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Pediatric Dentist

Jan 25

My son’s gums bleed when he brushes his teeth

By Gum Disease, Oral Health, Pediatric Dentist

I finally got our 4 yr old into brushing his teeth twice a day. He actually started liking it. I was surprised. 2 weeks ago he was brushing and I was helping and his gums started bleeding. I had him rinse his mouth and everything was okay. I figured maybe he was brushing too hard, so I told him to do it softly. That seemed to work until last week. He was brushing his teeth on 2 different occasions and the gums started bleeding again. I am trying to be calm about this because he is just comfortable with brushing his teeth and I don’t want him to freak out or think that brushing teeth means bleeding gums. I know that he isn’t brushing too hard any more. Does he have gum disease at 4? Thanks. Tuscany

Tuscany – There are several possible causes of your son’s bleeding gums. For an accurate diagnosis, though, schedule an appointment with your son’s pediatric dentist.

One possible cause is dry mouth. Does your son breathe with his mouth open? Does he drink plenty of water daily? Or is he taking medication that has dry mouth as a side effect? Any of these factors can cause the gums to become tight, dry, and more likely to bleed.

Vigorous brushing is another cause of bleeding gums, but you have mentioned that your son isn’t brushing his teeth tooth hard. Continue to monitor him to ensure that he isn’t brushing aggressively. A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used.

There are certain medical conditions, including some auto-immune conditions that can cause gums to bleed easily. Bleeding gums may be related to the beginning stages of periodontal (gum disease).

Again, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your son’s pediatric dentist for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you have already seen a pediatric dentist about the issue, consider getting a second opinion and speaking with your medical doctor about it.

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

Dec 28

Why does my 5 yrs old’s breath smell so bad?

By Oral Health, Pediatric Dentist

My 5 yr old daughter has horrible breath. It even takes my breath away sometimes when I smell it. It’s not an oral hygiene thing. At least I don’t think it is. I floss and brush her teeth morning and night. I also make a little baking soda mouthwash for her to gargle with every day but it doesn’t help. When I take her to the dentist, even she talks about brushing out the ‘bad breath monsters’. Really I have done all that I know to do. I asked the pediatric dentist and she keeps saying that I should brush and floss my daughter’s teeth. I do that already. This is really bothering me and I know that eventually my daughter will start being teased because the smell of her breath is really horrible. I am wondering what else I can do or what can be causing the problem. thank you – Oksana

Oksana – You can start by having a conversation with your daughter’s dentist. Let the dentist know your daily routine for your daughter’s oral hygiene. Then ask the dentist for an exam to help determine what’s causing the bad breath. Also ask if the dentist has any ideas for what is causing the problem. If you don’t get a satisfactory response, you may need to choose a new dentist.

Also, ask your family doctor or pediatrician about the problem. At times, there are medical factors that can cause bad breath in children. We are by no means diagnosing your daughter’s case, but listed below are some causes of bad breath in children.

  • A medical condition – Allergies, sinus issues, tonsillitis, or other medical conditions can cause bad breath.
  • Dry mouth – Certain medications can cause dry mouth, and so can a lack of saliva production. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water to keep his or her mouth moist.
  • Oral infection – Cavities or a mouth sore can cause bad odor.
  • Food – Certain foods have odors that linger, including garlic and onions.
  • Bacteria on the tongue – It’s important to gently brush the tongue, too. A buildup of bacteria on the tongue will cause a foul odor. A tongue scraper can be carefully used.
  • Breathing through the mouth – This will quickly dry out the mouth and cause odor. If your child breathes through his or her mouth due to sinus or allergy issues, addressing the issue can make breathing with the mouth closed much easier. Give your child plenty of water to drink.

The above causes are possibilities. An examination from your child’s pediatric dentist and medical doctor will help identify the cause, as well as the best treatment.

 

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

Nov 28

Is it okay to switch our son to a hard-bristle toothbrush?

By Pediatric Dentist

I’m asking because he doesn’t want to brush his teeth. We have 4 kids and it’s hard to monitor everyone’s brushing habits for 2 solid minutes. Our 6 yr old can handle a toothbrush well but he hates brushing his teeth. Well, I think the real problem is that he would much rather be doing something else so he brushes quickly and I am not sure that he is really getting his teeth clean.

I know that soft toothbrushes are recommended for kids but I am wondering if it’s okay to switch him to a hard tooth brush for a good scrubbing job for the short time that he is willing to brush his teeth. Is it okay to make the switch? Thanks. – Lavon

Lavon – The best toothbrushes for children have soft bristles, with rounded ends and fit well into their hands. Soft bristles won’t harm the gums. It is also important to help your son floss between his teeth daily. Only flossing can remove plaque-causing debris that gets trapped between the teeth and gums.

No doubt you are a busy mom. Although it’s difficult to supervise your child for two-minutes of tooth brushing, try to think of ways to get it done. Is there a task you have to perform for other children that can be done in the bathroom while your son brushes his teeth? Will setting a timer help? Or perhaps rewarding your son, creating a game, playing music, or finding another way to make brushing his teeth fun and rewarding will help. Is there another adult or teenager at home that can assist you with ensuring that your son thoroughly brushes his teeth?

Remember that a hard-bristle toothbrush can cause more harm than good on growing teeth, and really would require additional supervision to ensure it’s being done gently. We recommend that you stick with the soft toothbrush for your son, regularly speak with him about the importance of brushing his teeth well, and discuss the problems with his teeth that can result if he doesn’t. Try showing him some yucky pictures of teeth that were not properly flossed and brushed. Select pictures that are not overly gross for his age. You can also ask your son’s pediatric dentist for suggestions, or ask other parents what works for them.

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

Oct 19

Pediatric dentist was unkind because of autistic daughter’s service dog

By Pediatric Dentist

Last year our 8 year-old autistic daughter got a service dog. This was one of the best decisions we’ve made for her. She has been so much calmer since we got the dog (Pepper). Now Pepper goes with us almost everywhere. Situations where our daughter would normally withdraw or have a tantrum have been much calmer. We’ve had great success with her doctor’s appointments, which were previously out of control, but we are anticipating that we will have a problem with the pediatric dentist. At the first dental appointment with Pepper we got some weird looks, but it’s obvious that Pepper is a service dog so I just thought it might take a little time for a few people in the office to get used to it. My daughter had one of the best dental appointments ever with Pepper there. Last month when we went to a dental appointment, the dentist made a remark about leaving Pepper in the car the next time. I kindly mentioned that Pepper is a service dog that has made my daughter’s life much easier. The dentist mumbled something that I chose not to listen to. Now I am nervous. I’ve been going over this in my mind but I am not sure what to do about it. Forcing the issue doesn’t seem like a good idea. Should I just ignore it?  Thanks in advance. – Siobhan

Siobhan – Neither forcing nor ignoring the issue will ensure a good outcome for your daughter. We suggest that you schedule an appointment with your daughter’s pediatric dentist to discuss your daughter’s needs. During the discussion express your concerns, and ask questions to find out exactly how the dentist feels about Pepper’s presence in the office. If you think that it’s worth it to continue with the dentist, you may want to give it another try.

Consider a pediatric dentist consultation

On the other hand, if the dentist resists the idea of Pepper’s accompanying your daughter, you may want to explore your options. You can get recommendations from friends for compassionate dentists, or search online for pediatric dentists who accept autistic patients. Call the offices, and ask how service animals are handled when they accompany a patient. You will be able to tell if the office has at least thought about the situation and how it will be received. Consider scheduling a consultation with a few pediatric dentists.

Interestingly, a May 2015 online article was published by the American Dental Association about a pediatric dentist who uses hypoallergenic therapy dogs in his office to help children have positive dental experiences. The interview of the dentist shows how he thoughtfully made this arrangement for children, while maintaining good order in the office. It’s an encouraging article that can give you confidence that you will be able to find an empathetic dentist to meet your and your daughter’s needs.

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

 

Aug 27

Getting kids back on track for a new school year? Don’t forget about their teeth.

By Pediatric Dentist

Getting kids back on track for school? Don’t forget about their teeth.

Backpacks, notebooks, writing instruments, clothing, you name it. There is a long list of things that are needed to help children get back in the swing of things and in the learning mode for school. As you prepare for, or help them adjust to, a new school year, don’t forget about their teeth. What do we mean?

During summer, when kids are on vacation, visiting relatives, home with a sitter, or off to summer camp, their good oral hygiene habits may slip a bit. Now is the time to get them back on track.

Children need to floss between their teeth daily and brush their teeth twice daily. Sounds like a bit much? Did you know that failure to floss regularly can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria between the teeth that, if left untreated, can cause gum disease?

Also, be sure to schedule regular dental cleaning and exams for your children. If your child’s pediatric dentist recommends sealants for deep groves or pits in the teeth, take the recommendation seriously. Most cavities in children’s teeth are found in places that could have been protected by sealants. The process is easy and painless. In minutes, the sealant is painted on the applicable teeth, dried, and your child will be good to go.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, instead of doing an Internet search on an unreliable website, look for official pediatric dentistry websites. And don’t hesitate to contact your dentist’s office.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists, the office of Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 18

Pediatric dentist wants sealants on my daughter’s primary teeth

By General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentist

I took my daughter to a new pediatric dentist, and she is recommending sealants on all of the molar teeth. May daughter is 6 years old, so these are primary teeth. Is this really necessary? Thanks.Aubrey

 

Aubrey – A pediatric dentist’s recommendation for dental sealants is to protect the teeth—even if they are your daughter’s primary teeth. Primary teeth reserve the position for permanent teeth and help guide them to the proper position.

An examination likely reveals that your daughter’s molar teeth are susceptible to cavities, if the hasn’t already had a history of cavities. Sealants are a proactive step to prevent cavities. The sealant will be painted onto the molar teeth. It will harden and bond to the teeth to protect them from acids and bacteria that promote decay.

Sealants are also beneficial for adults who have deep pits and crevices in their molar teeth, and help guard against decay.

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

May 28

6 year old keeps biting the pediatric dentist

By Pediatric Dentist

This has been happening for the last few appointments. Every time I take my son to the pediatric dentist, when the dentist tries to examine my son’s teeth, he bites the dentist. The dentist has been saying it’s okay because my son isn’t hurting him, but last week he bit the dentist hard. Why might this be happening and what can I do about it? – Lanaya

Lanaya – We suggest that you start by asking your son why he is biting his pediatric dentist. The response you receive can help you determine how to handle the issue.

If your son isn’t volunteering information, you can ask him questions to help determine the reason for biting. Is your son afraid? Did the dentist say or do something to make your son nervous? Does your son think it’s funny or a game?

You can also speak with your dentist about the issue and ask for suggestions on making the dental experience more positive for your son and his dentist.

This post is sponsored by the Naperville pediatric dentists at Naperville Dental Specialists.

Apr 07

Will a pediatric dentist whiten my daughter’s teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist, Sensitive Teeth, Teeth Whitening

My daughter is 8 yrs old. She is a model and has been in some local commercials. We both think that she would have more opportunities if she gets her teeth whitened. Will a pediatric dentist whiten her teeth or do I have to do it myself? Thanks Laney

Laney – There is limited research on teeth whitening for children. Many dentists recommended that whitening is delayed until permanent teeth are fully developed. When children are in their mid-teens, whitening by a dentist is safe.

While children are young, the pulp inside the tooth is still developing. Teeth bleaching can create sensitivity in adult teeth, and can be more intense in children. In unique situations, some dentists whiten children’s teeth, but you should not attempt it without a dentist’s supervision. Excessive whitening can weaken tooth structure and eventually darken teeth.

If you are interested in getting your daughter’s teeth whiter, speak with your pediatric dentist for recommendations.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Mar 17

Should I switch pediatric dentists?

By Pediatric Dentist

If my daughter cries every time we go to the pediatric dentist, how do I know if the dentist makes her uncomfortable, or if she is afraid of the dentist period? Should I switch dentists? – Thanks Sy

Sy – If your daughter is old enough to understand and respond, you can consider questioning her to ask what she does or does not like about going to the dentist’s office. You can also ask her what makes her cry or what makes her afraid at the dentist’s office.

If your daughter is too young to have this conversation, speak with the pediatric dentist about your concerns. Are you able to go into the treatment room with your daughter? Sometimes this makes children more comfortable.

You can consider having a consultation with another pediatric dentist and taking your daughter with you. Ask questions about what is done to help children relax during their appointments. If your daughter seems more comfortable with the new dentist, you can consider switching, or at least scheduling one appointment with the new dentist to see how your daughter reacts. Don’t be quick to switch dentists until it is clearer what is making your daughter uncomfortable.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

Feb 27

Pacifiers and toddlers’ teeth development

By Pediatric Dentist

What age is too old for a pacifier? When will sucking a pacifier start to affect the development of your child’s teeth?

Before age 2, any effects that a pacifier has on mouth or tooth development will be corrected within six months. After age 2, there is reason for concern.

Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use affects the development of the mouth, roof of mouth, and teeth. Teeth can erupt partially, or be misaligned. Lip and facial muscle formation can be impaired. Speech and language problems may develop. Additionally, your child may develop frequent earaches and ear infections.

Some experts encourage gradually your child from pacifier use around 18-months old. If you find that your child is not interested in a pacifier, or if it falls out of his or her mouth, don’t encourage use of it. Avoid putting sugar or sugary substances on a pacifier. It will promote tooth decay.

Activities, music, games, toys, or other comforts may distract your child from pacifier use. Dramatically forcing a child to stop pacifier use can be stressful for the child. If your child is at an age where pacifier use may be harm his or her oral health, and you need help getting your child to break the habit, speak with your pediatric dentist.

This post is sponsored by the dentists of Naperville Dental Specialists.

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