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Healthy Oral Hygiene Tips For a Sick Child | Childrens Dentist Claremont

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Pediatric Dentist Near Me

Have you ever struggled with helping your child maintain healthy oral hygiene habits when they’re feeling under the weather? When dealing with a fever, cough, or vomiting, your child’s oral health might be the last thing on your mind. Our team is here to help provide tips for keeping your child’s mouth clean and teeth healthy, especially when they’re sick. 

Brush and Floss

Regular brushing and flossing help prevent build-up of harmful bacteria in your child’s mouth, which helps keep their immune system focused on fighting a cold or the flu. If your child’s illness includes vomiting, their teeth are exposed to acids that can weaken them.Try encouraging your child to rinse thoroughly and brush their teeth to avoid this type of damage.

Hydrate

When your child is sick, water can help them stay hydrated, soothe a sore throat, and keep sinuses moist. In addition, congestion can cause mouth breathing, resulting in dry mouth. This lack of saliva can lead to increased risk of tooth decay. While sports drinks and ginger ale can help ease some symptoms, remember they contain sugar and can make the problem worse. Water should be your go-to to prevent dry mouth and congestion.

Be Aware of Sugary Medicine

Like sports drinks and soda, cough drops and cough syrups can contain high amounts of sugar. While sweeteners can make medicine more pleasant-tasting, they can also leave a residue on teeth and lead to decay. Look for sugar-free options when possible and have your child rinse well after taking any medicine containing sugar.

Disinfect Dental Appliances

If your child has a dental appliance such as a retainer, athletic mouth guard, or night guard, be sure it is cleaned thoroughly between uses. Contact our office for information on the type of cleanser appropriate for your child’s device. When your child is well again, replace their toothbrush to prevent reinfection. Even a clean toothbrush may retain some bacteria or other germs following use.

For more tips on keeping teeth healthy through an illness, contact our office.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

The Impact of Periodontal Disease in Children | Kids Dentist Lebanon

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Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children also may suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.

There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, however diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, chronic gingivitis is common in children. Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

  • Sore
  • Swollen
  • Red
  • Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular cleaning and exam appointments will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun, our team can help. Contact our office for your child’s periodontal screening today.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Pacifiers and Your Child’s Development | Childrens Dentist Lebanon

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Pacifiers have been a popular soothing tool for babies for generations. Parents often turn to pacifiers to comfort and calm their little ones. While pacifiers can provide temporary relief, many parents wonder about their long-term impact on their child’s development. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of pacifier use and offer guidance on finding the right balance for your child’s overall well-being.

The Benefits of Pacifier Use:

  1. Soothing and Comfort: Pacifiers can help babies self-soothe and provide a sense of security and comfort. They can be particularly helpful during periods of teething, sleep training, or when infants need a way to calm themselves.
  2. Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Research suggests that pacifier use during sleep can reduce the risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering a pacifier at bedtime and naptime once breastfeeding is established.
  3. Pain Relief: Pacifiers can provide temporary relief from discomfort caused by earaches, pressure changes during air travel, or other minor ailments.

Potential Concerns and Considerations:

  1. Dental Development: Extended pacifier use beyond the age of two or three can affect dental development. Prolonged sucking on pacifiers can lead to improper alignment of teeth or changes in the shape of the palate. It is important to monitor your child’s dental development and consult with a pediatric dentist if you have concerns.
  2. Speech and Language Development: Excessive pacifier use can potentially impact speech and language development. Frequent use of pacifiers can limit opportunities for infants to practice vocalization and babbling, which are important for language acquisition. It is crucial to encourage verbal communication and limit pacifier use during speech development stages.

Finding the Right Balance:

  1. Introduce Pacifiers Mindfully: If you choose to offer a pacifier, introduce it mindfully and ensure that it doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding during the early weeks. It is advisable to wait until breastfeeding is well-established before introducing a pacifier.
  2. Limit Usage: Gradually reduce and limit pacifier use as your child grows older. Introduce other soothing techniques, such as cuddling, rocking, or offering a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help your child learn alternative ways to self-soothe.
  3. Encourage Positive Oral Health Habits: Help your child develop good oral health habits by regularly cleaning and inspecting the pacifier for any signs of damage or wear. Discourage sharing pacifiers and avoid dipping them in sugary substances.
  4. Monitor Dental Development: Keep a close eye on your child’s dental development and consult with a pediatric dentist if you notice any issues or concerns related to pacifier use.

Pacifiers can be a helpful tool in soothing and comforting babies, but it’s important to find the right balance and be mindful of their potential impact on your child’s development. As with any parenting decision, it is essential to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks while considering your child’s individual needs. By being aware of the potential concerns and following the recommended guidelines, you can support your child’s healthy development and promote positive oral health habits. Remember, open communication with your child’s pediatrician and dentist can provide valuable guidance throughout this journey of parenting and pacifier use. Please call our office to schedule your child’s next appointment!

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Help to Protect Your Teen’s Teeth | Pediatric Dentist 03784

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Oral health may not be your teen’s top priority, but through education, you can help your teen adopt healthy habits. There are three common issues that teenagers struggle with when it comes to their oral health. 

Issue #1: Tooth Decay

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is still the most prevalent disease affecting children in the United States. 

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your teen’s risk of tooth decay. Encourage your teen to eat a balanced diet and limit the amounts of sugar they consume when possible. Sugar is the prefered breeding ground for many kinds of bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay. 

A proper oral hygiene routine is another way to help prevent decay in your teen’s teeth. Encourage him or her to brush and floss for the recommended amount of time each day. Visiting our pediatric dental office regularly can help establish oral health habits in his or her routine.

Issue #2: Tobacco & Nicotine

The adolescent years mark the first time teens may feel pressured to try tobacco, nicotine, and vape products. If you notice that he or she has begun any of these habits, encourage them to drop the habit. Tobacco has been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease, bad breath, and stained teeth, along with other side effects.

Besides the negative effects these products can have on the health of your teen’s teeth and gums, many of these products, including e-cigarettes and vaping, can be a detriment to their overall health as well. Remind your teen that smoking increases the risk of strokes, heart disease, lung disease, and more.

Issue #3: Injuries Caused by Sporting Activities

Many teens participate in sports. While this is a great way to stay healthy and create friendships, it’s important to remember the potential danger these sports pose to your teen’s teeth and gums. 

You can help protect your teen’s mouth by getting them a mouthguard. While there are many options today that will do a fair job at protecting him or her, a custom fit mouthguard will provide the most complete protection. It helps safeguard not only their teeth, but also their gums, lips, face, and head.

We hope that this information will help your teen to maintain optimal oral health, not only for their school years, but for the rest of their life. We take pride in setting the foundation for your child’s oral health and are here to help. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to schedule your child’s next appointment at our dental office. We look forward to seeing you.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Does My Child Need a Tooth Removed? | Pediatric Dentist Lebanon

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As a child, losing a tooth might mean an exciting visit from the tooth fairy. As a parent, however, it can be scary to hear your child may need to have a tooth pulled. Our young patients’ health and best interests are always our top priority, so we will discuss every option with parents before making a decision about extractions. Here are several reasons why an extraction may be an option:  

Trauma 

If your child has chipped or cracked a tooth with the permanent tooth close to erupting, we may recommend an extraction. 

Disease

When tooth decay goes unattended and reaches the center of the tooth, it can infect blood vessels, nerves, gums and even the jawbone beneath. We will assess the tooth carefully to determine the best course of action.  

Orthodontic Preparation 

Excessive crowding in a child’s mouth doesn’t allow room for permanent teeth to erupt where they are supposed to. Removing baby teeth can leave more space for permanent teeth to grow in, which is especially helpful during orthodontic treatment.

Stubborn Baby Teeth

Sometimes baby teeth will refuse to fall out on their own, making it either difficult for permanent teeth to come in or causing permanent teeth to erupt next to the baby tooth. We sometimes refer to these as “shark teeth.” We may recommend removing the baby teeth ourselves to speed along the process. 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth usually emerge around the ages of 17 and 21. The purpose of wisdom teeth is to help you chew, but they can lead to problems if there isn’t enough space for them to surface correctly. This can lead to food becoming trapped between them or providing an opening for bacteria to enter the gums.

How Can My Child’s Tooth be Saved?

In many instances, your child’s tooth may not require extraction. We’ll be sure to evaluate your child’s needs and provide a treatment plan that is best for your child’s health and development. 

Our Pediatric Dentists Always Put Your Child’s Comfort First

Our team of pediatric dental specialists provides a comfortable atmosphere where children can feel safe and at ease. We offer the most advanced anesthesia and sedation options to help your child relax, and then provide care instructions to help your child recover as quickly as possible. If your child has experienced any oral trauma or is complaining of tooth pain, call us right away so we can determine the best treatment plan.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Creating a Positive Dental Experience for your Child | West Lebanon NH Pediatric Dentist

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It’s vital that the pediatric dental team and parents of patients work together to foster a positive dental experience for each child. There are several ways that parents can support the efforts of their pediatric dental team, including:

Early Dental Visits

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should begin seeing their pediatric dentist once their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Early care will help your child feel comfortable in a dental office. 

Pass on Your Dental Fears

Any phobias or misgivings you have towards the dentist are quite commonly shared with your child. Be aware of your mannerisms, as well as what you say before, during and after your own visit to the dentist. Focus on how visiting the Kids dentist in West Lebanon is an important part of keeping your mouth and body healthy. 

Get Your Child Excited for the Visit

Inform your child of the appointment. Let them know we’ll be counting and cleaning their teeth. Explain how beautiful and clean their teeth will be after the appointment. Teach them about the importance of dentistry. With your support, your child will grow to love dentistry, which will contribute to a healthier life. 

Your child’s visit to their pediatric dentist can be a positive experience when you and the pediatric dental team work to ensure your child’s health and comfort are prioritized. For more information, contact Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

The Making of a Great Pediatric Dentist | Pediatric Dentist In West Lebanon NH

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Education 

Pediatric dentists must receive the following credentials prior to becoming a pediatric dentist: 

  • High School
  • Undergraduate Degree
  • Dental School (4- Year program)
  • Licensing
  • Residency (2-Year Program)

A pediatric dentist has 6 years of postgraduate education. This credentialing process is intense but necessary for pediatric dentists to undergo to provide the highest quality care. Some of the training involved in a pediatric residency includes clinical experience, child psychology, child development, child-related pharmacology among many other areas. Some programs offer training related to radiology, advanced surgical procedures, special needs care, sedation and treating injuries. 

Excellent Experiences 

Pediatric dentists are experienced in handling routine dental care for children of all ages and levels of need. For routine care, you can trust that our team knows how to consider your child’s emotional state, and will tailor our interactions to accommodate the individual needs of your child.  

Emergency Care

In the case of an emergency, your pediatric dentist may work with a team of specialists to provide the most appropriate care for the given situation. No matter your child’s dental needs, your child’s positive experience and long-term health will be prioritized. 

Relationship Focused

When choosing a pediatric dentist, you’ll want to consider the following: 

  • Qualifications
  • Team
  • Reputation

When your child looks forward to visiting his or her pediatric dentist in West Lebanon, maintaining a healthy smile becomes much easier. Your child will listen to the at-home advice of the dental team and embrace healthy habits. Choosing a dentist who is qualified to care for your child is the first step. Next, ensuring your child’s dental team will communicate properly allows you to build trust and confidence in the care received. Lastly, you’ll want to consider the reputation of your dental team. Do other parents and patients leave raving reviews? Do you get a sense of family and friendship when entering the office? 

Contact Our Pediatric Dental Team

If you’re seeking a pediatric dental team that can provide your children with quality care in a compassionate environment, contact Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon today. We look forward to meeting you.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Establishing Healthy Oral Health Habits In Children | West Lebanon NH Pediatric Dentist

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Introduce Healthy Habits Early 

It is recommended by the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) that children should see a dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth has erupted- whichever occurs first. This will allow your child to establish professional dental care as a part of their optimal oral healthcare routine. Visiting the dentist should be an enjoyable experience for your child. Creating early positive dental experiences can reduce the likelihood of your child suffering from dental phobia (odontophobia) later in life. 

In addition to modeling the importance of professional oral healthcare to your children, it’s important to show proper at-home habits. Brushing and flossing in front of your child will show them it’s a normal, daily activity. Teaching your child about the consequences of inadequate home care can also help to motivate the adoption of healthy oral hygiene habits.

Make Proper Oral Hygiene Habits Fun 

Celebrate the eruption of your child’s new teeth. Take a special trip to the store with your child to pick out their first toothbrush. Get them excited about keeping their teeth healthy. 

Do your best to make brushing fun by playing a special song while your child is brushing. Getting your child to look forward to this time together can make this seemingly mundane task into a celebrated daily activity. 

If brushing is simply not fun for your child, consider rewarding or celebrating your child for partaking in the behaviors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. If your child is motivated by stickers or points on a rewards chart, be sure to include brushing as one of the good deeds celebrated. 

Establishing healthy oral health habits in children is vital to their overall health. Whether at-home care is a game, special time together or a chore to check off the list, make sure your child is receiving proper oral hygiene care at home from a young age to prevent further intervention later.

Welcome to Our Pediatric Dental Office

If you’d like to meet our team for an enjoyable pediatric dental experience for your child, contact Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon today to schedule an appointment. We’re confident you and your child will love our compassionate, fun environment. 

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Should My Child’s Permanent Teeth Be Coming in Yet? | West Lebanon NH Pediatric Dentist

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Losing baby teeth is a significant rite of passage for young children, and it can be exciting for kids with hopes that the tooth fairy pays them a visit. But this rite of passage is important for parents, too. As a pediatric dental office, one of the common questions we hear from parents is regarding the proper timing for permanent teeth to fully appear. While every child is different, the average timeframe for an adult tooth to replace a baby tooth is about 6 months. In some instances this timeframe can be longer, for a number of reasons. Learn more about a few of the more common reasons some teeth take more time to come in.     

  • Teeth Spacing: Occasionally, baby teeth can come in too close together. Close spacing can cause issues when a baby tooth is lost and the new tooth is coming in. There may not be enough space for the new tooth to properly grow in. When this happens, the tooth may take longer to come in.  
  • Impacted Teeth: An impacted tooth is normally caused when a baby tooth is lost prematurely, such as a tooth being knocked out. The emerging tooth can get lodged inside the bone, preventing it from emerging. This can also happen with a tooth that is partially exposed, creating a partially impacted tooth. 
  • Incorrect Growth: Children’s teeth, more commonly than not, have a non-uniform appearance. In some instances, baby teeth can be misplaced which causes the adult teeth to come down in the wrong location. 

Sometimes new teeth struggle to erupt with no apparent cause. If you feel your child may be experiencing one of these permanent teeth growth issues, consult our pediatric dentist. We can determine if there is a cause and take the correct steps to start to improve the situation. If there is an issue with adult tooth eruption, the sooner it’s addressed the better. 

It’s important to regularly schedule dental cleanings and examinations for your children. During these visits with our West Lebanon pediatric dentist, we’ll monitor your child’s smile as it continues to transition. This allows our dentist to be more interceptive with any issues that may arise, making any treatments easier to manage as your child continues to grow. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon today.

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784

Why Every Child Deserves Great Dentistry | Kids Dentist Lebanon

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If our children are the future, we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation has the tools and skills they need to succeed. Without question, proper education, quality healthcare, and good oral health habits are at the foundation of this effort. Unfortunately for some, dental care can sometimes fall by the wayside when it comes to healthcare priorities. All the more reason why pediatric dental care is an essential part of making sure every child has access to the great dentistry services they deserve.

Maximize Overall Health

It may not be well known, but oral health has a large and direct role in overall health. If a child doesn’t receive quality dental care, it can cause problems not only with their dental health, but in other areas of their overall wellbeing. It’s important to know dental health and overall health go hand-in-hand. As with adults, routine dental cleanings and oral examinations should be scheduled about every six months. 

Prevent Future Dental Problems

Preventive dentistry, including routine dental cleanings and oral examinations, are the foundation for quality dentistry. Regularly scheduled visits to the dentist will ensure a child’s oral health is monitored and maintained. As children grow up they experience many changes related to oral health. Pediatric dentists are trained to monitor your child’s developing dental health, including the eruption of baby teeth and the growth of permanent teeth. Getting ahead of problems like crowding or decay can protect and preserve your child’s precious smile.

Education on Good Oral Habits

Education is important for a child’s development. Education related to dentistry can help start any child on the right path to maintaining their oral health. Sharing techniques for brushing or even explaining why we brush can give kids the informational foundation they need for maintaining their oral health. Pediatric dentists can only do so much during regularly scheduled visits to maintain oral health. Empowering children to start and keep a good oral hygiene routine will continue to benefit them throughout their lives. 

There’s nothing more beautiful than a child’s smile. Granting children access to quality pediatric dentistry from a young age will help set a trend for them to follow as they grow into adulthood. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact our pediatric dental office today. 

Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon
Phone: (603) 790-8130
30 Airport Rd. Suite 7
West Lebanon, NH 03784