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- 2021
- 2020
- December (6)
- Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
- Local Anesthesia Makes for a More Pleasant and Pain-Free Dental Experience
- Endodontic Treatment Could Save a Tooth in Crisis
- Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
- The Kind of Tooth Pain You Have May Identify the True Problem
- Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
- November (6)
- Here's What To Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- Smoking Increases Your Risk for Gum Disease
- Keep Your Implants Clean to Avoid a Damaging Gum Infection
- There's a Quick Fix For That Irritating Mouth Sore You Keep Biting
- Although Challenging, Cleaning Around Implants Boosts Their Longevity
- October (6)
- Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
- 4 Things You Can Do To Protect Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
- Act Quickly With a Knocked Out Tooth to Ensure Its Long-Term Survival
- Preventing Gum Disease Could Help More Than Your Teeth and Gums
- Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
- September (6)
- Improve Your Smile With These Dental Enhancements
- Eliminating an Infant's Lip or Tongue Tie Can Make Breastfeeding Easier
- Use Appropriate Hygiene Products for Maximum Smile Protection
- Want to Improve Your Athletic Performance? Try Tuning Up Your Dental Care
- Avoid This Numbing Agent to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- The Day After Labor Day: Renew Your Focus on Your Family's Oral Health
- August (6)
- A Shingles Outbreak Could Interrupt Your Dental Care
- Take These Steps to Alleviate Chronic Dry Mouth
- Acid Reflux Could Lead to Tooth Damage
- 4 Simple Things You Can Do to Stop Bad Breath
- Stop Plaque Buildup Around Your Implant-Supported Bridge With Flossing
- 3 Things That Could Help You Avoid Another Round With Gum Disease
- July (6)
- Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
- Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
- Whatever Your Vacation Plans This Year, Don't Forget Teeth and Gum Care
- 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
- New Studies Show: Sealants Could Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
- June (6)
- Your Gums and Bone Need to Be Healthy Before Getting Implants
- Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots
- Follow These 4 Tips for More Comfortable Eating With Chronic Jaw Pain
- Sedation Can Help a Child Receive Needed Dental Care Now and in the Future
- Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
- Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
- May (7)
- Reducing Teeth Grinding Leads to Better Sleep and Better Dental Health
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
- 4 Things You Should Do - or Not Do - to Maintain Your Oral Appliance
- A Smile Makeover is a Transforming Experience
- The Graduation Season is the Perfect Time to Review Dental Health
- Friendly Bacteria Can Help Protect Our Mouths From Disease
- Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
- April (6)
- Why and How to Save a Diseased Tooth
- Are Lasers the Future for Treating Advanced Tooth Decay?
- 3 Ways to Help Your Child Relax at the Dentist
- Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
- These High-Tech Tools Help Your Veneers Look Attractive and Natural
- Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
- March (6)
- If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
- Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
- This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
- One Visit May Be All You Need to Restore a Chipped Tooth
- Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
- 3 Questions You Should Ask before Undergoing Teeth Whitening
- February (6)
- Removing Teeth Could Improve an Orthodontic Outcome
- It's Best to Avoid This Online Trend for Your Enamel's Sake
- A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
- Uncovering Early Gum Disease Through Periodontal Probing
- Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
- 3 Tips to Making Mealtime Easier During TMD Flare-Ups
- January (6)
- A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
- Tobacco: One Baseball Tradition We Can Do Without
- No Matter When the New Decade Begins, Be Sure You're Partnered With Us for Your Dental Care
- You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
- 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
- Is There a Better Way to Manage Pain Without Narcotics?
- 2019
- December (6)
- Gum Surgery Can Improve Your Smile and Save Your Teeth
- 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
- Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
- Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
- Follow These Holiday Toy Tips for Your Kids to Avoid Dental Injuries
- It Takes Artistry and Skill to Achieve the Right Color Balance for Your Veneers
- November (6)
- Keep Oral Care in Focus for a Family Member With Special Needs
- Topical Fluoride can Enhance Your Child's Dental Care
- Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
- Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
- For a Smooth Transition, Be Sure Your New Dentist Has Your Dental Records
- Vitamins Can Help Keep Your Oral Health in Top Shape
- October (6)
- You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
- Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
- 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
- Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
- 4 Ways You Can Take Years off Your Smile
- Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
- September (6)
- 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
- Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
- Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
- Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
- Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
- Four Reasons Why Your Gums Deserve Your Care
- August (6)
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Do a Little Extra Food Prep to Ease TMD Discomfort
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
- Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
- July (7)
- 3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth in the Great Outdoors
- Transforming Your Smile with Veneers, Step by Step
- A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
- Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
- There may be more to that Toothache that Suddenly Stops Aching
- June (6)
- 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
- 5 Ways to a Beautiful Wedding Day Smile
- Root Canals are a Safe Way to Save Teeth
- Improve Your Dental Health by Mastering Your Brushing Skills
- Considering a Smile Makeover? Be Sure You Include Your Bite
- Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
- May (6)
- Gum Disease Could be Affecting More Than Just Your Mouth
- Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
- Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
- Preserving the Pulp is Priority One with a Newly Erupted Permanent Tooth
- How Dentists Provide Your Child the Benefit of X-Rays as Safely as Possible
- Jaw Joint Disorders and Fibromyalgia: Is There a Connection?
- April (6)
- A Detailed 'Smile Analysis' Sets the Stage for a Successful Makeover
- April Is National Facial Protection Month
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
- Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- March (6)
- A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
- What You Should Do to Protect an Older Loved One's Dental Health
- Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
- The 3 Top Ingredients That Make Your Toothpaste a Super Plaque Buster
- Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
- Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
- February (6)
- Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
- Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
- Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- 4 Important Facts About Gum Recession and What You can do About It
- January (6)
- Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
- A New Resolution - Floss!
- Flossing Daily Around Implants will Help Prevent Losing Your Bridge
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Boost Your Jawbone Health
- 'Get Rid' of Those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
- Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
- 2018
- December (6)
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
- What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
- Dental Visits are Key to Detecting Early Developing Tooth Decay
- Regardless of What You've Seen Online, Don't Fear a Root Canal Treatment
- Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
- November (6)
- Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
- Don't let Gum Disease - the 'Other Dental Disease' - Rob you of Your Smile
- Teeth Grinding in Older Children and Adolescents a Cause for Concern
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- How to Maximize Your Child's Dental Health Potential
- The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
- October (6)
- What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
- Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
- What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
- 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
- September (6)
- Why the Treatment Model for Your Jaw Joint Disorder Matters
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
- Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
- August (6)
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
- Back to School Do's and Don'ts
- Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Treating a Child's Tooth Injury May Require Special Consideration
- July (7)
- Mouthguards Found to be Effective in Preventing Teeth and Mouth Injuries
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- Consider Saving a Tooth Before you Decide to Replace it
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- Think Water First for Summer Thirst
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- Watch Out for Signs of Gum Recession
- June (6)
- Treating Gum Abscesses and the Underlying Gum Disease
- Tips to Brighten Your Summer Smile
- 3 Advantages for Improving Your Smile with Composite Resins
- Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Chewing Tobacco is Just as Addictive and Dangerous as Smoking
- March (5)
- Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
- The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
- Baseball, Tobacco and Oral Cancer
- Why the Bottled Variety Might not be Your Best Choice for Clean Drinking Water
- 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
- January (5)
- 4 Areas We May Check During Your Older Loved One's Regular Dental Visit
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Office Fluoride Treatments Can Add Extra Protection to Your Child's Teeth
- Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
- Why You Should Still Floss with an Implant-Supported Bridge
- 2017
- May (5)
- Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
- Artificial Sweeteners are By and Large a Safe Alternative to Sugar
- Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
- Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- April (5)
- Gum Disease Could Affect More than Your Teeth and Gums
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
- A Solution for Restoring Adequate Bone for Dental Implants
- Improving a 'Gummy Smile' Depends on its Cause
- February (5)
- Don't Put Off Getting Treatment for Your Sensitive Teeth
- Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
- A Root Canal Treatment may be Your Best Chance to Save a Tooth
- Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
- A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
- 2016
- November (5)
- Keep an Eye Out for Problems if Your Children Grind Their Teeth
- Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
- Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- September (5)
- Certain Mouth Rashes Don't Respond to Topical Steroid Treatments
- Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
- Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
- May (5)
- A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
- Dental Offices Hold to the Highest Standards to Protect Patients from Infection
- Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
- Treating a "Gummy" Smile Starts with Finding out the Cause
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- March (5)
- Beyond Their Marketing Claims, Most Toothpastes are Surprisingly Similar
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
- Find out What Kind of Tooth Staining you Have Before Seeking a Solution
- 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
- 2015
- December (5)
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- Three Considerations for Working with Your Dentist on Your Smile Makeover
- 3 Tips for Denture Care to Help Them Last and Keep Your Mouth Healthy
- October (5)
- 3 Questions to Answer Before Your Smile Makeover
- You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
- Diabetics with Gum Disease Benefit from Coordinating Treatment for Both
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Provide a Viable Alternative to Dental Amalgam
- Preventive Care for Your Child is a Partnership between You and Your Dentist
- 2014
- September (5)
- Saving a Baby Tooth is the Best Option for Permanent Tooth Development
- Dry Mouth - Causes, Risks and Cures
- Bleeding Gums are a Possible Sign of Periodontal Gum Disease
- Determining the Cause of Tooth Looseness Key to Effective Treatment
- Successful Outcomes With Dentures Depends on Attention to Detail
- August (5)
- Composite Resins are a Viable Restoration Option for Mildly Defective Teeth
- Major Benefits for Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
- Crown Lengthening can Increase Your Restoration Options
- Minimizing X-Ray Exposure Risks in Children to Maximize Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Bonding
- 2013
- 2012
- August (7)
- Don't Let Tooth Pain Linger — The Cost May Just Be Too High
- Understanding The Importance Of Dental X-Rays
- Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
- Your Smile Design: Perfection vs. the Natural Look
- Testing Your Knowledge on Caring for Your Dentures
- Designing A New Smile. What's involved?
- Testing your Knowledge: Dental Implants
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My Blog
Posts for tag: pediatric dentistry

Fluoride is an important part of your child's dental development. But if children take in too much of this important mineral, they could experience enamel fluorosis, a condition in which teeth become discolored with dark streaking or mottling.
That's why it's important to keep fluoride levels within safe bounds, especially for children under the age of 9. To do that, here's a look at the most common sources for fluoride your child may take in and how you can moderate them.
Toothpaste. Fluoridated toothpaste is an effective way for your child to receive the benefits of fluoride. But to make sure they're not getting too much, apply only a smear of toothpaste to the brush for infants. When they get a little older you can increase that to a pea-sized amount on the end of the brush. You should also train your child not to swallow toothpaste.
Drinking water. Most water systems add tiny amounts of fluoride to drinking water. To find out how much your water provider adds visit “My Water's Fluoride” (//nccd.cdc.gov/doh_mwf/Default/Default.aspx) online. If it's more than the government's recommendation of 0.70 parts of fluoride per million parts of water, you may want ask your dentist if you should limit your child's consumption of fluoridated drinking water.
Infant formula. Many parents choose bottle-feeding their baby with infant formula rather than breastfeed. If you use the powdered form and mix it with tap water that's fluoridated, your baby could be ingesting more of the mineral. If breastfeeding isn't an option, try using the premixed formula, which normally contains lower levels of fluoride. If you use powdered formula, mix it with bottled water labeled “de-ionized,” “purified,” “demineralized” or “distilled.”
It might seem like the better strategy for preventing fluorosis is to avoid fluoride altogether. But that can increase the risk of tooth decay, a far more destructive outcome for your child's teeth than the appearance problems caused by fluorosis. The better way is to consult with your dentist on keeping your child's intake within recognized limits to safely receive fluoride's benefits of stronger, healthier teeth.
If you would like more information on fluoride and your baby's dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Development and Infant Formula.”

Perhaps the only thing worse than having a toothache of your own is when your child has one. Tooth pain can be a miserable experience, especially for children. It can also be confusing about what to do to deal with it.
Fortunately, a toothache usually isn't a dental emergency, so take a deep breath. Here's what you should do if your child is experiencing tooth pain.
Get the 411 from them. Before you call the dentist, find out more first about the tooth pain from your child with a few probing questions: Where exactly does it hurt? Do you feel it all through your mouth or just in one place? Is it all the time, or just when you bite down? When did it start? You may not get the same level of detail as you would from an adult, but even a little information helps.
Take a look in their mouth. There are a lot of causes for toothache like a decayed tooth or abscessed gums. See if any of the teeth look abnormal or if the gums are swollen. You might also find a piece of food or other particle wedged between the teeth causing the pain. In that case, a little dental floss might relieve the problem.
Ease the pain. While you're waiting on your dental appointment, you can help relieve some of their discomfort by giving them a child-appropriate dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply an ice pack on the outside of the jaw for five minutes on, then five minutes off to decrease swelling. Under no circumstances, however, should you give your child aspirin or rub it on the gums.
See the dentist. It's always a good idea to follow up with the dentist, even if the pain subsides. In most cases, you may be able to wait until the next day. There are, however, circumstances that call for a visit as soon as possible: if the child is running a fever and/or has facial swelling; or if the tooth pain seems to be related to an injury or trauma.
It can be unsettling as a parent when your child has a toothache. But knowing what to do can help you stay calm and get them the care they need.
If you would like more information on pediatric dental care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “A Child's Toothache.”

Your child could hit a speed bump on their road to dental maturity—tooth decay. In fact, children are susceptible to an aggressive form of decay known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC) that can lead to tooth loss and possible bite issues for other teeth.
But dentists have a few weapons in their arsenal for helping children avoid tooth decay. One of these used for many years now is the application of sealants to the biting surfaces of both primary and permanent teeth. Now, two major research studies have produced evidence that sealant applications help reduce children's tooth decay.
Applying sealant is a quick and painless procedure that doesn't require drilling or anesthesia. A dentist brushes the sealant in liquid form to the nooks and crannies of a tooth's biting surfaces, which tend to accumulate decay-causing bacterial plaque. They then use a curing light to harden the sealant.
The studies previously mentioned that involved thousands of patients over a number of years, found that pediatric patients without dental sealants were more than three times likely to get cavities compared to those who had sealants applied to their teeth. The studies also found the beneficial effect of a sealant could last four years or more after its application.
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend sealants for children, especially those at high risk for decay. It's common practice now for children to first get sealants when their first permanent molars erupt (teeth that are highly susceptible to decay), usually between the ages of 5 and 7, and then later as additional molars come in.
There is a modest cost for sealant applications, but far less than the potential costs for decay treatment and later bite issues. Having your child undergo sealant treatment is a worthwhile investment: It could prevent decay and tooth loss in the near-term, and also help your child avoid more extensive dental problems in the future.
If you would like more information on sealants and other preventive measures for children's teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

You have a wonderful pediatric dentist who's great with kids. Their dental office is a children's wonderland with cheerful colors, toys and a staff that tries to make things fun. But no matter what you do—including rewards and positive praise—it's not enough to calm your child's anxiety during dental visits.
Even with the most conducive clinical environment and parental efforts, some children still have an inordinate fear of seeing the dentist. Their anxiety could be a roadblock to getting the treatment they need to maintain good oral health and development. And if that fear carries over into adulthood, they may get into the habit of postponing needed care.
But dentists have an important tool they can use to help children relax: conscious sedation therapy. Using proven sedation medication, dentists can place patients in varying degrees of suppressed consciousness.
Although often used in conjunction, sedation is not the same as anesthesia. The latter is used to eliminate pain during dental procedures. Sedation, on the other hand, aims to calm the negative emotions generated by dental anxiety. A child under sedation can still breathe normally without assistance and respond to physical stimulation or verbal commands.
Sedation medications can be administered orally, usually in syrup form, or with an intravenous (IV) drip. Two of the more popular drugs are Midazolam and Hydroxyzine, both of which act fast and then leave the body quickly after the procedure. These types of sedation drugs have a very low risk of side effects compared to general anesthesia.
While under sedation, the child's vital signs (heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, etc.) are continuously monitored. Afterward, they'll wait in recovery until their vital signs are back to their pre-sedation levels. They can then go home to rest for the remainder of the day, and then usually return to school or other normal activities the following day.
Besides making it easier for a child to receive needed dental care, conscious sedation can also make the overall visit more pleasant, and lead to more positive memories of the experience. This may indeed help them later in life to overcome any lingering anxiety and continue regular dental care throughout adulthood.
If you would like more information on reducing your child's dental visit anxiety, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sedation Dentistry for Kids.”

If you're a parent, raising kids can be a great adventure. It can also rev up your stress meter in a heartbeat. One area in particular can give you heartburn: your child's lack of enthusiasm for visiting the dentist.
Dental anxiety in varying degrees in children isn't uncommon. At times, it can be difficult for everyone involved for a child to receive the dental care they need if they're in an upset or agitated state. Fortunately, though, there are things you can do to minimize your child's dental anxiety.
First, start regular dental visits as early as possible, usually around their first birthday. Children who begin seeing the dentist earlier rather than later are more apt to find the sights, sounds and other experiences of a dental office a routine part of life.
You might also consider using a pediatric dentist for your child. Pediatric dentists specialize in child dental care, and have specific training and experience interacting with children. Pediatric dental offices are also usually “kid friendly” with toys, videos, books and interior decorations that children find appealing.
Your attitude and demeanor during a dental visit can also have an effect on your child. Children in general take their cues for how to feel from their caregivers. If you're nervous and tense while with them at the dentist, they may take that as a sign they should feel the same way. In contrast, if you're calm and relaxed, it may help them to be calm and relaxed.
Along the same lines, your attitude and level of commitment to dental care, both at home and at the dentist, will rub off on them. The best way to do that is by setting the example: not only as you brush and floss every day, but during your own dental visits. Take them with you: If they see you're not anxious about your care, it may improve their own feelings about their care.
The main goal is to try to make your child's overall dental experience as positive and pleasant as possible. The benefits of this can extend far beyond the present moment into their adult lives.
If you would like more information on your child's dental care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Taking the Stress Out of Dentistry for Kids.”