Why are Dental Sealants Important for Kids?
Dental sealants are an important tool in preventing cavities and maintaining good oral health in children. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong, and dental sealants can help you achieve that goal.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied to the surfaces of the teeth. They are typically placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars), where cavities are most likely to develop. The sealant material is painted onto the tooth surface and then hardened with a special light. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the tooth enamel from plaque and bacteria that can cause decay.
Why are dental sealants important?
Children’s teeth are vulnerable to decay, particularly in the pits and fissures of the back teeth. Even with good oral hygiene practices, it can be difficult to clean these areas thoroughly, which makes them more susceptible to decay. Dental sealants help to fill in the pits and fissures, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less likely to trap food and bacteria.
In addition to being an effective preventative measure, dental sealants are also a cost-effective way to protect your child’s teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants can reduce the risk of decay by up to 80% in the first two years of application, and up to 50% for up to four years. By preventing cavities, dental sealants can save you money on costly dental treatments like fillings and crowns.
When should dental sealants be applied?
Dental sealants are typically applied as soon as a child’s permanent molars and premolars erupt, usually around the ages of 6 and 12. The sooner the sealants are applied, the better, as it is easier to apply them to teeth that are free from decay. However, sealants can also be applied to teeth that have early signs of decay, as long as the decay has not progressed too far.
How are dental sealants applied?
The process of applying dental sealants is quick and painless. First, the teeth are cleaned and dried, and an acid solution is applied to the surfaces of the teeth to help the sealant material bond to the tooth enamel. The sealant material is then painted onto the tooth surface and hardened with a special light. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes per tooth.
Are dental sealants safe?
Yes, dental sealants are safe and have been used for decades to prevent cavities in children. The sealant material is BPA-free and does not pose any health risks when applied as directed. However, if your child has an allergy to any of the components of the sealant material, we may recommend an alternative preventative measure.
In conclusion, dental sealants are an effective and safe way to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health in children. By applying dental sealants to your child’s back teeth as soon as they erupt, you can help protect their teeth from decay and save money on costly dental treatments. If you have any questions about dental sealants or other preventative measures, don’t hesitate to call us at 631-563-7462 or email us at team@smilefirstkids.com.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Child’s Chipped Tooth?
A chipped tooth is undoubtedly a reason to call your pediatric dentist. However, as concerning as a chipped tooth is, it is a relatively common dental problem for children. Whether your child took a tumble into a table or decided it would be fun to bite something they shouldn’t, a chipped tooth is almost as common as a cavity. Here, we cover the common causes of chipped teeth, how your pediatric dentist can fix a chipped tooth, and why your dentist may recommend leaving the tooth as it is.
Common Causes of Pediatric Chipped Teeth
Some common causes of chipped or cracked teeth include biting down on solid objects or tough foods. They can also be a result of facial trauma like bumping into furniture or taking a tumble off a playset. Dental chips and cracks can span in severity and appearance. They can be as visible as breaking a chunk off your front teeth to as minor as a small crack in your molar. However, any tooth chipping or cracking is cause for concern and a dental visit, no matter how old the patient.
If your child chips a tooth, try to find it and make sure they avoid swallowing the tooth portion. Wrap the tooth part in wet gauze to help preserve it until you can visit your dentist. Next, have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water to prevent infection and to clean out any bleeding or swelling. Finally, you can use a cold compress on your child’s face to help keep down the swelling and to help with the pain. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, and check if your pediatric dentist schedules emergency dental appointments.
Methods of Fixing Chipped Teeth
Pediatric dentists can repair chipped teeth in a variety of ways. Sometimes, your pediatric dentist may use the same materials used in filings to repair the chip or crack after cleaning the area. In addition, they may use a dental bonding agent to reattach the chipped portion of the tooth, or they may recommend a dental veneer to maintain the appearance of your child’s teeth. In general, fillings cost between $100 to $300, depending on the dentist, your insurance, and the severity of the damage. Your pediatric dentist may recommend extraction for more severe tooth breakages, especially if the tooth is shattered entirely. However, these kinds of tooth breakages are rare.
Sometimes, your dentist may recommend not doing anything about a chipped tooth. For example, if the chip is small, surface level, or does not structurally impact the tooth, your pediatric dentist may advise you to leave it as it is. This is usually the case for pediatric patients who haven’t lost their baby teeth, as repairing a slight chip in a tooth that will fall out shortly may not be necessary. However, you should always take your child to see a dentist if they chip a tooth to ensure no hairline chips you cannot see, which could lead to infection later.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile First Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment or call us at (631) 563-7462 to find out more.
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Pediatric Dentist vs. Family Dentist
As a parent, finding a dentist for your child can be exhausting. Trying to figure out if a dental office is a good fit for your family may sometimes seem overwhelming. Thankfully, we’re here to help.
Let’s look at the differences between pediatric and family dentists and what you can expect from each practice. While there is some overlap between training and atmosphere, in some cases, pediatric dentists are a better choice for your family, depending on your child’s needs.
Their Training
While family dentists and pediatric dentists welcome younger patients, only pediatric dentists specialize in pediatric dental care. Family dentists serve a wide range of dental patients, while pediatric dentists specialize in treating and caring for young children.
Sometimes, a family dentist can provide exemplary dental care for your child. However, if your child is anxious or has other special needs, a pediatric dentist may be a better fit for you, as they are specially trained in children’s dentistry.
Pediatric dentists undergo a full six years of dental training, four years as standard dental training, and another two years specifically training in pediatric dentistry. This specialization shows in their practice, allowing them the experience needed to care for your child’s dental needs.
Child-Friendly Care
While family dental care targets being accessible for the whole family, pediatric dentistry specially tailors to younger patients. This means that every aspect of their dental practice is geared toward children.
From longer dental appointments and specialized scheduling to patient practitioners who take the time to make you and your child comfortable, a pediatric dental office offers child-friendly care in every aspect of their practice.
If your child suffers from dental anxiety or has special needs, including ASD, Down Syndrome, cleft palate, or other considerations, a pediatric dentist may be a good fit. Some general dentists won’t see younger patients. However, pediatric dentists work with parents to introduce children to dentistry at an early age and foster lifelong dental habits.
Child-Friendly Atmosphere and Equipment
Pediatric dentistry prioritizes patient comfort above all else, meaning their office is specially designed to comfort and support younger patients. From early appointment times to longer time slots for fussy patients, pediatric dentistry considers your child’s needs when planning every aspect of their practice.
Not only is a pediatric dental office made to be fun and inviting to young children, but it also specializes in pediatric dental equipment. By ensuring everything in their practice supports young patients, pediatric dentists can provide comprehensive, comfortable care to young patients of all ability levels and dental needs. So if your child is anxious about their first dental visit, or you’re looking for a specialist that prioritizes your child’s needs, pediatric dentistry is a good fit for you.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile First Pediatric Dentistry. Our office works diligently to create a positive, child-friendly environment for parents and children. We work to take the stress out of visiting the dentist and hope to instill healthy dental habits from a young age that will last a lifetime. To schedule an appointment, call us at (631) 563-7462.
Are Dental X-Rays Harmful to My Child?
X-rays are a powerful diagnostic tool for both dentists and medical professionals alike. However, some parents have hesitations about their child being exposed to x-rays. This article discusses how dental x-rays are safe for you and your child. Our staff works diligently to protect your child while providing professional, comprehensive pediatric dental care.
Are Dental X-Rays Necessary?
In short, yes, dental x-rays are a necessary diagnostic tool for pediatric dentists, as well as other dental practitioners. Dental x-rays allow your dental team to notice potential health issues early on. This allows us to treat any problems at the source. For example, dental x-rays can alert your dentist to jaw issues, tooth crowding, dental impaction, and rarer dental issues like mouth cancers.
Without dental x-rays, much of dentistry would become reactionary. This means your dental team could not head off dental issues before they become severe. Instead, dental x-rays give professionals a heads-up about potential dental problems before they become serious. For pediatric patients, dental x-rays can alert dentists to how adult teeth will grow in and allow them to head off any impaction or dental crowding before it becomes severe.
Will X-Rays Hurt My Child?
Dental x-rays involve such a small amount of radiation that it is a negligible source of radiation exposure. On top of this, our team uses the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) practice for dental x-rays. This means we use the lowest, most targeted x-ray system available to lower your overall exposure.
We also use all forms of protective gear necessary to protect your child’s thyroids and other sensitive organs from potential x-ray exposure, using protective vests and collars to reduce overall exposure.
X-Ray Technology Advancements
X-ray technology has come a long way since its discovery. Modern x-ray machines are smaller, hand-held, and use targeted systems to reduce overall radiation exposure. In most cases, we use hand-held x-ray machines that can directly pinpoint one area of your mouth while reducing exposure to stray radiation. If a full x-ray is needed, we use specialized x-ray technology to quickly process the image without exposing your child to further radiation.
Visiting the dentist is crucial to your child’s dental health. Routine dental x-rays benefit the dental diagnosis and dental health treatment. Using specialized, top-of-the-line x-ray technology to get the most precise imaging possible, we reduce the overall risk of exposure and ensure your child receives the best dental care possible.
Here at Smile First Pediatric Dentistry, we know caring for your child’s health is a full-time job. So we work closely with parents to provide a safe, nurturing environment that benefits our patients and their families. Caring for your child’s dental health shouldn’t be a source of added stress, which is why our professional team of accredited dental care specialists works diligently to provide the safest, top-of-the-line care options for children of all ages. To find out more about our practice, or to make an appointment, call us today at (631) 563-7462.
Explaining Signs of Tooth Infection and Decay
If your child complains about tooth pain, it’s time to get them to a dentist. However, how can you notice the early signs of tooth infection and decay before the damage is done? Thankfully, the American Dental Association provides plenty of kids’ dentist-approved advice on how to notice signs of tooth infection and tooth decay in kids.
Symptoms of Kids’ Tooth Infection and Tooth Decay
Did you know one in five children suffer from tooth decay by the time they’re in kindergarten? Knowing the signs of tooth infection and tooth decay early can help you prevent it and get swift treatment to stave off dental damage.
First, keep an eye out for red, swollen gums. This can be a sign of early tooth decay or disease and gingivitis. Your child should be using a soft, child-safe toothbrush. If you see any signs of gum damage or bleeding, or persistent redness, it’s time to visit your pediatric dentist.
Another sign of tooth infection and decay is pain when eating or swallowing. If your child complains that it hurts to eat food or shows signs of pain while swallowing, it may be time for a dental check-up.
Keep an eye out for dark spots, chips, or cracks on your children’s teeth, as this can be a clear indicator of decay and are a reason to head to the dentist as soon as possible. While many people think that because “baby teeth” fall out, they don’t need to worry about cavities, cavities, and tooth infections that can lead to complications down the road. The healthier your child’s teeth, the better set up their adult teeth are when they do grow in.
Treatment Options for Kids’ Tooth Infection and Decay
Thankfully, many treatment options for tooth decay and infection are simple, easy, and the same as those used for adults. First, your pediatric dentist will evaluate the extent of dental decay and decide on how much of the underlying enamel needs to be removed. The tooth will then be restored using a filling or dental crown. These can be made from metal or composite enamel and help restore your child’s teeth structure.
During the dental filling process, the dentist will numb your child’s mouth with localized anesthetic, and your dentist may give them laughing gas to help them relax during the procedure. Once the decayed tooth portions are removed and cleaned, your dentist will place the fillings or dental crown and seal the area to prevent further decay. Thankfully, a dental crown or filling will not cause problems if your child still has their baby teeth, as they will still fall out like normal when the time comes.
In case of an infection, the tooth may need to be extracted and the area treated with medications to help fight the infection. Thankfully, fighting infections is easier if they are caught early, so make sure to take your child to the dentist for regular check-ups and if you have any concerns about their dental health.
If you have questions or concerns about kids’ tooth infections and decay or want to make an appointment with a family-friendly, welcoming pediatric dentist, call us at 631-563-7462. At Smile First Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s dental health is our top priority. Visit us today!
When Should I Start Bringing My Child in for Their Teeth Cleaning?
The concept of dental care can be daunting to some parents. It can be hard to know when to take your child to the dentist and how often they should be brought in for their teeth cleaning. In addition, many parents wonder if their child’s baby teeth matter that much, as they will fall out. In this article, we go over the best age for your child’s first dental appointment. We will also discuss ways to ensure your child grows up with a happy, healthy smile.
What Age Should a Child Be Before Going to the Dentist?
Dentists recommends your child visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in, around six months old. Regardless of when their teeth start, you’ll want your child to have their first dental visit before they turn one year old. This allows your dentist to catch any dental issues that may appear, and also acclimates your child to the dentist.
The more often your child visits the dentist, the more relaxed they tend to be about routine dental visits. This allows parents or guardians to get used to going to the dentist with the child. It also enables them to brush up on the best dental practices for their child.
How Often Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?
You should take your child in for their first teeth cleaning before age one. After that, routine dental cleaning and checkups should happen every six months. However, for some people, visiting the dentist should happen more often. This is especially true if there is a family history of tooth decay or other dental problems. Working with your dental team is the best way to find the right time to bring your child to the dentist. Of course, if your child is complaining about dental pain or you notice any concerning changes, contact your dentist immediately.
How to Prevent Cavities in Children
One of the best ways to prevent cavities in children is to practice good dental hygiene at a young age. This includes regular brushing and flossing of your child’s teeth, and also involves teaching them about healthy dental habits. So while you may be tempted to take over for your child regarding dental hygiene, teaching them how to brush their teeth is a big step toward healthy teeth.
Another way to prevent cavities in children is to limit their consumption of sugary beverages and juices and make sure not to allow them to fall asleep with their bottle in their mouth, as this can lead to baby bottle tooth decay. In addition, making sure to brush your child’s teeth as soon as they start to grow in and making sure they have adequate access to fluoride can all prevent cavities.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist, check out Smile first Pediatric Dentistry. Our office is in Oakdale, NY, and we are proud to offer exceptional pediatric dental care to the surrounding areas. If you’re looking to schedule your child’s first dental visit, or want to learn more about pediatric dental care, call our office at (631) 563-7462.
Does a Tooth Extraction Hurt for Kids?
Many people are nervous when they first go to the dentist; the same goes for kids. Dental visits can be scary for kids, especially with all the noises and equipment. Unfortunately, when it comes to getting a tooth extraction, it’s normal for you to be nervous. The same goes for your kids. Thankfully, getting a tooth extraction is an easy, painless process. Your dental team will work to make the tooth extraction as smooth as possible for you and your child and ensure the best dental care possible.
Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?
For people with infected teeth, tooth extraction can help reduce their pain significantly. The procedure is painless thanks to numbing agents like Novocain and mild sedatives like nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas). If your child is nervous, oral sedation may be used to help relax your child. This also makes things easier for the dental team.
While your child will be sore after tooth extraction, they are unlikely to feel any pain during the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve the soreness. Be sure to follow all care instructions from your dental team after you leave the office to ensure the extraction site heals well.
What if My Child is Nervous About Tooth Extraction?
Your dental team will work with you and your child to explain everything they should expect at their appointment, including all the tools they’re using and why they need to remove their tooth. If your child is overly nervous, an oral sedative may be used to help them relax and to make the entire process quicker. Explaining that the dental team is there to help your child and that they won’t feel any pain when the tooth is removed can help calm them. You can also allow your child to bring a comfortable stuffed animal or another object to help make their dental visit easier.
What to Expect from a Child Tooth Extraction
Your dental team will explain what to expect from an extraction visit, especially if multiple teeth need to be removed. In most cases, your dental team will examine the mouth and prepare your child for having their tooth extracted. Any sedatives or numbing agents will be applied first, followed by the removal of the tooth.
After the tooth removal, follow the dentist’s instructions to avoid infection and ensure the extraction site heals well. Your dentist will have specific food restrictions for your child to follow for their comfort and health, so be sure to pay attention and ask clarifying questions. Of course, if you have any other questions, you can always call your dental team to find out more.
While going to the dentist can be anxiety-inducing for children, it doesn’t have to be. Here at Smile First Pediatric Dentistry, we work hard to foster a caring, supportive environment to foster lifelong dental health in our patients. Call our office today at (631) 563-7462 to book an appointment in the Oakdale, NY area.
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Emergency Pediatric Dental Care – What You Need to Know
Getting your children to feel comfortable visiting the dentist can be challenging. It is common for many children to fear the dentist. It is understandable, many of us have been through it ourselves. With the right pediatric dental practice, your children can feel as comfortable as possible no matter if they need regular dental assistance or emergency pediatric dental care.
Emergency pediatric dental care might be needed when your child experiences unexpected pain or discomfort. It is important to never leave an issue unattended so that you can ensure to maintain the best oral health for your children.
If you lack understanding of what’s involved with emergency pediatric dental care, here is everything you need to know.
How To Tell If You Have A Dental Emergency
Some people might let their child’s dental pain slide. They might think that they are kicking up a fuss for no reason. However, dental issues should always be taken seriously. It could be that the dental issue requires emergency help.
To know if the issue requires a dental emergency, here are some signs to look out for:
- Severe toothache
- Tooth loss
- Swollen jaw
- Bleeding
- Headaches
Common Issues That Need Emergency Care
Furthermore, there are some dental issues (that might not show the above signs) that might require emergency care. These include:
- Broken braces
- Chipped or broken tooth
- Red/swollen gums
- Loss of filling
- Objects stuck in the teeth
Do You Need Care Immediately Or Can It Wait?
While many people might want to sit and wait out their dental issues, it is often best to seek care immediately.
This will ensure that you find the best solution and do not have to deal with dental complications or more discomfort than necessary.
How To Manage Tooth Pain
Managing tooth pain can be difficult. Each individual has a different pain threshold. It is always a good idea to be respectful of your child’s needs and ensure that you have medication at hand for when the pain kicks in.
To manage tooth pain, the first thing you should do is rinse the mouth with warm salt water to remove any bad bacteria. Then, take pain relief as recommended by their doctor to reduce the intensity of the discomfort.
Thereafter (and if the pain persists), get in touch with a trusted dentist to find a solution to the issue.
Find A Trusted Dentist Near You
The final thing to know is where to attain dental care. Although you might be surrounded by practices, not all of them might be trusted. Using a practice like Smile First can put your mind at ease as its mission is to provide a positive experience for all patients. They take into consideration anxiety as well as oral health needs to provide the best experience.
Should you need pediatric care for your children, then you can request an appointment online or on the phone at (631) 563-7462 – with Smile First Pediatric Dentistry. Using a trusted practice will guarantee the best care and health for your children.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that come in during late adolescence or early adulthood. For some people, they come in without any problems at all. But for others, they can cause pain, swelling, and even infection that require the skill of dentists and orthodontists to help them. Below we discuss some of the most common questions such as: When do wisdom teeth come in? How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
1. When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Most people have four wisdom teeth, which usually come in during the late teenage years or early twenties. However, it’s not unusual for some people to have fewer than four or more than four. Wisdom teeth can also come in at different times for different people. When your wisdom teeth start to make their appearance, they may start pushing through your gums at different stages. You may have one wisdom tooth that comes in first and causes you no problems, while another wisdom tooth may come in later and cause you pain. In some cases, wisdom teeth may not come in at all.
2. Do All Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
No, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Sometimes, the wisdom tooth may come in properly and not cause any problems. However, if the wisdom tooth does not come in correctly, it can crowd or damage other teeth, which may require removal. Impacted teeth do not have enough room to come in or grow properly. Partially erupted teeth have broken through the gum but become stuck because they do not have enough room to fully come in.
Often your teeth can be adjusted with braces, helping free up some space for your wisdom teeth to fully push through into place. You may want to consider searching for something like an affordable orthodontist near me or braces cost. Braces will help move your teeth into the proper position so wisdom teeth can come in more easily.
3. How Do You Know If I Need My Wisdom Teeth Out?
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they’re stuck and can’t come in. This can happen when there’s not enough room in your mouth for them to grow. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems like pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist or orthodontist will usually recommend removing them before or after the treatment of braces. They may also recommend removing wisdom teeth that are not impacted but are likely to cause problems in the future. You can also request a braces payment plan to make the process more affordable.
4. Why Can’t I Leave My Wisdom Teeth Alone?
If you have wisdom teeth that are impacted or growing in at an angle, they can put pressure on your other teeth and cause problems. They can also crowd your mouth and make it difficult to brush and floss properly, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, if your wisdom teeth become infected, they can cause pain and swelling. If you have any of these problems, your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth.
If you are experiencing pain or other problems with your wisdom teeth, see your dentist or orthodontist to discuss treatment options. You may also want to consider getting braces to help ensure that your wisdom teeth come in correctly. Request an appointment online with us at Smile First Pediatric Dentistry or call (631) 563-7462 to speak to a team member about booking your appointment!
Is It Necessary to Fill Cavities in Baby Teeth
Cavities not only affect our health but also cause too much pain. This is true for kids and adults. As a parent, teaching your child the importance of regular dental care can help prevent some uncomfortable dental procedures.
Untreated cavities can lead to tooth extractions, infection, and toothaches. Furthermore, you should understand that anyone can get cavities, including kids. Read on to better understand how you can prevent cavities in baby teeth.
What Are Cavities?
Cavities are damaged areas on the enamel of your teeth. These areas can develop holes or tiny openings. Cavities are also called caries or tooth decay. They can be brought about by factors like improper dental hygiene, consuming sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and bacteria in the mouth. They are also amongst the world’s most common problems, and they are prevalent in kids, teens, and older adults. If cavities aren’t treated, they can grow and affect more layers of the teeth. This can result in severe infection, toothache, and tooth loss.
Should Cavities Get Filled Even if the Baby Tooth Is Going To Fall Out?
If your child has cavities, your dentist will recommend filling as the ideal solution. Most parents believe that cavities in babies and young children aren’t something serious since the teeth will be replaced with permanent teeth. However, baby teeth stick around for a while, and this could be a long time for your child to suffer from cavities. Furthermore, getting filling ensures that the decay doesn’t spread. Cavities caused by bacteria infection can be painful, and they can spread to the surrounding teeth, tissue, jaw bone, and gums.
Damage Cavities Can Cause
Cavities are a common problem that most people don’t take seriously. However, untreated cavities can cause more problems like severe pain, chewing problems, tooth abscess, swelling, pus around the teeth, and positioning shifts. The severe pain can interfere with daily living. Furthermore, you can experience nutrition problems or weight loss due to difficult or painful chewing or eating. Visiting the dentist on the first sign of cavities can help prevent all these damages.
How To Help Prevent Cavities in Children
Good oral hygiene is the best way of preventing cavities in children. Ensure that your kid understands the importance of dental care by brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. You can also teach your child not to share their foods and drinks since this can easily spread oral bacteria. Additionally, going for routine dental visits can help prevent cavities. Starting this early helps your child understand the need for frequent visits. Besides, it makes the kid comfortable with the dentist, thus eliminating any anxiety.
Going for dental checkups twice a year can help catch cavities early. This also allows the dentist to save much of the tooth. During the visit, the dentist can use multiple instruments to examine the teeth. This includes dental x-rays that help show cavities before decay emerges. Besides dental checkups, good oral hygiene can help prevent cavities in kids and adults.
It is a pleasure to offer these types of services for dental hygiene at Smile First Pediatric Dentistry. You can request an appointment online or reach out to our staff at (631) 563-7462.