The teenage years are a time of growing independence, which often comes with new lifestyle choices influenced by friends and social activities. While teens may become more self-reliant, it’s still crucial for them to maintain good oral health habits. At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon, we understand the unique dental needs of teens. Below are some tips to help your teen keep their smile healthy during these transformative years. If you’re looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Lebanon to support your teen’s oral care, we’re here to help!

Promote Healthy Eating Habits

Teens often lead busy lives, and with their packed schedules, they may grab quick snacks like energy drinks, fast food, and nutrition bars. However, many of these options are loaded with sugars, carbs, and acids that can be harmful to their teeth. To encourage healthier choices, you can:

• Keep the fridge stocked with fresh fruits, cheese sticks, and raw veggies for quick, nutritious snacks.
• Provide water, coconut water, and unsweetened teas instead of sugary drinks.
• Replace sugary gum and candy with alternatives made from tooth-friendly xylitol or other sugar-free sweeteners.

While it’s not always possible to control everything your teen eats, having healthy options readily available can make a big difference in supporting their dental health.

Ensure Mouthguard Use for Sports

If your teen participates in contact sports like football, soccer, or lacrosse, it’s essential to protect their teeth with a mouthguard. Mouthguards are available in custom-fitted options from a dentist or over-the-counter models. Some are even designed to fit over orthodontic braces.

To maintain proper hygiene, make sure your teen rinses their mouthguard after each use, disinfects it regularly, and stores it in a ventilated container.

Special Care for Teens with Braces

Braces require extra attention to dental hygiene. Encourage your teen to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine. Keep extra toothbrushes, floss, and a floss threader on hand to help them clean effectively around their braces.

Additionally, be mindful of their diet. Sticky or crunchy foods, as well as gum, should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces. A good alternative is to prepare bite-sized fruit snacks, which can be stored in sandwich bags for easy access on the go.

Avoid Oral Piercings

While tongue and lip piercings may be trendy, they can pose significant risks to dental health. Metal piercings in the mouth can lead to tooth damage, including chips and fractures, and increase the likelihood of infections. Tongue piercings are especially risky, as they can easily cause cracks in teeth that may require fillings or even more extensive treatments like extractions or root canals.

Make Oral Health a Priority

Encourage your teen to brush and floss regularly, and consider rewarding them for sticking to their routine. Keep dental hygiene kits handy in their gym bag, car, or school locker for on-the-go care. If brushing isn’t possible after meals, suggest swishing and rinsing with water until they can brush properly.

Just like adults, teens should visit their dentist at least twice a year. In fact, many teens are self-conscious about their appearance, and having a bright, healthy smile can be a strong motivator for maintaining good oral hygiene.

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the busy schedules teens often have, and we work hard to accommodate them. If your teen is due for their next dental visit, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced pediatric dentist in Lebanon. Let us help keep your teen’s smile healthy and strong!

As a parent, ensuring your child’s health includes being aware of how their medications might affect their oral well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five children take prescription medications, and many also take vitamins or dietary supplements. While these medications are often essential, they can sometimes lead to oral health side effects. At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry of West Lebanon, we encourage you to keep us informed about any medications or supplements your child is taking. This way, we can monitor and address any potential impacts on their dental health. As your trusted pediatric dentist in Lebanon, we’ve outlined some common medication side effects and tips to mitigate them.

Dry Mouth

Many medications, such as decongestants and certain antibiotics, can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is vital for maintaining a healthy mouth, and without it, your child may be at an increased risk for tooth decay, inflammation, and infection. To combat dry mouth, encourage your child to drink more water, chew sugar-free gum, or snack on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots. These simple actions can help stimulate saliva production and keep their mouth hydrated.

Fungal Infection

Children who use inhalers, especially for conditions like asthma, are at a higher risk of developing oral candidiasis, a fungal infection. Medications such as clotrimazole (Mycelex) and fluconazole (Diflucan) are commonly prescribed to treat these infections. To prevent fungal infections, it’s important to have your child rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after using their inhaler.

Abnormal Bleeding

Some medications can thin the blood, making it harder for the body to clot. This can pose a risk during oral surgery or treatments for gum disease. If your child takes medications that affect blood clotting, it’s crucial to inform our office before any dental procedures are scheduled. This will allow us to take the necessary precautions to ensure your child’s safety.

Gum Overgrowth

Though rare in children, gum overgrowth, or drug-induced gingival hyperplasia, can be a side effect of medications like the anticonvulsant phenytoin, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, and nifedipine, which controls blood pressure in children post-liver transplant. If your child is on any of these medications, regular dental checkups are essential to monitor their gum health.

Soft Tissue Reactions

Certain medications can cause inflammation, sores, or discoloration of the soft tissues in your child’s mouth. If your child experiences discomfort due to a medication, we may be able to recommend a special oral care routine to alleviate symptoms. Let us know if you notice any unusual changes in your child’s mouth or if they experience ongoing discomfort.

Tooth Decay

While medications themselves don’t directly cause cavities, many liquid, chewable, or lozenge medications contain sugar to improve taste. These sugars can linger on teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay over time. To minimize this risk, opt for sugar-free medications when available, administer medications with meals, or have your child rinse their mouth with water after taking the medicine. If brushing is needed, wait 30 minutes to avoid enamel damage.

At Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to protecting your child’s smile. If your child is experiencing any oral health issues related to their medications or if you have concerns about how their medications might be affecting their dental health, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced pediatric dentist in Lebanon. We are here to help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your child’s primary teeth (commonly called “baby teeth”) are pretty interesting, and we’re not just saying that because we’re pediatric dentists. In most mouths, there are 20 primary teeth in total. They are already present in your child’s jaw at the time of birth and they will usually begin to appear between the ages of 6-12 months.

Usually referred to as teething, this process can be an important and exciting stage in you and your child’s life. We probably all have at least one story of a lost baby tooth. However, despite their cultural significance, many fail to see the health-related importance of these teeth. One question we get quite frequently is, “If my child’s baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway, is it even worth taking care of them?”

While it may seem like caring for your child’s baby teeth isn’t all that important, nothing could be further from the truth. Called “Nature’s Braces” by some dentists, baby teeth are incredibly important to a child’s overall health and development.

When baby teeth are lost too early, due to decay or some other factor, the gaps left behind can cause major issues in the development of your child’s permanent teeth. As permanent teeth start to come in, they can drift into the empty space left behind by a missing primary tooth, making it difficult for other teeth to come in straight. The end result is often a crooked and misaligned smile that requires expensive orthodontic care in the future.

Additionally, baby teeth are necessary to help your child in everything from chewing and speaking to smiling with confidence.

Primary teeth are important to more than just the tooth fairy and are critical to your child’s development. To make sure they stay healthy and do their job, help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day and participate in all the other aspects of a great oral hygiene routine.

As a part of that routine, make sure that you continue to schedule regular dental appointments for your child at our pediatric dental office. We are specialists in providing excellent, kid-focused dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact our team to set up your next appointment today.