Category: Dental Care

How to Tell if Your Child Needs Braces

Posted on

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. 

A Complete Guide to Minimally Invasive Dentistry in 2020

Posted on

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!

Why Choose a Dentist that Focuses on Pediatric Patients?

Posted on

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist
 

While most parents understand the benefits of having a pediatrician for their child instead of simply a general doctor, it’s not often clean why a pediatric dentist is just as necessary and preferable over a general dentist.  Choosing a pediatric dentist will ensure that the development is going as it should, along with establishing good dental habits that will last a lifetime.

What sets us apart?

Pediatric Dentists only treat children and have 2 additional years of specialized education to earn our title.  From kid-friendly office designs to our unique communication style, our area of expertise offers the best care for your child.

Our goal as a pediatric dental office is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth.  We’ll even set up a “friendly visit” to help alleviate any fears your child may have.  Pleasant visits to the dental office establish trust and confidence in your child that will set a precedent for dental visits later on.

Pediatric dentists also have special training in helping children with special needs. We encourage you to reach out to us about your child’s unique situation.

What about teens?

Adolescents require special attention too. In addition to orthodontic needs that are best addressed in the teen years, decaying or poorly situated teeth can make them more self-conscious. As teens take on more responsibility for their own diet, and as they adjust to busy schedules we often see a tendency to eat more unhealthy snack foods that can become a major part of their diet. We provide a positive approach to restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive dental health care throughout the teenage years.

Our ultimate goal is to make our dental practice a comfortable and inviting place.  We hope you’ll let us show you how we accomplish that!

E-cigarettes, Teenagers and Oral Health

Posted on

e-cigs and teens
More teenagers have tried Electronic Cigarettes than adults, with statistics showing as many as 10% of high school students having tried the latest trend in smoking compared with only 2.7% of adults. E-cig use has exploded in the past few years, and many people claim to have stopped smoking traditional cigarettes because of them.  While many users also believe e-cigarettes to be safer than regular cigarettes, no definitive studies have proven that they are a safe alternative.

When looking at e-cigarettes and oral health, especially in relation to teenagers, it’s important to remember that an e-cigarette is still primarily a nicotine delivery device and there’s little debate as to the effects of nicotine on the body.

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a stimulant that, when inhaled, is absorbed by the lungs into the blood stream and passed within seconds to the brain.  As a drug, nicotine works by both stimulating the user through low doses and relaxing the user in higher concentrations.   As evidenced by the large number of people addicted to tobacco products, nicotine is seen as one of the most addictive drugs available.  Interestingly, nicotine has a history of use as an insecticide but isn’t commonly used today because of it’s danger to animals and people.

How does nicotine harm oral health?

Nicotine is a chemical compound known for it’s vasoconstrictor properties, which means that it works by narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow throughout the body.  When blood flow is frequently reduced to the gums, there is a dramatic increase in the likelihood of periodontal (gum) disease.  Less blood delivered to the gums means less oxygen and fewer nutrients.  This can result in symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, bad breath and even tooth loss.

Better than cigarettes?

The truth is, no one is completely sure about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes which can make them a particular concern for adolescents.  Many teenagers are smoking e-cigarettes because they feel they are safe or cool.  Regardless of how it’s delivered, however, nicotine is still a highly addictive drug that should be avoided by everyone, especially growing teens.   With few laws banning their use among young people, it’s important to educate your children about the potential hazards of this growing trend.

Should you worry about your child’s teeth grinding?

Posted on

Teeth Grinding in kids, bruxism
Occasionally parents will reach out to us because they’ve been alarmed by the sounds their children make while sleeping.  It’s not uncommon for children to grind their teeth, especially during sleep.  In fact, some estimates put that number close to 33%.  Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is most common when baby teeth begin to emerge and permanent teeth come in.  And while it generally goes away, there are a few considerations you should be aware of.

What causes bruxism?

We aren’t always 100% sure why children grind their teeth.  Oral discomfort as teeth shift and realign may cause much of the temporary bruxism, as well as allergies and other minor illnesses.  Bruxism may also be caused by minor changes in inner ear pressure, similar to what’s experienced on an airplane. Ongoing teeth grinding may be more serious and can sometimes be the results of anxiety, stress or fear.  While most children stop grinding their teeth over time, it’s often important to look at your child’s overall health as well as the frequency and severity of tooth grinding to determine if intervention is necessary.

When should parents worry about bruxism?

Again, bruxism is extremely common, and most children grow out of the habit.  But as with any issue you are concerned with, please always feel free to reach out to us with your questions.  The following list of symptoms are signs that your child’s teeth grinding may require additional investigation:

  • If your child is having trouble sleeping or is waking frequently throughout the night
  • Jaw pain or soreness
  • Headaches
  • Tooth sensitivity or pain not associated with other dental issues
  • Teeth begin showing signs of wear
  • Damage to the soft tissues of the mouth
  • Loud, persistent grinding that doesn’t seem to subside over time

What can parents do to help alleviate minor bruxism?

If your child occasionally grinds his or her teeth at night, and isn’t showing any serious side effects like those mentioned above, you may try the following tips to reduce or eliminate bruxism without the intervention of a dentist:

  • Work to identify and decrease your child’s stress.  Allow your child to talk openly about his or her feelings.
  • Be sure your child is getting a proper diet
  • Since dehydration may be linked to bruxism, be sure your child is drinking enough water

Of course, you should always make us aware of any issue involving your child’s teeth.  We can help you monitor them for any potential issues.  Never hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you might have.

Being Prepared for Dental Emergencies

Posted on

Dental EmergencyWhen a dental emergency occurs, it’s essential to get prompt treatment.  Of course, the first (and best) step is to have an established dental home.  Whether an injury happens on the playground, in school or at home, having a dental home and maintaining regular dental check-ups and cleanings is the first and best way to be prepared.  Not only will you have an existing relationship already established, but you will also have someone to call who can provide guidance, care and support.

Like all emergencies, dental emergencies appear out of nowhere and demand immediate attention. Knowing what to do when an emergency arises is key to having a positive outcome and preventing a bad situation from getting worse. Taking the right action, can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Just as we spend time learning first aid procedures for bodily emergencies, making a special effort to focus on handling dental emergencies means that you are prepared to take care of any situation, no matter what.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), here are a few best practices for the following scenarios:

  • If a baby tooth is knocked out – Contact the dentist ASAP.
  • If a permanent tooth is knocked out – Find and carefully rinse the tooth in cool water. Do not use soap or scrub the tooth. Simply rinse it in cool water. Replace the tooth in the socket, if possible, and hold it in place with a clean piece of gauze or a washcloth.  If putting the tooth back in the socket isn’t an option, place the tooth in a clean cup with milk, saliva, or water. Contact the dentist immediately.  Prompt treatment is required to potentially save the tooth.
  • If a tooth is chipped or damaged – Contact the dentist immediately. Find any tooth fragments. Rinse in cool water and place in a clean cup with milk, saliva, or water and take them with you to the dentist. Prompt treatment is critical for preventing infection and avoiding potential complications. If there is any injury to the mouth, treat with cold compresses to decrease swelling.

If tooth loss is the result of a more severe or complicated injury, call for emergency services to insure that proper care is given to the entire injury. Call the dentist en route to the hospital or immediately upon arrival.

An emergency situation is no time to try to come up with a plan of action. Instead, it’s best to be prepared well in advance of any unforeseen injuries. Maintaining regular six month check-ups can help lay the groundwork for handling potential emergency situations when you don’t have time to think about what to do next.

Are “Soft Teeth” a Myth?

Posted on

Soft Teeth Myth
We often hear patients talk about how they or their children have “soft teeth”. We especially hear comments related to how “soft teeth” have been inherited from their parents or have been passed down to their children.

But is there really a condition that causes some people’s teeth to be more susceptible to cavities than others?

Yes…and no.

Most people who suffer from frequent dental caries (cavities) actually have perfectly normal teeth. Their enamel is just as developed and strong as the average person. Poor dental habits are usually the cause of most cavities and with very few exceptions nearly all cavities are 100% preventable. The actual number of people who would have what could actually be called “soft teeth” is quite low.

A condition called Amelogenesis Imperfecta can result in thin, improperly formed enamel. This enamel is often pitted, uneven and brown. Inner layers of teeth can become exposed to damaging acids from food and saliva which leaves these true “soft teeth” more open to cavities.

Babies and young children often develop cavities as a result of bacteria transferred through the sharing of eating utensils or parents cleaning off pacifiers in their own mouths. It’s important to avoid transferring bacteria from one mouth to another and to begin dental care early. A soft washcloth can be used on a baby’s toothless gums, for example, and the American Dental Association has long recommended a small “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste for children under two years of age.

Even though the condition is extremely rare, we can’t rule out “soft teeth” without an exam. But most cavities can be avoided by regular flossing and brushing for two minutes at least twice every day!

Resolutions for a Cavity-Free Year

Posted on

Brushing teeth together 454x300
Did you know that the most common chronic childhood disease is tooth decay?  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one out of every five children in the US has an untreated cavity.  More than 51 million school hours are lost every year because of dental problems.  Moreover, nearly 100% of cavities are preventable.  Want a cavity free year?  Following these five simple steps can keep you and your kids on the right path to a healthy mouth:

1. Catch up on dental visits.

Start the year off right by setting up an appointment and taking care of issues you may have been avoiding.  Time or finances can result in missed checkups, but putting off needed exams or dental work often causes problems to become more costly, more time consuming and more painful.

2. Commit to brushing 2min2x.

Brushing for two minutes, twice each day is basic to staying cavity free.  Brushing at the same time each day, as part of your regular routine can help develop a daily habit of oral care.  Consider brushing with your children so they can see an example of good oral hygiene and will be motivated to care for their own teeth.  Because brushing for a full two minutes can be a challenge for young children, the ADA has created fun videos that are exactly two minutes long.  You can find them on the 2Min2X website.

3. Consider using mouthwash.

Studies continually show that mouthwash can dramatically reduce cavities when used alongside regular brushing. Choose a mouthwash with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance and make using it part of your daily routine.

4. Check that you are getting the proper amount of fluoride.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that has been shown to dramatically reduce cavities.  You may not realize it, but most of the water coming from faucets in the U.S. is fluoridated.  Unfortunately, bottled water usually doesn’t contain fluoride, so kids and adults that exclusively drink bottled water may be missing valuable anti-cavity benefits.  Switch to tap water this year. You could save a plastic bottle from the trash and possibly your teeth from a cavity.

5. Clean between teeth by flossing.

Surprisingly, a survey from Delta Dental revealed that 43 percent of parents said their children’s teeth are never flossed.  Additionally, the ADA reports that one in ten US adults neglect flossing as well.  Why not start a new habit this year and begin flossing regularly?  Flossing helps to reach the places that a toothbrush simply cannot go and it’s one of the best ways to prevent gum disease.

Cavities are preventable.  This could be a banner year for your teeth simply by following these simple steps.  Please leave a comment below if you have any questions or give us a call to set up an appointment today!

Do I Really Need X-Rays?

Posted on

Do kids need x-rays?
We often hear from patients concerned about the exposure to radiation from dental radiographs, or x-rays.  Naturally, they want to limit anything that may present a health risk to themselves or their children.  New technology, however, means that the amount of radiation received from dental x-rays is extremely limited.   The minimal exposure from a focused x-ray beam is certainly safer than risking an oral problem that may go unnoticed otherwise.  In fact, in some cases, a dental x-ray may even save your life.

Dental x-rays are beneficial because they can detect more than just cavities.  Radiographs are often able to  detect existing problems, but also help prevent developing and future issues that are invisible to the naked eye.

For adults, dental x-rays can reveal hidden decay in between teeth or under an existing filing.   By looking at the structures of the mouth, x-rays can show bone loss that is associated with gum disease, abscesses, cysts and even some tumors.

In children, x-rays are used to monitor tooth decay as well as look at how permanent teeth are developing.  We look for potential issues, checking teeth and their roots along with jaw placement and facial structure.  Wisdom teeth are also watched by using to make sure they aren’t becoming impacted.

The benefits of dental x-rays sharply outweighs any potential health risk.  Today’s equipment, along with standard precautions, make radiographs for you and your family safe and valuable.

Latest News from Children's Dental Specialties