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Pediatric Dentist

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.

Dec 08

10 yr old daughter fell on her face and hit her front tooth. Will she lose it?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 10 yr old daughter fell on her face while doing a somersault. She was on carpet, so I hope that it’s not too bad. It’s not loose, she is not in pain and I don’t see a fracture. Will she lose it? What are some signs I should look for? – Alexahndra

Alexahndra – Since your daughter experienced trauma to her tooth, even though she is not in pain, schedule an appointment with her pediatric dentist.

Her teeth and gums need to be examined and x-rayed. If there is no discoloration, sensitivity, or pain in the tooth, it is likely that the tooth okay, but it needs to be checked.

On the other hand, when there is pain, sensitivity, or discoloration in the tooth, it is an indication of nerve damage. When nerve damage is minimal, the nerve can heal itself. Otherwise, a root canal will be needed to remove the pulp in the tooth so that the tooth can be preserved. The tooth is protected with a dental crown.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

Nov 07

My son’s teeth are growing sideways. Can a pediatric dentist do anything about this?

By Pediatric Dentist

My son’s teeth are just like mine. They grow out sideways. Not completely sideways but sort of flared out to the sides and most of the teeth grow this way. When I was 13 yrs old I had braces and even now my teeth are a bit sideways. I am trying to save my son from some of the stress I had in school and nowadays, save him from bullying. He is only 8 yrs old. We have been to plenty of dental appointments and I was expecting the dentist to say something about my son’s teeth, but she has not said anything. Can our pediatric dentist do something about this or do I need to take him straight to the orthodontist? Clark

Clark – It is not unusual for teeth to grow at an angle. To start, it is best to let your son’s pediatric dentist make an evaluation of his treatment options. The dentist will refer your son to an orthodontist for further evaluation and to determine the best time to begin treatment and what appliances should be used. Depending on the case, orthodontic treatment can be started as young as 7 years old.

The pediatric dentist will work along with the orthodontist to monitor the progression of your son’s teeth and jawbone growth. After orthodontic is treatment is complete, it is critical to wear a retainer. Immediately after treatment, a retainer will need to be worn continuously for one year, or more if necessary. As your son grows, retainer adjustments will be needed, and a retainer has to be worn at least nightly for a lifetime to prevent teeth from moving back to their original position.

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

Oct 29

How can I find the right pediatric dentist for my son?

By Pediatric Dentist

I have to take my 3 yr old son to the pediatric dentist for his first appointment in a few months, but I am unable to find one near me that gives them something to kind of put him to sleep rather than strap him down. how can i find the right dentist? thanks. Yazmin

Yazmin – If you have friends or family members with children, you can ask for recommendations on a dentist for your children.

If you are scheduled for a dental appointment soon, you can ask to take your child with you to see the office and watch you have your teeth cleaned. You can explain to your son the need to have a dentist check and clean your teeth to keep them healthy.

Another option is to take your child to visit the office where he will receive the dental cleaning, in advance of the appointment. Your son can take a look at the office and meet a few staff members to get comfortable with the office.

Keep in mind that your son may not need to be secured to the dental chair or sedated for his appointment. If you don’t receive any recommendations for a dentist, you can continue to call pediatric dental offices or the office of a family dentist to find out what they do to help children relax during their appointment. Some offices have music to listen to, TV programs to watch, or other ways of distracting children during the appointment.

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

Aug 20

Does your child grind his or her teeth?

By Oral Health, Pediatric Dentist

Teeth grinding is a common habit among young children—particularly those under 11 years old. It is so common that it should only be a concern if it happens at night, or if it is causing tooth pain or is wearing down teeth.

During intense concentration or stressful situations, a child may unconsciously grind his or her teeth. If you make him or her aware of the problem, and remind the child each time you see him or her doing it, it may be enough to help break the habit.

Often teeth grinding or bruxism occurs during sleep. Bruxism is common in young children who snore or breathe through the mouth while asleep. In these cases teeth grinding may be related to sleep apnea or enlarged tonsils.

When older teens grind their teeth, it may be done in association with smoking, or alcohol or drug use. Medication, trauma, and certain diseases, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and epilepsy may contribute to bruxism.

Most bruxism is related to some type of anxiety or stress. Be sure to have your child’s teeth examined regularly. If your pediatric dentist determines that bruxism is affecting your child’s teeth or bite, he or she may recommend a nightguard, or refer you to a specialist.

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

Jul 01

How to get toddler to let me brush his teeth?

By Pediatric Dentist

My 3 yr old hates getting his teeth brushed. Somehow he know that I am about to brush his teeth and he starts running. When I finally catch him, he holds his lips stiff and I can’t get in his mouth. Sometimes I wait until he is asleep and I gently brush his teeth. He sleeps like a log so this works sometimes. I don’t want this to continue though. How can I encourage him to brush his teeth? Thanks. Jennie

Jennie – You can try to find ways to make brushing fun. Think of ways to turn brushing into a game that ends with a prize. Allow your son to hold the toothbrush. Maybe you and your son can have a teeth brushing race. Hum while you brush.

It may help if you have your son with you in the bathroom while you brush. Let him stand in a safe place while you both look in a mirror and brush. Make jokes or play games.

If you have older children, or friends or family members with children that you can borrow, invite them over for some fun and also to brush their teeth with your son. Explain to the children you invite that you are trying to help your son want to brush his teeth. Children can often think of ways to help younger children that adults may not consider.

Be patient. Your efforts will pay off.

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

May 16

Pediatric dentist asked us to leave

By Pediatric Dentist

I took my 5 yr old twins to the pediatric dentist yesterday. They both were nervous because this is a new dentist for us. We just moved her in February. The dentist told me to come back when the girls are ready for an appointment. She didn’t have any patients for my girls. I thought that a dentist who specializes in treating children would have a little more patience. What can I do to get the girls more comfortable at the office? Thank you. Jess

Jess – You may be able to take your daughters to the office when they don’t have appointment. They will have a chance to get comfortable with the environment and perhaps meet a few staff members. You can also ask if they are able to briefly visit the dentist.

If your children are still not comfortable after another visit, you can consider finding another dentist. But if you choose to find a new dentist, before you make a final decision have a few consultations and take your twins with you. You all will get a feel for the office, staff, and dentist, and you will be more comfortable with your decision.

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

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