4 Reasons to Brush Your Baby’s Tooth

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Your baby’s tooth is so cute, isn’t it? It’s hard to imagine that tooth could ever need to be brushed because it looks so perfect. All the same, baby teeth need to be brushed just like adult teeth.

Brushing your baby’s tooth is an important part of maintaining your baby’s oral hygiene. Your baby’s dentist in Seminole, FL, and St. Petersburg, FL can help you learn how to brush your baby’s tooth – but do you understand why it needs to happen? Brushing your baby’s tooth is important for a variety of reasons.

1. It Gets Your Baby Used to Toothbrushing

Babies need to have their teeth brushed every day. Starting your baby on this routine early gets them used to tooth brushing at an early age.

2. It Gets You In the Habit

Your baby isn’t the only person who will need to get used to toothbrushing. You will, too! You’ll be responsible for brushing your baby’s teeth on a regular basis until they’re old enough to do it themselves, and that will be years from now. Starting tooth brushing now gets you in the habit of brushing your baby’s teeth every day.

3. Your Baby’s Tooth Should Stay Clean

Baby teeth need to stay clean, even when there’s only one of them. Brushing their teeth keeps bacteria and food debris out of your baby’s perfect mouth.

4. Teaches Your Baby About Oral Hygiene

Your baby will learn about oral hygiene from you. These early introductions to oral hygiene can help with the process. Want to learn more about how to take care of your baby’s teeth? Make an appointment for a dental exam in Seminole, FL, and St. Petersburg, FL.

Interested in Dental Sealants for Your Child? Here’s What to Know

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Protecting your child from cavities can be tough. Children eat a lot of sugar and don’t always brush their teeth that well. One of the things you can do to protect your child from cavities is to get them dental sealants.

Your dentist in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL, will tell you more about this, but dental sealants offer a layer of protection over your child’s back teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a coating painted on teeth to protect them from bacteria. They are long-lasting and can be reapplied periodically as they wear off.

Why Get Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants offer a layer of protection that can help prevent cavities in your child. They are applied to the back teeth because molars have deep grooves where food particles can get stuck, causing tooth decay over time. Dental sealants keep the tooth enamel and the food particles separate, stopping tooth decay.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last for as long as five years, but most children need them replaced periodically. Your child’s dentist will recommend replenishment as needed.

Are Dental Sealants Safe?

Dental sealants are considered safe and effective. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 are often recommended to get dental sealants. If you’re interested in getting sealants for your child, talk to the dentist about this at their next pediatric teeth cleaning in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL. At Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we offer our patients a range of dental services and can help you decide if sealants are right for your child.

Why Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

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Bad breath can be frustrating for kids and their parents, especially if you’re careful about keeping your child’s teeth clean. If you’re worried about what may be causing your child’s bad breath, your child’s dentist in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL, can help. At Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a range of dental solutions for your child’s dental problems and can also help with this.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath can have many causes.

Poor oral hygiene. Many children with bad breath experience this problem because of poor oral hygiene habits. Children find it more difficult to brush their teeth and are more susceptible to problems like cavities and gingivitis.

Bacteria buildup on the tongue. Some kids get bad breath because bacteria builds up on their tongue in a white coating. You can see this white coating on their tongue when they stick their tongue out.

Odor-causing food. Sometimes kids just get bad breath because of foods in their normal diet, like garlic and onions. As a parent, you can smell this problem when your child has been eating these specific foods. Other times, your child should have fresh breath.

What Can You Do About Your Child’s Bad Breath?

Parents often brush their child’s teeth to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. This is good practice for children seven and younger unless your dentist recommends otherwise. If you don’t currently brush your child’s teeth, doing so may help control the bacteria in their mouth. Brushing their teeth for them may also help ensure your child gets brushed every night.

You can also help control your child’s bad breath by bringing them to the dentist as often as their dentist recommends. Is it time to make your child’s next pediatric dental exams in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL? If so, call Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment.

Are Pacifiers Bad For My Child’s Teeth?

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In the first year or two, babies enjoy sucking on pacifiers to help them manage stress. Pacifiers can keep babies quiet in public places, can help them learn to self-soothe at bedtime, and can give your baby something to do when nothing else is available. In other words, pacifiers can be good for your baby and a relief for you.

But, are pacifiers bad for your baby’s teeth? Working with yourdentist in Seminole, FL, can help you decide whether the pacifier impacts your baby’s teeth, and, if so, what you should do about it.

Pacifiers Have Few Dental Effects At First
When babies are very young, using a pacifier does not affect their oral health or the shape of their teeth and jaw. In fact, many babies don’t even have very many teeth when they’re using a pacifier.

Pacifiers Can Become Problematic As Your Child Ages
As your child gets older, using a pacifier can become problematic. This becomes especially true if your child is still using a pacifier when they start to get permanent teeth.

Is Using a Pacifier Better than Sucking a Thumb?
Pacifier use and thumb sucking can have a similar impact on your child’s oral health and development. It’s important to stop both before your child’s permanent teeth enter.

Are Orthodontic Pacifiers Better?
Some pacifiers are designed to have a more natural shape that helps limit the effects of the pacifier on the mouth. While the shape does help limit your child’s risk, these pacifiers can still be problematic for your child’s teeth.

Take Your Child To the Dentist
You can take these questions to your child’s dentist when you bring them in for their firstdental examination in Seminole, FL. Call Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry to make their appointment today.

Sedation Dentistry for Children

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Most children feel a little bit nervous about going to the dentist because the experience is still new to them. For some kids, receiving a dental cleaning or treatment causes so much anxiety that they cannot cooperate with the dental staff. Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry understands this, which is why we offer sedation dentistry in Seminole, FL.

Types of Sedation Available
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is one of the most common types of sedation used for both children and adults. Dr. Luce or Dr. Scheps places a hard plastic mask over your child’s face that contains oxygen and medicine. The relaxing medication starts working as soon as your child takes a few deep breaths. Your son or daughter will be awake but calm during the dental cleaning or other procedure and may laugh or feel a little bit silly.

Mild to Moderate Sedation
We usually reserve this type of sedation for older children and teenagers who feel anxious about their dental appointments. Your child remains awake but feels sleepier with moderate sedation. We administer oral medication at the start of the procedure, which your child may not have any memory of later. The benefit of mild to moderate sedation is that children can respond to requests from our dentists and dental assistants.

Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia
These types of sedation put children to sleep and require constant supervision by our staff since the medications affect breathing. Moderate sedation comes in the form of oral medication, while we deliver medication through an intravenous tube for general anesthesia. These options may be appropriate for a child with special needs who is unable to understand the reason for the dental work or one who has severe dental anxiety.

Please contact us with any additional questions about sedation dentistry in Seminole, FL.

Is Your Child Nervous About Their Dentist Appointment? 4 Tips that Can Help

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Is your child feeling nervous about visiting the dentist? For some people, visiting the dentist in Seminole, FL, can be stressful. Fortunately, there are many things your child can do to make their trip to the dentist easier and more pleasant. Below are three suggestions that can make visiting the dentist easier for all of you.

1. Bring Music or a Podcast
This is a good solution for an older child. If they like to listen to music, or if they have a favorite podcast they enjoy, load up a phone or other handheld device with the sounds they like most. Don’t forget to charge the battery before they go to their dentist appointment, then have them put in their headphones before the dentist appointment begins.

2. Talk About What To Expect
Some kids get nervous when they don’t know what to expect. For younger children, having a conversation with mom or dad can help smooth the way to a less scary experience at the dentist. In addition, reading your child’s books about visiting the dentist can give them an idea of what to expect.

3. Bring Your Child to a Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists are set up to help children feel more comfortable at their appointments. Pediatric dentists often have toys and comforting items in the waiting room and also know how to make the dental environment more comfortable for children overall. This can make the experience more enjoyable and less scary for your child.

4. Talk to the Dentist, Work Out a Plan
Your child’s dentist can help them feel less stress during their appointments. Call your child’s dentist at Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry before their next pediatric dental exam in Seminole, FL. This helps make your appointments more comfortable and relaxing.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Teeth Cleaning Appointment

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Pediatric teeth cleanings in Seminol, FL, are an essential part of your child’s overall health. Even so, children have little experience with going to the dentist and may feel anxious about it. The example you set at home by maintaining a positive attitude towards dental work will make a big impression on your child.

How We Help Children and Parents

Dr. Amy Luce and Dr. Aaron Scheps love working with children and have received extensive training to prepare them for working with this special population. Our entire staff, from the front desk receptionist to dentists, assistants, and hygienists, talk to children at their level and do not expect them to be mini-adults.

We have also stocked the Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry waiting room with toys, games, books, and movies to keep your child occupied until it is time to see the dentist. Exam chairs are at a child’s level, and we take our time to explain what we are doing in an age-appropriate manner.

What You Can Do

We encourage you to schedule morning appointments when your child is well-rested and alert. This is especially important for children who still take naps. Below are a few other ways you can help us gain your child’s cooperation.

  • Explain what to expect with pediatric teeth cleanings in Seminole FL. Your child can pretend to brush the teeth of a stuffed animal or doll and then look inside its mouth.
  • Set a good example by letting your child see you brush your teeth and choose nutritious foods.
  • Consider rewarding your child with a small toy after the appointment if he or she seems especially nervous.

Please contact us to schedule a cleaning and exam for your child at your convenience.

# Reasons to Bring Your Child for Their first Dental Appointment By Their First Birthday

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Your baby just started growing teeth – why do they need to visit the dentist in Seminole, FL already? There are many reasons! Knowing when and why you should take your child to the dentist is important. Here’s what you need to know about why it’s important to take your child to their first dental cleaning.

1. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Recommends It

Industry experts like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that patients see the dentist for the first time by the time they turn one year old. At Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry we follow these recommendations to help ensure that your child will have healthy teeth and gums starting from a young age.

2. Your Child Will Get Comfortable With The Dentist

Bringing your child to the dentist early can help them get used to being around the dentist. Some kids can be nervous around healthcare professionals and dentists, so taking steps to help your child feel familiar and comfortable in the dentist chair is important.

3. You’ll Show Your Child You’re Serious About Their Dental Hygiene

Your child’s dental hygiene is important. By taking your child to the dentist from an early age, you’ll show your child that you expect them to keep their teeth healthy and clean.

4. You’ll Learn How to Care for Their Teeth

Taking care of a baby’s teeth is a little different from caring for your own teeth. At the dentist office, you’ll learn best practices when helping your baby brush their teeth.

5. The Dentist Can Catch Problems In Their Earliest Stages

When you bring your baby in for a tooth cleaning and examination in Seminole, FL, the dentist will have a chance to look for dental problems, and make recommendations for treatment. Did your baby just turn one? Make an appointment today!

Help! My Child’s Baby Teeth Are Not Coming Out!

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One of the biggest questions we get asked as a pediatric dentist in Seminole, FL, is when a child’s baby teeth will get loose. This is a major milestone in a child’s life and dental health, so it is only natural for parents to be concerned. Look at what you could know as a parent anxiously awaiting the loss of their child’s baby teeth.

At what age should baby teeth start to get loose?

Most children’s baby teeth will start to loosen sometime around the age of six. However, this is only the average age; every child can have a different growth rate and experience, and teeth may not get loose at all until age seven or beyond. The two front baby teeth on the bottom are usually the first to get loose, followed by the top two front teeth. You will notice that the timing usually aligns with which teeth emerged first when the child was a baby.

What happens if a child does not pull their loose baby teeth?

If your child’s tooth is loose but refuses to pull it, do what you can to encourage them. Many fun videos and books are available to help your young child feel better about the experience. Unfortunately, if baby teeth are not removed when they should be, this can impede or alter the growth of the permanent teeth that are trying to erupt.

When should I talk to the dentist about baby teeth?

You should speak to a pediatric dentist about baby teeth if:

  • Your child’s teeth are not getting loose by soon after age 7
  • Your child is refusing to pull or wiggle their loose baby teeth
  • You see the permanent tooth erupting, but the baby tooth is not loose

Talk to a Pediatric Dentist in Seminole, FL

Do you need advice about your child’s baby teeth? If so, we’re the pediatric dentist in Seminole that can help. Reach out to the team at Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentist.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/expert-answers/baby-teeth/faq-20058532

4 Oral Care Products to Get a Child Excited About Oral Hygiene

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Routine pediatric teeth cleanings in Seminole, FL are an important way to protect your child’s teeth. However, good oral hygiene practices and routines at home are even more important. If you have a hesitant child that is reluctant about brushing and flossing, certain oral care products can help.

Well-regarded brands have taken the initiative to get children excited about oral hygiene with a host of child-friendly products. Take a look at a few oral care products that may get your child excited about oral health.

Fun and Flavored Mouthwashes

Mouthwash can be great for children because it can be used to swish away some of the debris and food particles that childhood-brushing can miss. However, you can find some products that take things a step further. For example, some mouthwashes will tint the teeth a fun color so the child can see where they need to brush. These mouthwashes also come in fun flavors like bubble gum and cotton candy.

Character Toothbrushes

Allow your child to pick out a toothbrush they like and they will be more likely to use it. Many good toothbrush brands offer brushes that are shaped to look like certain characters. You could also go with a battery-powered toothbrush for a little extra cleaning power.

Unique Flossing Products

Flossing can be fun too if you find a product that your child will enjoy. Look for colorful flossers, flossers that have unique scents and flavors, and even flossers shaped like different animals.

Child-Friendly Flavored Toothpaste

Mint-flavored toothpaste may not be all that palatable for a child. However, there are many other options that are available specifically for children. For example, some products boast flavors like dragon fruit, bubble gum, or berry.

Is it time for your child’s visit to a pediatric dentist in Seminole, FL? Reach out to the team at Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s next appointment.