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Pediatric Dentist

Feb 23

Can a pediatric dentist help my daughter stop swallowing toothpaste?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 4 year old daughter likes to swallow toothpaste. Can a pediatric dentist help her? I’ve already talked to her, given her time out, and taken her to our family dentist, but she keeps swallowing it. I do only give her a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on her brush, so it’s not much, but she swallows it almost every time. She puts the toothbrush in her mouth, swallows the paste, and then brushes her teeth. She thinks it’s funny for some reason. I’m not sure what to do about this other than take her to a pediatric dentist for a second opinion. Your thoughts? Thanks. Jill

Jill – We understand your concern. It’s good that you’re taking precautions by only giving your daughter a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. But it shouldn’t be swallowed on an ongoing basis. If it contains fluoride, swallowing large amounts of toothpaste can cause stomach pain, intestinal problems, breathing problems, and other medical issues.

Usually, an experienced pediatric dentist has treated many more children than a family dentist. He or she might have helped other patients with the same issue. Also, a pediatric dentist has experience with different behaviors in children and can offer practical suggestions.

We have a few suggestions, too:

  • Closely supervise when your daughter brushes her teeth.
  • Reward her with something meaningful when she doesn’t swallow her toothpaste.
  • Time-outs aren’t working, so consider withholding a privilege she really enjoys if she swallows toothpaste.
  • Instead of allowing her to brush her own teeth, brush them for her until the habit is under control.
  • Keep the toothpaste out of your daughter’s reach.
  • Choose a toothpaste flavor that your daughter doesn’t like.
  • Use organic or natural toothpaste. Your dentist can ensure your daughter’s teeth have enough fluoride.
  • Be patient, kind, and consistent with helping your daughter make improvement.

If you schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, he or she can give you more suggestions to help your daughter break the habit. Your daughter might respond better if the dentist speaks with her about the habit. It’s likely a temporary phase that will improve with time.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 24

Should I take my son to the pediatric dentist when he loses a tooth?

By Pediatric Dentist

I am wondering if I should take my son to the pediatric dentist if he loses another tooth. He is 7 yrs old and has lost 2 baby teeth this month. I am starting to worry that if he is going to continue to lose multiple teeth that something might be wrong. Am I over reacting or is this okay as long as the teeth that are lost are replaced with permanent teeth? Thank you. Danielle

Danielle – When a child loses a primary tooth naturally, generally there is no reason to see a pediatric dentist. If your child loses a tooth prematurely or from trauma, or if there appears to be unusual complications associated with the tooth loss, call your son’s pediatric dentist.

You might benefit from reviewing the Permanent Tooth Eruption Chart from the American Dental Association. It provides a diagram of the teeth and their numbers, and it shows when primary teeth are placed by permanent teeth.

As the chart shows, there are several permanent teeth that erupt between 6 and 7, and 7 and 8 years of age. Compare the teeth numbers on the chart with the teeth that your son has lost. This guide will help you determine if your son’s tooth loss is natural or if there might be an underlying problem.

At this point, it doesn’t seem necessary to contact your son’s pediatric dentist. But sometimes, peace of mind is the best resolution. You can decide if there are other circumstances that are causing your concern. Don’t hesitate to contact the dentist just to check for underlying problems with your son’s oral health. If there is a problem found, early treatment can prevent it from becoming worse.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Dec 07

Can I get a pediatric dentist to do porcelain crowns for my 10 yr old’s front teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist, Porcelain Crown

My 10 year old had an ice skating accident 3 weeks ago and chipped her front teeth almost in half. The pediatric dentist put crowns on her teeth but they don’t look good. My daughter is self-conscious about her appearance. There is enough stress for kids in school without her worrying about her teeth. She is hesitant to smile because she thinks people are looking at her teeth. I guess our dentist did the best she could but I am really thinking about getting another dentist to do porcelain crowns for my daughter. Do pediatric dentists do porcelain crowns for front teeth? Thanks Elaynna

Elaynna – Our first concern is the health of your daughter’s teeth. When a tooth is broken in half, there might be nerve damage to it. If so, a root canal treatment is needed. Has the pediatric dentist determined if there is any internal damage to your daughter’s teeth? If not, you should request a thorough examination.

Most pediatric dentists are not trained in cosmetic dentistry. But you can visit a cosmetic dentist to receive ceramic crowns for your daughter’s teeth. Before you request certain cosmetic treatment, schedule an appointment for an examination.

Before you make a final decision, there are several things to consider:

  • As your daughter grows, her teeth and jawbone will also get larger. Porcelain crowns will need to be periodically replaced.
  • Your daughter’s natural teeth will need to be tapered so the crowns will fit over them.
  • Depending on the extent of damage, an alternative is to use direct dental bonding to restore the broken teeth. A talented cosmetic dentist can use bonding to seamlessly fill in the missing portion of each tooth.
  • When your daughter’s physical growth is complete, porcelain crowns can be used to restore her teeth—if that’s necessary at all.

We suggest that you schedule appointments with two or three cosmetic dentists or prosthodontists. Compare the options provided by each dentist to determine the best way to restore your daughter’s teeth based on her age.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Nov 25

Why does my daughter’s pediatric dentist keep finding cavities?

By Pediatric Dentist

Every time I take our 9 yr old to her pediatric dentist for a checkup and cleaning, she has at least one new cavity. I don’t understand this, because every day I watch and assist her as she flosses and brushes her teeth, and still she gets cavities. The pediatric dentist’s questions make me feel like she thinks we don’t know how to floss and brush correctly. I took the extra step to ask the dental hygienist to make sure we were doing things the right way. She was very kind and gave us some tips, but there is nothing major that we weren’t doing. By the way, I strictly limit my daughter doesn’t drink soda, and I limit her sweets to one day twice a month. Why is she getting so many cavities? Thank you – Nevis

Nevis – It is frustrating to be proactive about your daughter’s oral health and still see her have repeatedly have cavities. Speak with your daughter’s pediatric dentist about your concerns and ask for her help.

If she is maintaining good oral hygiene, there may be other factors that are contributing to the cavities. Diet, medication, health issues, vitamins, and genetics can affect our oral health. Ensure that your daughter drinks plenty of water throughout the day to reduce the amount of acid in her mouth, which promotes bacteria and decay.

It is also possible that your daughter’s cavities are related to a medical condition. Ask your daughter’s dentist for recommendations on extra steps that you can take to help fight cavities, or that the dentist can provide to help. If the pediatric dentist is unable to determine the cause of the cavities, your daughter’s pediatrician can look for medical conditions that might be contributing to tooth decay.

If no problem is found with your daughter’s physical health, the problem might still be related to oral health. If her pediatric dentist can’t seem to identify the source of the issue, consider getting a second opinion.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

 

Nov 07

Fillings from the pediatric dentist keep falling out of my son’s teeth

By Pediatric Dentist

My 8yr old had a dental cleaning appointment with his pediatric dentist in September and 4 cavities were found. I think this is excessive because I make sure he brushes 2 times and day and flosses every day. So one cavity would be a surprise, but 4 seems really suspicious to me. Within the past 2 months, 2 of the 4 fillings have fallen out. They fell out separately, so we have made 2 trips back to the dentist to have the cavities filled again. I am watching the teeth closely and checking them. Last night I noticed that one of the fillings feels loose. I am not sure if the fillings are being done correctly or if they are needed at all. Should I get a second opinion?

You didn’t mention it, but were your son’s cavities filled with amalgam or composite fillings? Composite fillings that are correctly placed bind to the teeth and are unlikely to fall out.

One of our pediatric dentists would need to examine your son’s teeth to determine what’s causing the problem, but it could be due to moisture on the teeth during the process of filling them. After decay is cleaned from a tooth, it should be completely dry during the filling procedure. Otherwise, fillings don’t bond well and are more liken to loosen or fall out. Cotton, air, and dental dams help isolate the tooth and keep it dry.

Children are often wiggly during dental appointments, and it might be more difficult to keep a child still and ensure the teeth are kept dry. Care must be taken during the process to ensure the process goes well.

A different pediatric dentist might get better results on your son’s teeth. Many dental offices have ways to distract children and help them relax during appointments. Before you have the loose filling replaced, speak with your son’s dentist and ask what he thinks is causing the issue, and what can be done to prevent additional fillings from loosening and falling out.

You always have the option of getting a second opinion from another pediatric dentist who will examine your son’s teeth and fillings and let you know your options.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Oct 17

Why is our pediatric dentist recommending a pulpotomy?

By Pediatric Dentist

I have 3 children and for the past 8 years have used the same pediatric dentist for each child. I have a good relationship with the dentist and have had to reason to distrust him. In our household we have a high standard for keeping our teeth clean so the latest results from our 5 year old daughter’s recent checkup have been disturbing. The dentist found 2 cavities in my daughter’s teeth and she is recommending a pulpotomy. I’m not sure that I understood her explanation of what this treatment in and why it is necessary for primary teeth. The dentist has been very clear in explaining other preventive care so I am wondering why this issue is foggy. Can you explain it simply? Thx. Marcy

Marcy – If there is infection in a primary tooth, a pediatric dentist might recommend a pulpotomy to remove it. Dental instruments are used to clean out the tooth and remove the pulp, or living tissue inside the tooth. The pulp is removed from the roots. The tooth is disinfected and a dental filler material is used to replace the pulp. A dental crown is used to protect the weakened tooth from further damage.

A pulpotomy is similar to a root canal treatment for adults. The procedure is used to save primary teeth. Although many parents question why primary teeth need to be saved, these teeth have an important role in reserving the space for permanent teeth and in guiding permanent teeth to the proper position when they erupt.

If a primary tooth needs to be extracted, a space maintainer might be used to keep the empty space intact. This prevent nearby teeth from drifting toward the empty space and interfering with proper position and eruption of the permanent tooth.

Ask your child’s pediatric dentist for a more thorough explanation of why a pulpotomy is recommended for your daughter. You can also ask to see x-rays of her teeth that reveal an infection and not tooth decay that might otherwise be treated.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, consider getting a second opinion from another skilled pediatric dentist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Sep 28

My 3 yr old’s teeth aren’t erupting

By Pediatric Dentist

At first my daughter seemed to be getting teeth early. Now she is 3 years old but only has 10 teeth. I haven’t taken her to a pediatric dentist yet because she doesn’t have many teeth. She is my first child so I know nothing about tooth development in children other than what I find online. Based on what I have researched, I think something is wrong. Shouldn’t she have more teeth? What is happening? – Shana

Shana – A baby’s first tooth usually erupts between 4 and 15 months of age. Children who are born prematurely, or who have a low birth weight, can experience delayed tooth development and eruption. At 3 years of age, a toddler should have about 20 teeth. A visit to a pediatric dentist is a smart move.

As far as appearance is concerned, the teeth of a 3-year-old toddler should be white with smooth surfaces. Spaces between the teeth are normal. Gum tissue should be smooth, pink, and firm. If a child has discolored teeth or issues with gum tissue, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.

Delayed tooth eruption can be a result of traumatic injury, nutritional deficiency, a genetic disorder, an auto-immune disease, or some other medical condition such as pituitary or thyroid dysfunction, or anemia. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a pediatric dentist.

The treatment for delayed tooth eruption will vary, depending on the cause. Treatment may include:

  • Treating the disease or condition that is delaying tooth eruption
  • Surgically exposing the teeth that need to eruption
  • Orthodontic traction to encourage eruption
  • Creating space for tooth to erupt
  • Surgery to remove any obstacles to tooth eruption

Schedule an appointment for your daughter with a pediatric dentist. Your daughter’s teeth and gums will be examined, and if necessary, your dentist will work along with your daughter’s pediatrician to determine the reason for her delayed tooth eruption.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Aug 26

Should I switch our daughter from our family dentist to a pediatric dentist?

By Pediatric Dentist

Until last week my 10 yr old daughter had no problems with the dentist. She isn’t afraid of the dentist at all. I have taught her to floss and brush her teeth well. She actually stays on top of it all without my asking her to do so. Last week at her regular exam and checkup the hygienist checked for cavities and the probe stuck in one of the bottom left molar teeth. My daughter started to get this really concerned look on her face. During the rest of the appointment with the hygienist she got really quiet. The hygienist told my daughter that the dentist would make the final decision on whether or not a cavity was developing. When the dentist came in to check her teeth checkup, my daughter seemed better, but still a little anxious. The dentist did a thorough examination and his probe got stuck on the same tooth that the hygienist’s did. Without the dentist saying anything my daughter started crying and shaking uncontrollably. We have never scolded her about her teeth or threatened her about not getting cavities. I am not sure where all of this is coming from. Maybe it’s hormonal and a sign that her cycle might be coming early in life. For the life of me I can’t think of any trigger. The dentist was very kind, but said that the cavity needs to be filled. My daughter has wept on and off since then and she is dreading the appointment. The dentist looked to me for an answer, but I have no clue. I am wondering if a pediatric dentist might have a different approach with her. In the past my daughter has insisted that she wants to go to the same dentist that I do. He is a good family dentist but I am not sure what to do. I have spoken to my daughter about the reason for her reaction, but she doesn’t seem to understand it herself. Your thoughts? I really appreciate the advice. Lydia

Lydia – If your daughter’s anxiety is a reason for concern continues, a pediatric dental appointment might be appropriate. At 10 years old, she is still quite young. Pediatric dentists are familiar with child behavior at different stages and have learned how to adjust, talk with children about their oral health issues, and ensure they are comfortable.

You can have a consultation with one or two pediatric dentists. Take your daughter to the office with you to observe her reaction to the office environment, dentist, and staff. Although she might think she prefers your dentist, her response may show that another office is best for her.

It’s good that you are thinking about the emotional aspect of her oral health. If things don’t improve with a new dentist, she can always return to your dentist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 26

Do pediatric dentists provide dental flippers?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 4 yr old likes to ride very fast on his tricycle. Even after having an accident in June he is still riding fast. He rides on the sidewalk in our neighborhood. The tricycle hit an uneven part of the sidewalk and since he wasn’t holding on tightly, the bump sent him flying over the handlebars. 2 of his teeth were damaged. One of them was so bad that the dentist just took it out. My son gets teased in daycare because of his red hair and freckles and I don’t want him to get teased any more about his tooth. I am wondering if he can get a dental flipper until the tooth grows back in. I know it’s a baby tooth and will be replaced soon but our family has enough stress without having to console a 4 year old about a tooth. That’s must not how we want to spend our time and emotions. I spoke with my husband about it and he agrees. I just want to know if the flipper is possible before we ask our pediatric dentist. She is pretty much resistant to doing anything cosmetic for kids’ teeth. Thanks. Romia

 

Romia – We understand your concern about your son’s missing tooth, and your concern about him being teased about it. Pediatric dentists can provide flippers for children and toddlers, but it isn’t advisable for children to wear them for long-term use. Active children are not likely to cooperate with the process of getting fitted for a flipper. Additionally, the appliance can easily come out of the mouth or become a choking hazard.

Although you may anticipate teasing, your son is at the age where will likely be multiple children in the class who have teeth missing for one reason or another. Other children may see him as just another child in the class with a missing tooth.

You can be proactive, though. Consider doing role play at home as to how your son can respond if he is teased about the missing tooth. Some parents find that if the teasing is taken lightly and the child jokes along, it is easier to get through those awkward moments. If the teasing get out of hand, encourage your child to inform a responsible adult.

If you choose to get a dental flipper for your son, ask your pediatric dentist to explain the risks. Also, ensure your son understands what he must do to avoid injury or choking due to wearing the appliance.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist  Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 17

5 of the Smartest Ways to Help Your Child Enjoy a Pediatric Dental Appointment

By Pediatric Dentist

Millions of adults get nervous about dental appointments and regularly cancel or delay appointments altogether. But is dental anxiety unavoidable? What can you do to help your child relax and have a good dental appointment? His or her dental experiences in childhood can determine how dental appointments are viewed as an adult.

1. Be positive about your own dental appointment

Find ways to speak and act positively about your own dental appointments. If your child senses that you are afraid of going to the dentist, he or she may begin to think there is a valid reason for fear. Your child can develop anxiety over dental appointments without even having a negative experience at the appointment.

2. Build excitement for your child’s pediatric dentist’s appointment

Talk about the benefits of going to the dentist. Clean teeth, a pretty smile, a good report, and no cavities are just some of the reasons to go to the dentist regularly. Let your child know how proud you are of him or her for good behavior at the dentist’s office.

3. Let your child know what to expect

Tell your child what happens at a dental appointment. Let him or her know the different people that you both will meet and what will be done to take care of your child’s teeth. If possible take your child with you to your own dental appointment. It’s a good chance to observe you and see the positive results of going to the dentist.

4. Get acquainted with the dentist first

Don’t just randomly choose a dentist and bring your child to appointment at an office he or she has never seen. Think of what it’s like to be a child and allow a complete stranger to put his or her hands in your mouth and start cleaning your teeth. In advance of a dental cleaning appointment, schedule an appointment for your child to see the dentist’s office, meet the staff, and meet the dentist.

If you sense that your child is not comfortable with any of the staff members or the staff environment, it may be best to keep searching for another dentist.

5. Practice good oral hygiene at home

Floss and brush your child’s teeth to help him or her maintain good oral hygiene. Let your child know that the dentist will make sure that his or her teeth are extra clean and healthy.

Relax. Let your child see that you are relaxed and excited about the dental appointment. Pay close attention to how your child responds to the office environment and staff. Do what you can to ensure your child has a positive dental experience.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca. Dr. LaVacca’s office has a team of skilled general dentists, pediatric dentists, and an orthodontist.

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