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9 Tips for Finding the Right Pediatric Dentist

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You want to keep your child happy and healthy, which is why choosing the right pediatric dentist is such an important decision. Pediatric dentists take care of your little one’s smile and play a significant role in cultivating your child’s lifelong oral health habits. Finding the right fit for your family doesn’t have to be as elusive or daunting as it might seem. Below we have compiled our top tips for finding the right pediatric dentist. These tips will simplify your search and leave you and your children smiling.

1. Understand the qualifications and services of a pediatric dentist

It’s important to note how pediatric dentists differ from family dentists. A family dentist treats people of all ages. A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children. Both dentists go to four years of dental school; however, pediatric dentists require two to three years of additional training. In these extra years of practice, pediatric dentists learn tactics to better serve children. They learn tactics to make children feel more comfortable, address children’s behaviors, and specialize in children’s dental needs.

Pediatric dentists also tend to have more welcoming environments for children and are better adept at explaining procedures so that children understand. If you’re looking for the best care for your child, narrow your Google search from “dentist that will see my child” to “pediatric dentist.”

2. Consider the location

Ideally, you want your child’s pediatric dentist to be conveniently located. It’s highly recommended to search for pediatric dentists in your area. A short drive can also help minimize any dental anxiety your little one might have on the way to their visit. When considering the location, perhaps the most convenient may be near your home or work.

3. Seek recommendations

Reach out to other parents in your area to ask if they have a pediatric dentist they recommend. Consider these recommendations honest testimonials that can have you feeling more confident as you sift through potential options.

4. Look at online reviews

As you narrow your search, it can be beneficial to read online reviews from other parents. You can see a dental office’s overall rating as well as honest testimonials. Online reviews can offer key insight into whether other parents would recommend that particular pediatric dentist.

5. Make a list of your expectations

Make a list of all the qualities and services that your dream pediatric dentist would have. This often overlooked yet crucial step can help you find the best match. Write out your expectations, such as years of experience, gentleness, and the ability to make your child feel comfortable. Having bullet points in mind will help you once you start contacting potential dental offices.

6. Schedule a consultation

Most pediatric dentists welcome potential new clients for a consultation. This is a low-anxiety appointment in which you and your child can check out the office, meet the staff, and ask questions directly to the dentist.

7. Post-consultation Reflection

After meeting with your child’s potential new pediatric dentist, reflect on how the office and the dentist made you feel. Did he or she meet your list of expectations? Did your child seem content and comfortable? These are all factors in determining if that pediatric dentist is right for your family.

8. Schedule your child’s first appointment

Once you’ve made your decision, feel free to schedule your child’s first appointment! You might opt for a routine cleaning as your child’s first appointment with his or her new dentist. This gives a good foundation for your child’s new dentist to collect baseline information about your child’s oral health as well as ease your child into their new office!

9. Looking for a pediatric dentist in the Worcester area?

If you’re in the Worcester area, you’ve most likely had friends and family recommend Children’s Dental Specialties. Feel free to check out the online reviews and schedule a consultation to meet Dr. Dan today!

What You Don’t Know About ADHD in Your Child

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Inattention, forgetfulness, and irritability are often symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also common symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in children. 

Does your child exhibit signs of ADHD? It’s crucial to know how these behaviors can be connected to disordered breathing—and how a dentist can help!

What is ADHD?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. It is characterized by an inability to pay attention, a lack of impulse control, and general hyperactivity. Such symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can appear as early as three years old and can potentially last through adulthood. 

What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing?

Sleep-disordered breathing refers to abnormal breathing patterns while asleep. These can include apneas, in which a child intermittently stops breathing and wakes up to take a breath, as well as hypopneas, in which the child’s breath becomes shallow. Other signs in children can include snoring or audible breathing, mouth breathing, difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the morning, bedwetting, frequent changes in position during sleep, or excessive sweating while asleep.  The nightly disruption of restful sleep patterns can result in excessive daytime sleepiness as well as irritable, emotional, or moody behavior. 

How are they connected?  

Studies show a link between ADHD and sleep-disordered breathing. One study shows that children with ADHD report higher rates of daytime sleepiness than those without ADHD. Another study shows that 50% of children with ADHD had signs of sleep-disordered breathing as compared to 22% of children without ADHD. A recent study confirms that roughly 75% of those with ADHD have sleep-disordered breathing!  Teeth grinding, or bruxism can also be associated with sleep-disordered breathing.  If your child grinds their teeth at night you should discuss with your child’s dentist to learn how they can help.

Why should I care? 

Parents are rightfully concerned when their child shows ADHD symptoms. Such symptoms are correlated with low self-esteem, trouble focusing in school, and negatively impacted relationships. 

ADHD has been a point of controversy in the two decades. As rates of children with ADHD have increased dramatically since 2000, some argue that the neurodevelopmental disorder is both overdiagnosed and overmedicated. 

If your child shows symptoms of ADHD, it is worth further investigating their sleep patterns. Restorative sleep means increased focus, improved mood, and better overall health. 

Dr. Dan has had additional training to understand sleep-disordered breathing in children and how the dental team can help.  His team provides assessments that can offer insight into your child’s breathing patterns. This simple appointment can provide important information regarding your child’s wellness and quality of life. Contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, to make an appointment for your child today!

Dental Options for Children with Sensory Issues

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Entering a pediatric dental office can feel like stepping into another world. Your child might note the colorful walls, the hum of dental instruments, and the air’s clean scent. Pediatric dental offices take a lot of care to create a welcoming space for their little patients. For many children, this purposefully designed environment helps ease dental anxiety and create a feeling of both safety and fun. 

Of course, for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or individual sensory issues, the sounds, smells, sights, and sensations can be overwhelming. Are you struggling to maintain a healthy oral health routine for your child? Read on to learn dental options, tips, and tricks for children with sensory issues.

What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is how a person uses his or her five senses to process external stimuli. For those experiencing sensory processing disorders, this can impact daily routines and, thus, oral health. 

It’s important to differentiate between “sensory seekers” and “sensory avoiders.” Sensory seekers gravitate towards specific sensory input, which can make teeth brushing a soothing experience. Dental visits aren’t typically as challenging for sensory seekers. However, sensory avoiders tend to process certain external stimuli as either irritating or painful. This can make trips to the dentist very overwhelming and can result in such behaviors as crying, hitting, biting, or moving.

Preparing for a Trip to the Dentist

If you anticipate that your child might have some dental anxiety, schedule a tour of the dental office before his or her appointment. This provides your child with the opportunity to become a bit more familiarized with the environment.  

At this tour, feel free to speak with the dental team to let them know your concerns and your child’s specific needs. Let the staff know your child’s particular sensitivities and preferences, as well as past dental experiences. This information will help your dentist and hygienist better prepare and set your little one up for success. 

Another proactive approach is to read your child a social story or visual chart a week or so before his or her visit. These stories outline the steps of a dental appointment and allow time for your child to ask clarifying questions. 

At the Dentist 

Once at the dental appointment, ideally, there has been communication with the office team, so they are better prepared to make your child have a comfortable visit. This may include scheduling an extended time slot to allow your child extra time to acclimate. .  Private rooms are also an option if you would like an environment with less stimuli.

Some pediatric dental offices will take special care by providing accommodations. Such accommodations can include sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, sound machines, turning off overhead lights, and decluttering workspaces.

Teeth Brushing at Home 

For sensory seekers, tooth brushing might produce a calming effect. To ensure your child carefully brushes all teeth, consider using an electric toothbrush, and sing a song while they brush his or her teeth.  You want to take your time brushing over 2-3 minutes.

For sensory avoiders, teeth brushing might be a daily battle. The flavor of toothpaste may be overstimulating. It may be worth looking into unflavored toothpaste options—or even simply using water with no toothpaste.

Are you looking for a welcoming, caring dental office?

Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, welcomes children with sensory issues. Dr. Dan and his staff work diligently to create an environment that is a safe space for all children. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to schedule a tour, consultation, or appointment today!

How to Tell if Your Child Needs Braces

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Do you remember when you first became the Tooth Fairy? You might recall a pang of bittersweet nostalgia as you saw your child cross off yet another developmental milestone. You might have playfully reminded your little one, “No more losing teeth! You’re growing up way too fast!” However, you were swiftly and thankfully reminded of his or her youthful innocence when your child excitedly placed the lost tooth underneath the pillow.

Depending on your child’s age—and your years of Tooth Fairy experience—you’ve started to see your little one’s adult teeth appear. Suddenly, his or her perfect baby teeth are replaced with larger, imperfect adult teeth. Now instead of focusing on the dollar placed under the pillow, you’re starting to calculate the cost of braces. Read on to discover whether your child needs braces and how to best invest in your child’s new smile.

What Causes Orthodontic Problems?

Orthodontic problems are either hereditary or can develop over time. Problems passed down from parents can include issues with jaw structure, crooked teeth, and overcrowded teeth. Other orthodontic problems can be attributed to a child’s habits such as pacifier use, thumb sucking and mouth breathing. These usually lead to issues of spacing and bite. 

Signs Your Child Might Need Braces

  • Irregular or delayed loss of baby teeth

  • Adult teeth that have not grown in

  • Trouble biting together

  • Misaligned teeth that are overcrowded or misplaced 

  • Overbite (upper teeth overlap lower teeth)

  • Underbite (lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth)

  • Crossbite (upper teeth sit inside bottom teeth)

  • Open bite (upper teeth and lower teeth slant outward and do not touch)

  • Accidental biting of the inner cheek or the roof of the mouth

  • Mouth breathing and/or snoring

Benefits of Braces

Braces provide your child with a myriad of benefits. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the aesthetic advantage and increased confidence that comes from a gleaming smile. Another important reason is that braces improve oral health. Braces can help align your child’s bite, thus decreasing the potential for breaking (traumatic injuries) and wear (tooth grinding). When teeth are aligned, there are also less tight spaces where plaque can build and thus less opportunity for gum disease and tooth decay. Aligned teeth can also mitigate speech difficulties. Finally, properly shaped jaws can help with better breathing, sleep, and general well-being as children develop into young adults.

Get an Evaluation for Your Child Today!

Being a parent—and Tooth Fairy—means doing whatever it takes to give your little one the healthiest smile possible. If you believe your child might benefit from braces, contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, to get an evaluation by Dr. Dan today. 

How A Pediatric Dentist May Help With Pediatric Sleep Apnea

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“Sweet dreams!” you whisper as you flip on the nightlight and gently close the door. As your little ones drift off and slip into a deep slumber, your house—finally—slips into a calm, stillness. 

But have you ever noticed that momentary peace is quickly disrupted by a loud snore? 

If so, your child might be among the 1 to 4 percent of children who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleep disorder in which a child’s upper airway is partially or fully blocked. Pediatric OSA prevents proper airflow by briefly and repeatedly stopping a child’s breathing as he or she sleeps. This, of course, prevents a restorative night’s sleep. 

The most common symptoms while your child is asleep may be limited to just teeth grinding or may also include snoring, tossing and turning, mouth breathing, long pauses between breaths, night sweats/terrors and bedwetting. Though daytime sleepiness is prevalent in adults who have sleep-disordered breathing, children can present with behavioral problems. In fact, in many cases, children are actually misdiagnosed with ADHD.

Read on to learn five reasons that can cause a child to suffer from pediatric sleep apnea. 

1. Family History of Sleep Apnea 

OSA is a genetic condition and thus can be passed down from either parent. This occurs because children tend to inherit the facial features of their parents. 

2. High Body Mass Index

Adult OSA typically afflicts those who are older and overweight. Similarly, child obesity has been associated with pediatric sleep apnea. In these cases, weight management, such as nutrition and exercise, can reduce sleep apnea’s impairments. 

3. Abnormal Oral Tissues

Abnormally restrictive oral tissues know a a frenum can effect a child’s sleep.  More commonly known as lip and tongue ties, these conditions can impair proper function of the lip and tongue.  The tongue is especially important for proper breathing.  Impaired tongue position can have an impact on upper jaw development which in turn has an effect on nasal vs mouth breathing.  

4. Narrow Anatomy of Mouth, Jaw, or Throat

As a child falls asleep, all of his or her muscles relax. The mouth, jaw, and throat are no exception. If your child already has a narrow airway as well as a relatively large tongue, when relaxed, the airway can be easily obstructed.

5. Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can play a role in preventing proper airflow during the night. Like an anatomically narrow airway, the larger anatomy of these structures can become an issue when your child sleeps.  Allergies to environmental irritants such as dust or pollen can further enlarge the tonsils and adenoids affecting breathing and sleep. 

What if your child is exhibiting symptoms? 

There are various treatments for those who experience pediatric OSA. Such treatments include allergy medications, weight management, inhalers, and in some cases tonsil and adenoidectomy.  Oral appliance therapy, such as palate expanders, is another treatment in which a child wears an oral device that gently helps the upper jaw grow wider.  This opens the airway by increasing both upper jaw size and airflow through the nose.  The inside of the nose after all is the other side of the palate.  

Are you lying awake at night because you’re worried your little one is snoring loudly, isn’t getting a restful night’s sleep, or maybe they are not behaving like the child you know they could be?  Every child is different, and the most crucial first step is a proper diagnosis. Rest easy by seeking out the best care for your child. Dr. Daniel Moheban has completed advanced training in pediatric dental sleep medicine and has helped many children breathe more easily and grow into the best version of themselves.  Contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, to schedule an airway evaluation and sleep disorder screening with Dr. Moheban!

Help Your Kids’ Smile: The Key Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry in 2020

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As a parent, you always want the best for your children. Their oral health is no exception! Having a healthy, radiant smile offers innumerable benefits, and it all begins with your child’s pediatric dental experience. 

Create Lifelong, Healthy Habits 

Robust oral health is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a lifelong commitment that requires a solid foundation. Studies show that regular check-ups to a dentist in childhood pave the way for sustained lifelong, healthy habits. 

To children, actions speak louder than words. Simply telling your child the importance of brushing and flossing is less effective than showing them. Bringing your child to the dentist sends the message, “your oral health matters.” If you want your children to prioritize their oral health, you must first show them what it means to invest in their smiles. 

Keep Mouths Healthy

Some adults believe that baby teeth aren’t important as “they’ll eventually fall out.” On the contrary, baby teeth are needed for proper growth and development.  They provide dentists with crucial insight about your child’s future dental needs. Pediatric dentists analyze your child’s dental and jaw development and use it to create a long-term plan. 

If you choose to wait to invest in your child’s smile only after his or her adult teeth appear, it may be too late. A cornerstone of pediatric dentistry is preventative dentistry. Having your child regularly visit the dentist is a proactive—rather than a reactive—method of care. Just as you wouldn’t skip your child’s doctor’s check-ups, you won’t want to miss his or her dental check-ups either!

Offer Professional Feedback 

How often have you reminded your child about the benefits of brushing and flossing? Children are inundated by verbal “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” from their parents, so it’s challenging to know which lessons will stick. 

Strengthen this particular message with the help of your child’s pediatric dentist and dental hygienists! Not only will he or she provide fun lessons about brushing and flossing, but he or she also stands out as an authoritative figure. When an expert looks your child in the eye and gives them the feedback that lack of brushing will lead to cavities or gum disease, your child is more likely to listen. Your children are also more susceptible to an expert’s positive reinforcement when their dentist exclaims, “No cavities! You must be brushing and flossing every day. Keep up the good work!” 

Minimize Dental Anxiety 

Even as an adult, you might feel some latent anxiety when you hear the word “dentist.” Other adults feel neutral or even excited at the thought of a dental check-up. Your childhood dental experience heavily influences how you think about the dentist today. 

Introducing your child to the world of dentistry within their first year of life normalizes the experience. Pediatric dental offices are intentionally designed to be a welcoming place for children. Colorful walls, fun photos, kid-friendly books, and prizes help your child feel at home in a new environment. The staff is trained to work with children and are often characterized as reassuring, patient, understanding, and kind. Choosing the right pediatric dental office can have significant effects on your child’s lifelong relationship with his or her oral health. 

What Now? 

This overwhelming desire to give your children the best of everything can be daunting. You’re well aware that regular visits to the dentist for your child are crucial in achieving lifelong oral health. Rest assured that once you choose the right pediatric dentist, you can sit back and relax. Give your child the best dental care possible and contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts, to make an appointment today!

Watch Your Mouth!: A Guide to Tongue Tie and Lip Tie

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Tongue tie and lip tie are conditions that restrict the tongue or lip’s range of motion. Most commonly found in infants and young children, these anatomical abnormalities usually occur in tandem. They are also often easy to diagnose and treat by trained professionals. 

Tongue Tie

Overview

Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, occurs when tight, connective tissue tethers the tongue to the floor of the mouth. With roughly three million cases in the U.S. per year, this condition is often genetic and is more prevalent in boys than girls. The duration can last anywhere from years to a lifetime. 

Symptoms 

  • It can impair an infant’s ability to latch during breastfeeding and can thus impact his or her ability to gain weight. 

  • In young children, it can continue to affect their ability to eat correctly.

  • It may impact a child’s speech.

  • It can have a negative effect on the normal growth and development of the jaws and face.

  • It can contribute to problems such as mouth breathing, snoring, poor sleep and attention.

Diagnosis 

If your infant or child exhibits any of the signs listed above, you may be able to assess whether or not they may have tongue or lip ties simply by looking into their mouth.  What is the range of motion when they move their tongue side to side, up and down, or in and out? If you suspect your little one might have a tongue tie, be sure to set up an appointment with their pediatric dentist for a professional assessment.  Once they determine whether this abnormality is present, they will assess the severity and suggest treatment options. 

Treatment

In some cases, as a baby gets older, a tongue tie may resolve itself. However, depending on the severity of your child’s condition, there is a surgical option. Tongue tie surgery, called a frenectomy, usually does not require anesthesia, and can often be performed in a matter of minutes!

Lip Tie

Overview 

Similar to tongue tie, lip tie is a condition in which an infant or child exhibits a difference in the anatomy of his or her mouth. Lip tie occurs when the upper lip is connected to the upper gums by a tight and sometimes wide band of tissue. 

Symptoms 

  • Newborns exhibit trouble latching during breastfeeding, subsequently impacting weight gain. 

  • The infant either becomes visibly tired or, in some cases, falls asleep while feeding. 

  • The mother experiences discomfort from breastfeeding her child. This can include pain, breast swelling, and blocked milk ducts.

  • There may be abnormally large spaces between the front teeth.

  • Cavities may form either from milk pooling under the lip or from difficulty in brushing the teeth.

Diagnosis 

If your infant is experiencing trouble breastfeeding, you can contact a lactation consultant and a pediatric dentist. Upon assessment, a professional will categorize your child’s lip tie based on severity and advise you if treatment is necessary. 

Treatment

Just like tongue tie surgery, lip tie can be release can be performed by a surgical laser or scissor and is often quick and painless. 

Not all doctors are able to offer this service. However, due to Dr. Dan’s educational background and experience, Children’s Dental Specialities proudly provides tongue tie and lip tie assessments as well as treatment options. If your infant or child exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment today!

A Complete Guide to Minimally Invasive Dentistry in 2020

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We’re fortunate to live in an age of booming technology and medical advancements. But with this constant influx of research, it can be overwhelming to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices. This is especially true when it comes to dental care.

The traditional restorative care you likely grew up with (i.e., a lot of drilling) is out, and minimally invasive dentistry is in. This less-is-more approach is both effective and comforting to adults and children alike. 

Does the thought of less drilling, less anxiety, and less money spent have you wanting to learn more? Read on to discover why more dentists are opting for minimally invasive dentistry and why you should too!

Minimally Invasive Dentistry and Its Principles 

Minimally invasive dentistry aims to preserve original tissue and conserve healthy tooth structure. This proactive philosophy strives to detect caries (cavities) at the earliest level. In this way, dentists are better able to diagnose, intercept, and treat them in a less invasive manner. 

  • Prevention: Are you starting to question everything your dentist has ever told you? Rest-assured, preventative dentistry and oral healthcare routines remain paramount in establishing a healthy smile. Prevention is, in fact, a cornerstone of minimally invasive dentistry. 

  • Risk-assessment: Dental exams continue to assess the risk of tooth decay and carious lesions. Yet there is an increased focus on early disease detection and prevention. 

  • Remineralization strategies: Cutting-edge research confirms that there are many strategies in which your original tooth structure can help repair itself. New biocompatible materials allow dentists to fill lesions to prevent future cavity fillings.

  • The shift from “replacement” to “repair”: Your goals and needs remain at the forefront. But, there has been a shift in how to meet them best. There is now a reprioritization of respect for your original tissue. Drill-use and large fillings have become more of a last resort than a knee-jerk response. 

  • Less invasive: Perhaps the most exciting principle for patients, is that procedures are typically less invasive. Even as you lower your costs and anxiety, feel free to keep your expectations high. 

Minimally Invasive Dentistry for Infants, Children, and Adolescents 

The image of a drill-happy dentist is typical of traditional restorative dentistry.  It is also, however, outdated.  The basics of preventative care, such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and biannual dental exams/cleanings remain the same. But you must make sure that you and your child’s dentist are on the same page about minimally invasive dental practices. 

You know firsthand the effects of childhood dental experiences can have on your relationship to oral healthcare. Minimally invasive dentistry offers an opportunity to build a more positive association between dental visits and oral health for your little ones!

Enhance your child’s comfort, reduce their anxiety, and feel confident that you are providing them with the best dental care possible. 

Next Steps: Choosing the Right Dentist 

You’re convinced: minimally invasive dentistry is the solution, yet one problem remains: how do I find the right dentist for my child?

As the understanding of cavities has grown over the years, so has the adoption of minimally invasive dentistry principles. Yet, not all dental practices are on board. It is crucial to find a dental practice whose values align seamlessly with your own. It’s also essential that the practice’s vision remains unified across all staff–from the dentist to the hygenist to the receptionist! 

Dentistry is continuously changing, but finding a dentist who stays up-to-date to provide the best care for you and your loved ones? Now, that’s something to smile about. 

In search of a new dentist for your child? Contact Children’s Dental Specialities in Worcester, Massachusetts and schedule your first appointment today!

Tooth decay in children: Is it time to put the needle and drill away?

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Named after Dr. Nora Hall, “the Hall Technique” , is a conservative form of treatment for cavities in children that very often involves no local anesthesia (Novacaine) or removal of tooth structure. This form of treatment can be successful for very anxious children where more traditional forms of dental treatment may not be possible. There are some cases, such as teeth with spontaneous pain or infection, were the Hall Technique is not the best option. Dr. Moheban and Dr. Dantas have been using this technique successfully for years and can help you decide if this is the best option for your child. Call us or talk to us the next time you visit the office.

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