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How to Select a Dentist for Your Child

Posted on by Playtime Dental

For many children, the idea of going to the dentist instills fear. Choosing the right office for your child can help alleviate dental anxiety and shape a positive self-image.  Successful oral health can be achieved by educating parents and patients about daily dental care and diet combined with periodic office visits.
 
The office you select to care for your children must understand the needs of our young and growing population.  Does your dentist have the necessary tools and amenities that fit your child?  Do the staff and dentist speak in a manner that a child will understand?  Children need to be handled and spoken to in ways they can relate to. A good dentist for children recognizes these differences.

Every child is unique.  Depending on the child’s age, different approaches may be used to manage behaviors that guide dental development.  The dentist and staff will help your children avoid future
dental issues by understanding his or her individual needs. 

The office you choose should have a team that caters to children. This will help provide a smooth dental visit and aid in the overall health of your child.  A kind, caring dental team will leave a lasting impression on a child and the oral health education is more likely to be utilized to promote good oral health.  Positive reinforcement with children is the best motivator.

Selecting the right dentist for your family will establish good oral hygiene practices that are directed by a group of caring professionals. When good habits are followed and maintained at home, it reduces the incidence of dental disease and makes for a more pleasant dental experience. By picking a dentist that best suits your child’s needs, you are being proactive in the dental health of your children.

A good dental team is continually advancing its knowledge of the best dental practices and techniques through continuing education.  As professionals they understand dentistry and how it is evolving, so rest assure, the oral health of your child is in good hands.

Research the office where you would like to take your children to see if they have a special way of relating to the patients. Call and talk with the staff about how the team helps calm the fears of the children. Knowing how the office operates will provide insight in to their ability to handle children.

A reputable dental practice will be glad to discuss any concerns you may have before your child’s first visit. The dentist office should not be a scary place but one that helps build self-confidence and productive dental habits that will last a lifetime.

To set up an appointment for your child, call Playtime Dental today, (419) 774-7529.

What is a Cavity?

Posted on by Playtime Dental
One phrase children and parents do not want to hear is their children’s dentist saying, “You have a cavity.” The word “cavity” literally means a hole. Cavities can occur in babies, the young and growing, and adults as the result of decaying teeth. Cavities can cause pain which, if not treated, may increase in severity until it is difficult to eat, drink, talk or even open the mouth.
Cavities begin with bacteria in the mouth, which is normal. Some bacteria are good but some are not. The good bacteria help to control the type of bacteria that is bad and destructive. All of the bacteria need food to survive. They get this when you eat, but a problem occurs when the bad bacteria act on the food to produce an acid that is destructive to your teeth.
The first thing the acid does is dissolve tooth enamel, which is the tooth’s outer layer. Then, certain minerals in the tooth, like calcium and phosphate crystals, begin to dissolve. Additionally, the bad bacteria join with the food to produce plaque, a slimy substance that attaches itself on and between your teeth. When not removed, plaque causes cavities. Most of this happens beneath the surface of the tooth, so is not readily visible. Your children’s dentist will determine if you are developing cavities when your teeth are examined at your regular visit.
Unfortunately, the damage from a cavity is permanent and cannot be reversed, but it can be repaired. A dentist must clean out all the rotting material (demineralized tooth structure) and fill in the resulting hole. If the cavity is left untreated, the tooth decay continues and can even go so far as to destroy the root of the tooth.
Although cavities are often caused by poor dental hygiene, genetics plays a part. Some people inherit a tendency to develop cavities.
Young children who are growing need help with the care of their teeth. Here are some cavity prevention techniques that should be implemented.
  • Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily, ideally at bedtime, to remove the plaque that builds up between the teeth

It is important that your children’s dentist visits become routine. That way, cavities can be identified and treated early before they cause more severe dental problems.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

Posted on by Playtime Dental
Establishing healthy oral habits is important in the first few years. Oral hygiene can be seen as a positive and automatic habit if it is established early and in a relaxed fashion.
According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, Pediatric Dental Disease is the number one childhood illness. Dental Disease causes pain, has been linked to many other illnesses and infections, and if left untreated, in severe cases, can cause death. The good news is that it is highly preventable. Brushing after meals, drinking tap water with fluoride, and cutting back on sugary drinks and treats will prevent most dental problems.
Despite the pain associated with Dental Disease, and the fact that it is preventable, there has been a significant rise in Pediatric Dental Disease in the past decade. Most cases are in poor families. Not only do poor children visit the dentist less than other children, they have a higher number of dental problems like cavities and disease to begin with, mainly due to poor habits early on.
What causes these poor habits? A number of factors contribute to poor juvenile dental habits, and the resulting Dental Disease. One is the idea many parents have that baby teeth are just “training teeth” or that they do not count. A second reason for the rise in Dental Disease is associated with the same factors that are leading to a rise in childhood obesity: poor diet, consisting of sugary drinks and treats.

Knowledge is the key to solving these issues and decreasing dental problems in children.

Baby teeth are not “training teeth.” Establishing the habit of brushing your baby’s gums with a rubber tooth scrubber will introduce the habit of brushing after meals. Habits die hard, both good and bad. Keep this in mind when your child is young. Even before the first tooth comes in, you should establish great habits. Do not allow baby teeth to rot with the mentality that “they are going to fall out anyway,” because the bacteria introduced to the baby teeth will also be established on the adult teeth as they come in, not to mention the pain associated with cavities in any teeth.
Food left on the teeth will produce bacteria that will begin to eat away at the enamel. Conversely, removing the food stuck to teeth and having a healthy diet prevent bacterial growth. It is a good idea to keep young children away from high sugar, acidic beverages like lemon-aid and colas for as long as possible.
Information is power when it comes to improving dental health in all children. Establish good dental habits early on to save a child’s adult teeth. Early visits to a children’s dentist office will ensure your child is not afraid of the equipment or the dentist, as well as providing you and your child information about proper tooth care.

To set up an appointment for your child, call Playtime Dental today.

Importance of Dental Care for Preschoolers

Posted on by Playtime Dental
Dental care from a children’s dentist offers a variety of solutions against any possible tooth and gum damage. A 2006 paper in Pediatric showed that children who took longer than their first birthday to see a children’s dentist were more prone to having recurring problems and emergency dental visits.
About Children’s Teeth
Children’s teeth begin to grow under their gums immediately after birth. There are two types of teeth: milk teeth (more commonly called baby teeth) and permanent teeth. Milk teeth usually erupt through the gums at the early age of six months. They are replaced by permanent teeth around the age of six. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), founded in 1947, has compiled a three-part approach to caring for children’s teeth: prevention, education, and research.
​Prevention: What can damage children’s teeth?
Tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs if children often consume sugary foods or drinks, or do not clean their teeth properly. Our mouths are full of bacteria that build up on the teeth to digest some of the sugar in our food and drinks. These bacteria form acids which weaken the enamel (hard outer layer of the teeth) causing tooth decay.
Dental erosion
Dental erosion is the gradual corrosion of enamel on the surface of the tooth. The most common cause is acid from drinks such as processed fruit juice and soda. These acids attack the surfaces of the teeth leading to dental erosion. Harmful acids can also be produced if your child vomits or has stomach problems.
Education and Research: Teeth protection practices for children
Parents should realize that food does not cause tooth decay, eating does. A visit to the children’s dentist will prove that dental health does not only depend on what children eat, but more on how often they eat it. Attacks by bacterial acid, lasting for more than 20 minutes, often lead to tooth decay and eventual dental erosion.
While it is true that baby teeth do eventually come out, it is also true that they are crucial to the child in the meantime. Because of this, it is crucial for children to brush their teeth properly at least twice a day, preferably following breakfast and dinner, to reduce bacterial growth following meals. Until your child has developed good dental habits, it is important for their parent or caretaker to supervise brushing and flossing. Building a good dental routine while children are young ensures good dental health as they grow.

Visit Playtime Dental for more information regarding your child’s dental health, or to schedule a cleaning.

A Good Kids Dentist to Restore Your Kids Smile

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If your child has a chipped or broken tooth, pay a visit to a kids dentist for a professional checkup. It is common for kids to chip or break their teeth while playing. This happens when the enamel, the hardest protective part of the tooth, has reached its limits. A kids dentist can restore your child’s smile without the trip being scary or uncomfortable. But before you go, here are some basics to know about this sensitive issue.

Restore Your Kids’ Dental Health

By visiting a kids dentist, you will be advised on the best treatment for your child. In some cases, it is possible to mold the shape of the kid’s tooth into its former self. One method that dentists use to restore broken or chipped teeth is through bonding a filling to the tooth to restore the missing structure. Depending on the specialist’s specifications, you might be required to visit the dentist at most three times for you to get to the bottom of the problem.

Composite Resins

In bonding, the materials used are called composite resins. These are tooth-colored plastic materials. The materials are applied to the affected tooth and then formed into a definite shape. The next step is curing (hardening). It can be done by either a chemical procedure or the use of light. Colored materials are used to brighten the discolored tooth. Your child will be able to have that confident smile once more.

Contact us at Playtime Dental for more information about keeping your child’s smile beautiful.

Bleaching: Great Choices to Brighten Your Smile

Posted on by Playtime Dental
Many teens want whiter teeth. Talk to your kids’ dentist about bleaching as an option to make your child’s smile really stand out. This is usually considered by parents after their children have tried whitening toothpastes or have changed their diets to help whiten their teeth. The darkening of teeth can also occur because of injury or something else that could be wrong with the teen physically, so it may also be the sign of something else that should be checked out medically. Once this is done, bleaching can be handled in a number of different ways.

IN-OFFICE BLEACHING

In-office bleaching at your kids’ dentist is the most reliable choice for a fast result, but likely the most expensive, depending on your insurance coverage. A concentrated bleaching agent is applied to your child’s teeth and is activated with heat or light. It usually takes about an hour for this whole bleaching process to take place and most patients need as many as four visits for this to be truly effective on stained teeth. A children’s dentist can also focus on specific teeth, so that not all the teeth are bleached but only one in particular to match the bright shade of the rest.  Bleaching with trays (at home bleaching) is recommended afterwards to maintain the desired shade of the teeth.

AT HOME BLEACHING

Another method is a bleaching kit that a kids’ dentist can give you to use at home. An impression (mold) is taken of the child’s teeth and then made into a tray for bleaching gel. The child then wears the tray filled with bleaching gel for a set period of time over the course of a week or two. This is best for children who have all their teeth, such as teens. Performing teeth whitening at home can also be cheaper, but more risky as it can be done improperly. However, the side effects from it are relatively minimal.

For more information on bleaching teeth, check out the AAPD website or contact us at Playtime Dental. We’d love to help you and your child pick the best whitening option for you.

Dental Care for Your Preschooler

Posted on by Playtime Dental
In a study released by the Center for Disease Control, the number of decayed or filled surfaces in children under six progressed with age. For example at age 2 children experienced between 0-2 cavities. By age three, the number of cavities was found to be between 0-5. By age four, cavities jumped from 1-6, and by age five, cavities jumped from 2-8 in primary teeth. As a parent, you might be wondering how to reduce the impact of decay and cavity/fillings for your child. The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to help improve the oral health of your children.
Help to develop a positive attitude for dental visits

As a dentist who works well with dental patients who are young and growing, I recommend finding a dental home doctor for your children by the age of one. As parents, you play a huge role in how successful your children perceive dental visits. If you dread going to the dentist, then your children will pick on that emotion and fear the dentist. Instead, try to act excited to go to the dentist. Make a big day out of dental appointments for your kids. Praise and reward them for brushing their teeth. The younger they are when they take pride in their oral health the better it is for you as a parent. Good oral health is the result of great parenting. As a dentist, I can give you the best advice, but it is up to you to make sure it is followed. These tips and tricks can help you achieve great oral health for your children.

Tips and Tricks to get your child to help with their oral care.
Start off early and avoid sugary drinks and snacks. Read the label on juice and dairy products and choose items with the least amount of added sugars.
Set dental appointment times when your child is at their best. This means choosing a time when they are alert and rested. Even the best dentist may have a difficult time overcome a grumpy mood.
Introduce children to the dental environment before their appointment. Familiarity is a great tool to reduce stress in children. Also take the time to explain the procedure to children, and encourage them to ask questions.

Another great tip is to include dental teachings in bedtime stories. … and the little prince brushed his teeth and then …. We hope that these tips help you and inspire your child to engage in the best oral health practices possible.

Fluoride for Babies

Posted on by Playtime Dental
As a parent, you’re probably concerned about your baby’s health and you may be wondering whether you should be cleaning his teeth. The truth is that a baby’s tooth development could greatly benefit from teeth cleaning and a little fluoride. This wonderful little mineral can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the tooth enamel. Additionally, it will make your baby’s teeth more resistant to amino acids and potentially harmful bacteria.
When Should You Begin A Teeth Cleaning Routine With Your Baby?
It’s a good idea to wait until your baby’s about six months old before you begin your baby’s teeth cleaning routine. It doesn’t matter that his teeth haven’t come in all the way, he still needs a small amount of fluoride to help his developing teeth to grow strong. You should meet with your child’s dentist to determine your individual child’s specific fluoride needs.
How Do I Make Sure My Baby Is Getting Enough Fluoride?
Your baby will get his fluoride from water and toothpaste and sometimes from bottled fruit juices even through it’s not always listed on the label. However, if your drinking water doesn’t contain fluoride or the right amount of fluoride, you may need to talk to your dentist about a fluoride supplement. Your dentist will then prescribe just the right amount of fluoride that’s recommended for your child’s age.
The prescribed fluoride can be easily administered via liquid fluoride drops or through the use of a prescription vitamin. Many HMO insurance plans may cover at least a portion of the cost of the fluoride for your child; therefore, the price should be minimal. Fluoride has been proven to reduce tooth decay anywhere from 50 to 70 percent; therefore, it’s a dental health issue that shouldn’t be skipped. Just make sure you follow the recommended dosage, because when it comes to fluoride, more is not better.
If you would like some help finding a dentist that works specifically with children, check with your HMO insurance plan provider to find a dentist that caters to the young and growing. Your HMO group may be able to recommend one of their preferred providers to you.
Conclusion

Cleaning your baby’s teeth should become part of your daily routine once your baby turns six months old. Your dentist will instruct you on the proper techniques for cleaning his teeth, as well as, any additional amounts of fluoride your baby may need. Never hesitate to talk with your dentist about any concerns you may have about your baby’s teeth. Your dentist will be your best resource when it comes to the dental health of your baby.

Pumpkin Painting Contest A Success!

Posted on by Playtime Dental

We had such a great time this past Saturday at our first annual Pumpkin Painting Contest! It couldn’t have been any more of a perfect day! We want to thank all the families and kiddos that came out to help celebrate Halloween a little early. We had a blast and hope you all did too! 


Make sure to check out our Facebook Album to see all the memories captured! We look forward to seeing you all back again next year!




Diet and Dental Care

Posted on by Playtime Dental
As adults, we know that what we eat and our overall health is extremely important to our day to day lives. The same goes for children. Daily exercise and a balanced diet are important for kids of all ages. Too often kids are given sugary snacks or drinks as a bribe for them to behave or as an award for doing something good. Although giving kids these types of foods are okay every once in a while, as parents, we should really try to limit these.
An overall poor diet may affect the development of your child’s teeth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, food does not cause tooth decay, eating does. Eating foods with high sugar content can play a role in tooth decay. It is important to monitor the type of food consumed and as always, make sure your kid brushes his or her teeth at least twice a day to help remove the bacteria that cause decay.   
Here are some simple, helpful diet tips that can help with your kid’s dental health:
  • Ask your pediatric or general dentist to help you assess your child’s diet.
  • A balanced diet is key. Try to only provide sweets or starchy foods for meal times.
  • If your child would like a snack, try to provide something nutritious and low in sugar.
  • Try to keep your pantry and refrigerator full of healthy snacks and foods. Save the “fun foods” for a special occasion.
  • Do not put your child to bed with a bottle full of milk, juice or formula. Once your child’s teeth are clean it’s best to give them water when going to bed.
  • Always try to choose the sugar free option for soda and gum. Eliminating sugar where you can, will help in the long run!