Pediatric Teeth Cleanings
Helping Kids Love the Dentist One Smile at a Time
It’s best to start taking your child to the dentist at an early age. In fact, starting out with a pediatric dentist will help your child get past any fears they have of going to the dentist.
Why Should I Take My Child to a Pediatric Dentist?
A pediatric dentist will have a dental office where everything from the office to the décor, to the equipment, is kid-friendly and designed specifically for kids. Dealing with children in a dental office is different from dealing with adults. A pediatric dentist will have specific experience and techniques in how to provide dental services in a way that makes kids comfortable and less afraid.
When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist?
You should begin taking your child to the dentist within six months of his or her first tooth coming in (erupting) and no later than 12 months after his or her first tooth erupts. Your child’s first visit to the dentist will not involve a dental cleaning. The dentist will perform an exam and go over your child’s history.
This will get your child used to the dental chair and going to the dentist before he or she has their first bit of dental work done.
What Does a Pediatric Dentist Do During Dental Cleaning for Kids?
During a pediatric dental visit, the dentist will go over your child’s oral health history and take X-Rays of his or her mouth looking for cavities, or any tooth or gum issues. The dentist will then scrape off any plaque buildup on their teeth. A child’s dental cleaning will then be done using an ultrasonic dental tool. Then the dentist will floss and polish each tooth. Lastly, your dentist will teach your child how to properly brush, floss, and care for their teeth.
How Often Should I Take My Child for Teeth Cleaning?
Your child should have his or her teeth cleaned every six months. Regular dental visits will not only help keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy, but it will also give the dentist an opportunity to look for cavities, receding gums, or other dental problems so they can be corrected immediately.
Sedation Dentistry for Kids
Dental sedation is a good option for kids with high anxiety and fear of the dentist. A pediatric dentist will have the option of administering nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, to help keep your child calm and relaxed during any given dental procedure. There might also be times when your child needs more extensive dental work done. In that case, a pediatric dentist will use IV sedation which will generally relax your child enough that he or she goes to sleep. Children of any age can safely be sedated for dental treatments.
What Is Tongue Tie?
Tongue Tie is a condition that some children experience at birth. Tongue Tie restricts the tongue’s range of motion in a child’s mouth. Tongue Tie involves the short, thick piece of tissue that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the child’s mouth. Tongue Tie can interfere with breastfeeding, make it hard for your child to stick out his or her tongue, and affect the way your child eats, speaks, and swallows.
Tongue Tie doesn’t cause problems for all children. However, if it does, your pediatric dentist will perform a short surgical procedure to correct it.
How Is the Tongue Tie Procedure Performed?
During a Tongue Tie procedure, your pediatric dentist will use a laser to cut through the connective tissue that is attached to the underneath tip of your child’s tongue and the bottom of his or her mouth. The laser will be used to free your child’s tongue from being tethered to the bottom of his or her mouth.
This procedure is quick and simple and pretty much painless. After the procedure, breastfeeding generally improves immediately.
What Are the Symptoms of Tongue Tie?
If your child has tongue-tie, you will notice that he or she has a hard time lifting their tongue to their upper teeth or moving their tongue from side to side. Another sign of tongue-tie is a child with a notched or heart-shaped tongue when he or she attempts to stick out their tongue. You might also notice that your child has difficulty latching when breastfeeding, breastfeeds for long periods of time, has difficulty gaining weight, makes a clicking sound during feeding, and is constantly hungry.
As the mother of a breastfeeding child, you might also notice some things regarding your own body. You might notice that you have cracked or sore nipples, not enough milk supply, mastitis, nipple damage, and pain during nursing.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Tongue Tie?
If you don’t get your child’s tongue-tie issue fixed, there are many problems that could arise. Your child might find it hard to swallow, lick ice cream, and experience speech impediments.
If your child grows into adulthood without having their Tongue Tie issue fixed, it could result in one or more of the following:
- Clicking or popping jaws
- Jaw pain
- Migraines
- Inability to speak softly, loudly, or clearly
- Gum disease, persistent cavities
- Protrusion of the lower jaw
- Have a hard time playing wind instruments
- Social issues such as eating, kissing, and relationships
Every pediatric dentist has his or her own opinion about the appropriate age for performing tongue-tie surgery. So, talk with your pediatric dentist in Seminole, FL about what he or she recommends for your child.
