitis or gum disease. You may even notice a smell while flossing, swelling of gums, or ache. Such symptoms require immediate treatment. If the condition stays unattended, it can get irreversible and you won’t be able to get your healthy teeth back.

2. Sudden Tooth Loss:

Losing a tooth is not only painful but also aesthetically unfortunate for adults. If your tooth is knocked out, falls out, or gets loose, you should get in touch with a dentist right away. Quick action can help retain the tooth and it can be replanted.

3. Swelling:

Swelling is the most common sign of tooth or mouth infection. And this infection can be life-threatening so it is vital to see a dentist as soon as possible. An untreated infection can get into the bloodstream and cause some serious health issues. Tell the dentist how long you have been experiencing swelling so that they can provide you with the best possible treatment.

4. Pain:

Unbearable pain that radiates to your neck, jaw, or ear is a sign of serious dental issues. This type of pain often increases when you lie down. You may also feel throbbing in your mouth, sensitivity, and swelling. A dentist will do a proper examination to determine what is going on and begin the treatment as soon as possible.

5. A growth or Sore:

If you notice a growth in your mouth, it is vital to contact your dentist right away. A growth that doesn’t go away can be a sign of oral cancer. A dentist will do a visual screening to identify visual abnormalities.

6. Popping Jaw:

The jaw slides back and forth in many people with no issues. If you are feeling pain along with a popping sensation if your jaw is locked, you should go to your dentist immediately. You may have pain while chewing, a clicking or grinding noise when the jaw is open, or a limitation of movement. If you have such symptoms, make sure to get in touch with your dentist so that they can tell you about the issue.

7. Severe Pain:

One of the most common signs of a dental emergency is a toothache. When you have pain that is constant and severe, contact a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will do a proper examination and take X-rays if needed to know the root cause. After that, they will provide you with the best possible treatment.

If you notice any of the above signs, consider it a dental emergency. And don’t hesitate to contact your dentist to save your teeth.

 

Does a 5-Year-Old Child Need Cavities to Be Filled?

Posted on by westerndental

It is common for very young children to develop cavities in their baby teeth. At this delicate age, they tend to eat more chocolates and candies. It’s hard to stop them from eating such items especially when they get them as gifts from your parents, friends, and relatives. As a result, many children develop cavities at a very young age.

 

Since we all know that baby teeth are eventually going to fall and new teeth will come, many parents might wonder whether their cavities should be filled or not. Let’s find out what pediatric dentistry says.

 

Is cavity filling necessary for young kids?

Yes, taking your kid to a dental clinic for dental filling is important for his/her oral health. Most parents ignore this important aspect because they think that there is no need for filling as their child’s baby teeth are going to fall out eventually. Many parents even ask if a dentist can just pull baby teeth since they will come out anyway. Well, each situation is different. However, most pediatric dentists agree that it is best to fix or fill cavities even if your kid has baby teeth.

 

It is always wise to preserve natural teeth whether they are baby teeth or permanent teeth. When left untreated, cavities in baby teeth can cause more significant issues such as dental infections and may need a root canal treatment when the problem becomes aggravated. Hence, it can also affect the development of permanent teeth and lead to long-term oral health issues for your child. Besides, children who have untreated cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to need orthodontic treatment in the future.

 

When do cavities in baby teeth not need a dental filling?

There are some cases when children with cavities in baby teeth won’t need a dental filling. When a child has a very small cavity, it is more likely to naturally repair itself. In this case, a pediatric dentist may recommend focusing more on oral hygiene habits or dental-friendly nutrition to prevent the cavity from becoming worse.

 

Another case where a pediatric dentist may avoid dental filling for a cavity is if the baby tooth is about to fall itself in the near future. So, if the cavity doesn’t pose a risk of spreading germs to surrounding teeth or tissues or doesn’t cause pain, a children’s dentist might forgo filling cavities in baby teeth.

 

Whatever the case is, make sure that you seek pediatric dentistry advice if your kid has cavities.

 

How to know if my kid has a cavity?

If your child has a cavity, then he or she might complain about toothache or sensitivity when eating cold, hot, or sweet food. You should also regularly examine the teeth of your child and look for signs of visible holes, pits, or brown/black/white stains on the tooth.

 

However, some children may not show these signs. So, it is best to see a pediatric dentist for regular checkups. Besides, you should also ensure that your child is following healthy oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and avoiding sugary treats as much as possible.

 

Are you looking for services of pediatric dentistry in Valdese? Contact us today.

Can Dental Sealant improve my Kid’s Dental Health?

Posted on by westerndental

Kids’ dental issues should be seriously considered like adults. They do face dental problems at their age if things are not managed properly. Sometimes, dental issues become unbearable for kids and they suffer from other serious consequences as well.

 

One of the problems in kids is cavities because they eat anything and everything. To an age, they don’t know what’s right and wrong for them.

 

There are different ways to protect your kid’s teeth against cavities. But, pediatric dentists commonly recommend dental sealants. They think sealants are safe as well as effective for kids.

 

What is a pediatric dental sealant?

Available in a liquid form, the dentists paint it on the child’s teeth and leave it for a few minutes to dry and become hard. After drying, the liquid sealant resembles a plastic coating that acts like a barrier, shielding the child’s teeth. The dental sealant seals the grooves, crevices, and flat surfaces of the teeth.

 

In kids, the molar teeth need these dental sealants the most.

 

How are dental sealants effective for your kid?

As already mentioned, tooth decay and the cavity are common problems in children due to their eating habits. Dental sealants help kids to stay away from these problems and eat whatever they want. They are considered an important part of preventive pediatric dental care.

 

Often, pediatric dentists combine dental sealants with professional dental cleanings, dental checkups, and fluoride treatments. With home oral care practices, dental sealants become more effective.

 

Another reason that dental sealants are effective for your kid is that they are better than cavity treatments. Also, dental sealants are cost-effective and take less time to show results.

 

What are the benefits of dental sealants?

Compared to other cavity treatments, pediatric dental sealants don’t take much time to show results. The sealants are easy to apply and dry in minutes. Other than this, dental sealants are non-invasive as they don’t involve drills or injections.

 

With dental sealants, kids retain tooth material, which gets eroded by cavities. If tooth material is not retained, the tooth will become weak, leading to bigger dental concerns.

 

When should your kid get pediatric dental sealants?

According to the kids’ dentist in Rutherford, your kid should get pediatric dental sealants by six or seven years. The next application of dental sealants should be done within 12 or 13 years. It’s said that kids are vulnerable to cavities at these ages.

 

Kids who love sweets or have difficulty flossing and brushing are the most suitable candidates for dental sealants. With this, the bacteria in your kid’s mouth will not take advantage of inadequate dental cleaning.

 

Undoubtedly, pediatric dental sealants will improve your kid’s dental health. So, visit Western Piedmont Dental, a clinic with the best kids’ dentists in Rutherford, for the procedure. Along with this, our dentists will counsel you and your kid for the overall betterment of oral health. With us, your kid will be safe during and after the procedure.

6 Signs Your Child Needs a Visit to the Dentist

Posted on by westerndental

The idea of taking your children to the dentist can be stressful for many parents, but it’s important to remember that pediatric dentistry specialists are well-versed in taking care of both adult and child patients with no discomfort on the part of the child.

However, if your child has never been to the dentist before or has had only one or two visits, it’s good to be aware of signs that they may need more regular dental care. Read on to discover seven signs that your child might need more dental care.

If your child has cavities

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that children have. The bacteria in their mouths eats away at the tooth’s enamel and causes it to dissolve.

At this point, you can remove the infected section of tooth or fill it with a filling material like silver amalgam or composite resin. If your child has cavities, they should be seen by a pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Pain in tooth

If your child is experiencing pain in their teeth, it could be due to one of many causes. The most common reason for tooth pain is decay or an infection.

Other possible reasons for tooth pain include: abscesses, cavities, ulcers, trauma from chewing hard objects and impacted teeth. If your child has these symptoms and any fever or swollen lymph nodes, they should visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Your child has sensitive teeth

If your child is experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold, they may have teeth that are enamel-deficient. It’s important for you and your child to visit their kid’s dentist in Rutherford as soon as possible so that they can find out what type of treatment options are available.

The teeth become loose

Loose teeth are usually caused by an excessive amount of tooth grinding at night. If your child is exhibiting signs of tooth grinding, it’s time for you to take them in for an evaluation. Loose teeth can lead to a number of other dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities.

Children who grind or clench

If you notice that your child clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth, especially during sleep, it may be time for them to visit a pediatric dentist. Teeth grinding and clenching can lead to tooth wear and pain in the jaw joints. A pediatric dentist can help your child learn how to avoid these habits with specific exercises and techniques.

White/brown spots on your child’s teeth

If you notice white or brown spots on your child’s teeth, it may be time for them to visit their dentist. These spots are often called baby bottle tooth decay and can lead to tooth loss if not treated soon. If left untreated, these spots will turn into cavities that need filling.

Conclusion

If you notice your child showing even just one of these signs, it’s time to get them checked out by the best kids dentist in Rutherford. If more than one of these signs is present, the problem may be more serious and immediate action may be needed.

5 Myths about Dental Implants You Need to Know

Posted on by westerndental

More and more people are realizing the benefits of dental implants, but many myths still surround the procedure, and some even discourage people from seeking out this treatment in the first place. In order to give you accurate information about dental implants, we’re debunking 5 of the most common myths about this process so you can decide if it’s right for you. Read on to find out what these myths are and why they aren’t true at all!

Dental Implants Are Noticeable

If you’re going in for dental implants, that means you want your teeth back. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t look just like your natural teeth. Modern materials and techniques can make your dental implant so seamless, people will never know it was missing.

Dental Implants Require a Lot of Maintenance

One of dental implant myths out there is that they need a lot of maintenance, and that’s simply not true. With proper care after your dental implant procedure, you can go a long time between visits to your dentist. Just brush and floss as usual, and you should be good for quite some time! In fact, going more than three years between appointments is pretty typical with dental implants—though it does depend on your own unique oral health.

Implants Damage Surrounding Teeth and Gums

While it’s true that there may be some initial pain and discomfort from placing a dental implant, complications are extremely rare. Surrounding teeth, gums and other soft tissues will not be damaged. They’re protected during all stages of treatment. Long term implant survival is excellent, with 96% of patients experiencing no loss in bone density over five years. As long as you eat a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene habits, your dentist can keep your mouth healthy even after dental implants have been placed.

Dental Implants Commonly Fall Out

Some people will tell you that dental implants aren’t safe. They might even say that most of them will end up falling out. This isn’t true. The truth is that dental implants rarely fall out—and when they do, it’s usually because there was a problem with how well it was put in place during surgery or a failure on your part to take care of it afterwards.

Dental Implants Cause Headaches

Although it is true that some dental implants can cause headaches, most have little to no impact on your head. Before you consider dental implants, be sure to consult a physician and have an MRI performed. If you’re in good health, it may be time for new teeth! It’s important that you know whether or not dental implants are right for you before you decide on them. Ask your dentist if they’re a good choice!

Conclusion

If you’re considering getting dental implants in Valdese, don’t be scared off by all the myths that have been floating around for years. Instead, educate yourself and find a reliable practitioner who can answer all of your questions. You might just find that dental implants are the best option for you.

What to look for in a pediatric dentist?

Posted on by westerndental

Choosing the right medical and dental care provider for your child is a crucial part of parenting. The process can be really tiring and stressful for parents. Most of the time, parents avoid hiring a pediatric dentist for their children because they are afraid of making the wrong decision and creating an uncomfortable condition for their dear ones.

How to pick the right pediatric dentist for your children? You may find the finest pediatric dentist for your children by seeking referrals, arranging consultations and taking your child’s level of comfort into consideration. It is also necessary to analyze the services provided by the chosen pediatric dentist.

The initial experience of your child with the pediatric dentist is going to shape their attitude toward oral care far into adulthood. As a result, it is crucial to carefully choose the right pediatric dentist for your little one.

There are a few characteristics to put into consideration as you search, visit and choose a pediatric dentist from your region. Pediatric dentists with these characteristics can provide your child with excellent dental treatment. They can also ensure a pleasant experience for your little one each and every time they visit the clinic. Following are the characteristics you have to look for:

  • An experienced and friendly team of professionals

A team of superb dental specialists backs up the top pediatric dentists. The unifying objective of your child’s dental team should be to provide excellent dental care. You can perceive the friendliness and expertise of each and every member right after entering the dental clinic.

  • Clinic with a pleasant environment

The whole experience of your child’s dental care shall be greatly dependent on the atmosphere of the pediatric dentist’s clinic. When selecting a pediatric dentist for your children, seek a clinic that has built a pleasant environment.

This will remove any hesitations from your child’s mind. It will also reveal a lot about the dentists in the clinic. A pediatric dentistry facility should be equipped with furnishings, activities, and colours that are both soothing and exciting for your child. Furthermore, there should be tools and equipment that are designed to accommodate tiny grins.

  • Involved in continued education in pediatric dentistry

Your child’s dentist, like every other area of dentistry, must be engaged in ongoing education. The techniques and operations involved in pediatric dentistry, like general dentistry, is ever-evolving. Choosing a dental team that emphasises ongoing education will enable you to offer your child the best dental care possible.

  • Must specialize in a variety of pediatric dentistry

It is crucial to select a pediatric dentist that specializes in a variety of areas of pediatric dentistry. This can help you eliminate the chances to redo the procedure simply because your kid did not receive the specific treatment.

It is important that your chosen pediatric dentist can do the basic check-up and cleaning. However, it is better if they can also offer extractions, sedation dentistry and more.

Happy dental care!

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