Pediatric Dentist Sandiego http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:25:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 What is Pediatric Dentistry? http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/what-is-pediatric-dentistry/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/what-is-pediatric-dentistry/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:04:24 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=32 If you are a parent concerned about the dental health of your child then you should read this. More and more children these days are suffering from tooth decay, weak bleeding gums, etc. More and more parents are looking for ways to prevent this. The best solution is to be informed.

Pediatric Dentistry (also called ‘Pedodontics’) is a specialty that provides complete oral/ dental healthcare to children, from infants through adolescents, including those having special needs. Pediatric dentists undergo additional two years of training which pertains to the oral healthcare needs of children.

Pedodontists are specifically trained on how to handle children and to communicate with them so as to make them more relaxed about the procedures. They are experts in making the children and their parents feel more comfortable during the treatment. They possess special knowledge on the best ways to care for children.

Pediatric dentists are much more skilled and attuned to latest developments in the field, as compared to general dentists. Their main concern is to identify and cure minor dental ailments in children to prevent them from turning into complicated problems later. They use corrective procedures to restrict or promote jaw growth in children, to correct the position of teeth before they grow out, to protect against tooth decay, emphasize on inculcating proper oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and discouraging bad habits like thumb – sucking, and so on.  Children generally have a weaker immune system, which needs to be strengthened in order to have stronger teeth. Pediatric dentists guide the parents on an ideal diet for the children to be followed during the course of treatment.

So, if you care for your child’s dental health, if you love those tiny white teeth and more than anything else, if you love that smile the most then the best you can do for him is to take your child to a qualified Pediatric Dentist.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/what-is-pediatric-dentistry/feed/ 0 Tooth Decay in Children – Is brushing alone enough to prevent it? http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/tooth-decay-in-children-%e2%80%93-is-brushing-alone-enough-to-prevent-it/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/tooth-decay-in-children-%e2%80%93-is-brushing-alone-enough-to-prevent-it/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:02:51 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=30 If you are a parent of a young child and you are worried about their dental health then you should read this. Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common ailments among children, 5 times and 7 times more common than asthma and hay fever, respectively? If no then answer this. Do you believe that brushing teeth twice daily and flossing are enough to prevent tooth decay in children? If yes then read on.

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases affecting children. Most parents are concerned about this and take appropriate measures to prevent it from the time their child develops his first teeth. While most parents generally share the belief that inculcating the habit of brushing teeth twice everyday in their children is enough, experts say that doing this alone is not sufficient.

Preventing tooth decay these days has become more complicated and hard to achieve. The diet these days is full of fast food or what we call junk food comprising of carbonated drinks. They lead to the acidic erosion of the tooth enamel in children over a period of time. And the tooth enamel once gone, cannot be replenished- It is a permanent damage to the teeth. Even the ‘healthy’ foods for that matter are full of acidic content that erodes the tooth enamel. So, how do you save your child’s teeth?
According to an expert, children should avoid brushing teeth right after a meal, contrary to popular belief. This is because the acidic content of the food softens the tooth enamel and brushing at this point would only damage it further. Also, it is advised to protect children’s teeth against acid erosion by having them brush twice in a day using Sensodyne ProNamel for Children, the new pediatric toothpaste that helps restore the softened tooth enamel and protect it against further acid erosion. It is also advised to not use general toothpastes for children because they contain fluoride which is harmful if ingested. Until a certain age when they learn to spit and rinse the paste out, only special children’s toothpastes should be used.

Another good practice to follow is to seek a professional pediatric dentist’s advice from time to time, over that of your family doctor or dentist. Experts also believe that your child should have their first pediatric dentist’s appointment soon after their first birthday.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/tooth-decay-in-children-%e2%80%93-is-brushing-alone-enough-to-prevent-it/feed/ 0 Make Your Child Feel Comfortable Before a Dentist’s Appointment http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/make-your-child-feel-comfortable-before-a-dentist%e2%80%99s-appointment/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/make-your-child-feel-comfortable-before-a-dentist%e2%80%99s-appointment/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:59:06 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=24 If your child dreads the visit to the dentist’s then this article should help you. Children are generally fidgety when they have to meet a dentist. They are visibly uncomfortable and scared. Who isn’t? With sounds of all kinds of drilling machines and cries of pain that you hear at a dentist’s clinic, any normal person would dread being there. But there are ways that you can adopt to make your child a little less scared and more comfortable when it comes to these visits. Here are a few of them-
First, it is best to choose a pediatric dentist for your child over your family doctor or dentist. This is for the simple reason that these dentists are specially trained for child dental care besides the usual dental training that a dentist gets. They are professionals in terms of handling the children in a very gentle and caring manner and communicating with them by building a rapport, which makes the child feel much more comfortable and at ease.

Another reason to opt for a pediatric dentist is that their clinics have an ambiance conducive to making children feel happy. There is a use of colorful furniture, pictures, toys etc. to make the little ones enjoy the experience. Therefore, choose a good pediatric dentist and preferably one having a clinic that would appeal to children.

Before you visit the dentist for the actual session, take your child to his clinic for a visit so as to familiarize and acquaint them to the atmosphere and the dentist. Spend some time with the dentist where he gets the chance to build a rapport with your child so the child starts trusting him. This helps make the child like the environment rather than fear it- which is easier done in case of a pediatric dentist for the reasons explained before.

Talk to the child about their fears- communication can solve the biggest of problems. Explain to them the dangers and ill- effects of not taking care of teeth. Share your own experiences with them and share others’ experiences too like making your friends talk to them. Ask older children of his peer group to motivate them by telling them their experiences- friends are the biggest influence on children. Share images and videos that show the plus points of regularly visiting the dentist.
A little effort on your part can make your child look a lot forward to the visits to the dentist. The less scared a child is, the more receptive he will be to the doctor’s advice.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/make-your-child-feel-comfortable-before-a-dentist%e2%80%99s-appointment/feed/ 0 How to protect your child’s teeth from ECC- Early Childhood Caries http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/how-to-protect-your-child%e2%80%99s-teeth-from-ecc-early-childhood-caries/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/how-to-protect-your-child%e2%80%99s-teeth-from-ecc-early-childhood-caries/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:57:18 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=22 If you are a parent of a young child, especially an infant then this is something that you have to know. Have you ever heard of ECC- Early Childhood Caries or ‘Bottle Rot’? Did you know that it is one of the most common and serious disease affecting infants and children below three years of age? Your answer will most likely be ‘No’, which means you have to read this.
ECC, also commonly called bottle rot or baby bottle caries is a medical condition characterized by serious tooth decay in infants and young children. It is a very prevalent among children, caused by bacterial infection.  It is a contagious disease which begins by transmission of the bacteria to the child, primarily by the mother.

The primary cause of ECC is said to be the frequent consumption of liquids containing sugar (like milk, juices, formula, etc.) by the child. Frequent bottle feeding, especially at night, and leaving the bottle in the child’s mouth for long durations, are the major reasons that set off tooth decay in children. The sugar in the drinks acts as food for the bacteria in the child’s mouth, which release acids in the process of decomposition of the sugar. These acids attack the child’s teeth and if proper care is not taken, the decay process is triggered. Repeated exposure to sweetened drinks and poor feeding practices can lead to serious damage of the teeth which is called Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD), an early form of ECC.

Although this condition is so common, especially in the US- at times affecting around 70 percent of the children, the bright side is that it can be prevented. The most important way to prevent this disease is education- counseling parents on proper feeding habits and techniques. Parents should always make sure that the child is not left to sleep at night with a bottle in his mouth. Also, the child should be fed water in between feeding them milk or other sweetened drinks. This washes out the harmful acids that cause tooth decay. Other measures that are being adopted these days are Fluoride treatments like fluoridated water and fluoride varnish along with the use of toothpaste. Xylitol- the new sugar substitute- has also been found to be very effective in fighting tooth decay.

Apart from all these, it is very important for parents to maintain their dental health, because as mentioned earlier, they are the primary sources of the infectious bacteria. Follow the ‘twice daily’ brushing routine and tend to any dental condition that you have, immediately. Lastly, keep in mind that the experts recommend a child be taken to a pediatric dentist no later than three to six months from their teeth’s first emergence.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/how-to-protect-your-child%e2%80%99s-teeth-from-ecc-early-childhood-caries/feed/ 0 Root Canal Treatment for Children http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/root-canal-treatment-for-children/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/root-canal-treatment-for-children/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:55:34 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=18 A root canal is the space in the root of tooth. There is a space that occurs naturally in a tooth that consists of a pulp chamber, the main canal and more intricate branches that connect root canals to each other or the surface of the tooth. Te medical term for root canal treatment is called as endodontic therapy. A simple explanation of the root canal operating procedure involves:
•    Drilling
•    Cleaning
•    and filling of the disinfected tooth.

Children are not generally affected by this problem. However there are instances where children are affected by the ailment. This happens when you skirt the issue, when your child complains of tooth pain. The cavities in the teeth when not attended causes infection to the tooth and this leads to the root canal problem. Therefore it absolutely mandatory to visit the dentist, if your child complains about pain for more than 24 hours.

If a doctor recommends your child to a root canal treatment, and then you immediately go for the operation because if you procrastinate, it will cause further problems which would affect your child’s day –to –day activities. The symptoms indicate an endodontic/ root canal treatment is:
•     Pain in tooth during the day or night
•    A highly sensitive tooth
•    Sensitivity from a damaged tooth.

Initially the dentist removes the top of the pulp through a hole in order to measure the canal itself. The disease pulp or the infection is cleaned from gum of the canals. Then the infection part of the tooth is rinsed with antiseptic solutions. When all the infection is removed, the dentist may wait or immediately place the cap. If he does not fill the permanent cap, he places a temporary cap. You must insist the dentist to use a full coverage crown to fill the operated space, so that it protects the teeth from fracturing. A fracture may cause further complications.
Root canal therapy is mostly completed in one visit, if there are no complications. Modern sedatives make the operation painless. However you may have to visit the dentist for routine check ups.
A root canal is simple operation and has no complexities. The patient may feel some post operative discomforts so the antibiotics and anti inflammatory medications are prescribed.

Root canal may cause complications like a crack in the root of the tooth; a bad filling can cause bacteria entering new parts in the tooth causing infection. However these complications are rare and it has a one in a million possibility because of the cutting edge tools used by doctors.

This is caused because of poor oral hygiene and bad food heating habits. You have gone to a reputed dentist to get kid operated, so that no complications happen in future. However prevention is always better than cure and you to adopt a good oral hygiene plan for your child early on so that he has healthy teeth years to come.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/root-canal-treatment-for-children/feed/ 0 Dental Problems and Stress http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-problems-and-stress/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-problems-and-stress/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:54:19 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=15 If you are angry and irritated, want to lash out at everybody, want to get through your day as quickly as possible. It means that you are stressed.

Stress affects everybody from children to elders. Today sedentary lifestyle combined with the pressure to perform makes us an easy target to stress. This dreaded illness can cause a lot of health issues from heart problems, breathing problems and even surprisingly oral problems. Yes even ORAL PROBLEMS.
Stress induces individuals to smoke and drink. These vices cause irreparable damage to   the teeth. Smoking causes stains on the teeth, which makes a person conscious when he or she smiles.
How stress affects the teeth?
•    Stress causes humans to grind your teeth. If done constantly it can cause harm to the teeth and the jaw. You visit the dentist and ask for techniques on how to resolve this issue or else it would lead to further complications.

•    People under stress often skip brushing and flossing. People in order to beat stress often consume a lot of junk food. If you consume food and do not take care of your teeth, you are prone to tooth decay and cavities. This also causes bad breadth and it is a turn off. You have to recognize the signs and formulate a proper diet and a plan for oral hygiene

•    Stress often causes mouth sores. These often pop out if the tongue and the insides of the mouth. Sometimes they come in clusters and this causes a lot of pain to the individual. Here you rush to the dentist and take the prescribed medications to resolve this issue.

•    The other problems are: a cracking and popping sensation when you open your mouth and laugh, an inability to open your mouth wide. This can be resolved by relaxation exercises a gentle massage to ease the pain. You should avoid having crunchy food that will cause harm to teeth. If the cracking problem persists even after exercise, you persist the dentist to take an X-ray to correct this problem immediately.

Dental problems if not taken care properly can cause a lot of problems and this leads to unbearable pain. If you even have a slight pain or tingling sensation in your teeth you visit your dentist and get the problem sorted out immediately.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-problems-and-stress/feed/ 0 Benefits Of Choosing A Pediatric Dentist For Your Child http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/benefits-of-choosing-a-pediatric-dentist-for-your-child/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/benefits-of-choosing-a-pediatric-dentist-for-your-child/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:53:27 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=13 Pediatric Dentistry (also called ‘Pedodontics’) is a specialty which deals with providing complete oral/ dental healthcare to children – from infants to adolescents. You may wonder why is it that you need to visit a Pedodontist for your child’s oral healthcare rather than your family doctor or dentist. The answer lies in the fact that – a Pediatric Dentist is a dentist who is specially trained for two years in pediatrics, after his dental training. This means that he is, basically, more qualified and capable of specifically meeting your child’s dental healthcare requirements than a general dentist or your family doctor. Here is how –
We all know how children (sometimes adults too!) dread the occasional trip to the dentist. A Pedodontist is specifically trained in handling and communicating with children from 1- 18 years of age.  He is a professional in talking to them and handling them with utmost gentleness, making the entire experience less stressful for your child.

Thanks to his special training, a Pediatric Dentist is more attuned and up-to-date in terms of latest developments in the field of dental care for children. So, he is more adept in this regard than a general dentist or your family doctor. And after all, all that you are concerned about is ensuring that your child’s oral health is safeguarded properly, isn’t it?

A pediatric dentist’s clinic is generally more conducive to making the children feel comfortable. The furniture used is colorful, there are toys and pictures used due to which the ambience is fun- filled and appeals to the children. All this makes the children more relaxed and they tend to enjoy the entire process a lot more than they usually would at a dentist’s place.

These are just some benefits of choosing a pediatric dentist for your child. Believe it or not, this will not only prevent and cure for all of your child’s dental needs; it will also make the experience a lot easier for him. So, don’t think twice and take your child to a pediatric dentist today.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/benefits-of-choosing-a-pediatric-dentist-for-your-child/feed/ 0 Dental Braces http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-braces/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-braces/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:51:47 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=11 Dental Braces are a device used to help align teeth and their position. They are often used to correct dental problems like under bites, overbites, cross bites, crooked teeth and other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural. They are mainly used but teenagers and kids, but today adults too use them.

The types of braces are:
•    Traditional braces are made of stainless steel, nickel and titanium.
•    Gold Plated stainless steel braces that often used by those who are allergic to nickel.
•    Lingual Braces that are fitted behind the teeth. However this hinders tongue movement.
•    Brackets – are made of stainless steel or tooth colored ceramic or plastic. Ceramic or plastic are selected for cosmetic reasons. This is the most popular choices of today. This type of braces is good choice for your kid.

A kid with braces is ridiculed a lot and this period of his life is a very tough phase in his life. You have to speak to him about it regularly to boost his confidence and be kind and understanding. It is also very painful process and is an arduous task for you because you have to regularly take your child to the dentist.

How long does one need to wear braces?
The time required for correcting the problem varies from person from person depending on the severity of the problem. However on an average braces are worn by a person for a period of 1- 3 years. This solves the problem once and for all. After that he has to wear a retainer for a period of six months.
It is imperative that you visit a dentist once a month because he/she will check the position of the braces to see whether they are applying proper tension and pressure on the teeth. You have to do this because if the braces are not in a correct position it will cause more problems.

When it is time to for your braces to be taken out, then your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. The dentist will take a set of X-rays to check out the position of the teeth and bite impressions to see whether the teeth are straightened.
If you find that your child teeth are not proper, then you consult a dentist and take the requisite steps to fit braces. If you procrastinate then, it will cause a lot of problems in future and shatter the child’s confidence.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-braces/feed/ 0 Dental Insurance for Children http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-insurance-for-children/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-insurance-for-children/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:50:15 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=7 Dental Health is important to the overall health of the child. Dental problems can cause serious emotional problems to your child and will not give him interest for him to participate in activities. Research shows us that tooth decay is the most common problem that happens among today’s kids. This is why it is important to have some type of dental insurance that will help cover these problems.     A small monthly fee for the insurance premium can help you save a lot of dollars in the future. Be it filings, crowns and tooth caps costs a thousands of dollars depends on the magnitude of problems. Dental insurance will cover all these benefits.
Cheap dental insurance is helpful for parents work hard to support his families. A lot of state programs in the United States offer cheap or free dental insurance for kids for certain families within a certain income range. People can contact the health department located in your to know the benefits.
When purchasing a policy check out if orthodontic services are covered. This is because a lot of children have to wear braces for a long period and this costs a lot. A good dental insurance will sort out this issue.
If your employer has this benefit, check out with employer. If your employer has covers the dental insurance, then it will really help you and your family out. Employers are able to get good health benefits at a low cost because of they apply insurance in bulk. Health care companies are actually benefited with cheap health insurance, and many a times if you have worked in a company for a long time. Hey might cover stuff which may not be present in the clause.
Before deciding about the policy, you first check out with your doctor about the possible problems that your child may face in future. Then you can take a decision on whether to go for a cheap health insurance that covers minimum benefits or go for a plan that covers major ailments. For having cheap , plus a plan with good benefits you have to do some  research on the internet to find out which insurance companies can do provide both.
Do not blindly pick up any low cost policy. There are some limits for any low cost policy. The low premiums mean high deductibles and possibly high costs for treatment. The idea is to read between the lines, just like any insurance policy and choosing that policy that will help you lead a peaceful life.

]]> http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/dental-insurance-for-children/feed/ 0 A Guide for good Dental Health for Your Kids http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/a-guide-for-good-dental-health-for-your-kids/ http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/a-guide-for-good-dental-health-for-your-kids/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:49:01 +0000 http://pediatricdentistsandiego.com/?p=5 Children hate to take care of their teeth because it is boring and an arduous task. Children despise brushing their teeth and love to gorge on chocolates. Children also do not develop a good control over the brush till the age of six. This is why adults should supervise the brushing of kids’ teeth. It is important that you take care of your child’s teeth from a very young age because, if you don’t, it will cause cavities and tooth decay in the future.
The first step to strong and healthy teeth is proper brushing. Choose a brush with soft bristles, so that it does not hurt your child’s teeth and gums. It also has to be small enough so that it fits into the child’s mouth. Check out whether the brush has been approved by the American Dental Association.
Use Toothpaste that contains fluoride – Fluoride contains components that prevent tooth decay. It also helps in strengthening the teeth. A lot of parents are not aware of the benefits of fluoride and often buy toothpaste for their kids that have a good flavor. Once he turns seven years you can buy a good mouth wash.
Floss – Cavities are caused by food particles that get stuck between the teeth. It’s also causes a lot of irritation and hinders day to day activities. A child’s teeth has huge gaps and you can easily floss it without any difficulty. But take care, because it hurts if bleeds.
Diet – You have to incorporate a proper diet. A proper diet helps your protect your child’s teeth. Chocolates, candy, junk food and colas cause damage to your child’s teeth. If you relent to your child’s request, then it would really pain you to see him wince in pain in future because junk food causes germs that cause cavities. You have to be very firm when it comes to junk food. However you can allow it once a while. Incorporate diet that has calcium, because that is good for the teeth. Encourage your kid to rinse his mouth after every meal. This is a very good habit and will help him once he gets older because many adults do follow this and it causes bad breath.
Visit a dentist regular check up – This is important because even if you have good habits, sometimes a certain tooth may not grow in a proper way. This will cause unbearable pain to your child. A dentist can take precautionary measures to prevent the pain. He can also give you professional tips for dental care.
Even though the above mentioned process may seem difficult to implement, it has to be followed diligently, otherwise it causes problems in the long run.

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