Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children

It’s very important for children to have a friendly relationship with their dentist. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we strive to make our youngest patients as comfortable as possible, but there are things parents can do that will help us to ensure their child’s health.

Visiting the dentist should be a familiar experience for children from an early age. We recommend that they come in for their first check-up when their first tooth comes in. But because children tend to be shy around strangers, they may need to be taught that the dentist and hygienists are new friends who want to help them not get a toothache. It is better not to emphasize to children that they need to be brave since this sends the message there’s something to be afraid of. A parent should also be honest with themselves about whether their own feelings about dental work are influencing the child.

At the office, we can explain to children what we’re going to do and give a demonstration of the instruments we use. It is better not to bring up procedures such as root canals the child is unlikely to need unless they’re really interested. Keep in mind while scheduling appointments that younger siblings are often more receptive to care if they can see an older sibling be examined first.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Effects of Thumb Sucking

Advantage Dentistry has been a resource for many families over the years, including those who have just had their first child. Often, parents are aware that there are potential dangers associated with pacifiers and thumb sucking but aren’t sure whether or not there’s a problem, so we wanted to offer some guidance.

Thumb sucking is normal and not a cause for worry in children under the age of three. However, if the child keeps doing it after beginning to lose their baby teeth, the habit could result in misaligned adult teeth, overbites, misaligned jaws, and changes in mouth structure. This is also true of sucking pacifiers and of thrusting the tongue against the front teeth, which is sometimes a habit children form to replace thumb sucking.

If possible, parents should explain to their child why thumb sucking is a bad habit and include them in efforts to get them to stop. Sometimes there is a deeper psychological issue behind it, such as anxiety, which may require the attention of a counselor.  But anxious parents should rest assured that if a child stops thumb sucking as a toddler, their jaws can usually shift back to the right position.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Baby Tooth Care Tips

Baby teeth may be small, but they’re important. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings. It’s important to start cleaning your child’s teeth before they come in to jumpstart a healthy smile.

Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. In addition, take measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, a disease that causes severe, swift decay of baby teeth. To help prevent it, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or a sugary drink, such as juice. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sugar comes in contact with the teeth. Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child risks having trouble chewing and speaking clearly as they get older.

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide.