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Can My Child Skip Visits to the Dentist?

You may think of our team at Family Dental Health as part of your child’s defensive line keeping them safe from gum disease and tooth decay, but we’re also myth busters! You’ve probably heard one of the most common misconceptions we have to challenge: dentistry isn’t important until after children lose their baby teeth. 

The truth is that oral health routines should be developed right from the beginning, and visiting the dentist is a foundational part of creating healthy habits.

From the beginning?

That’s right! There are tips you’ll want to follow as your little one’s smile forms and grows, and around the time you’re celebrating their first birthday, you’ll want to schedule their first dental visit. For an overview of why early introductions are crucial and what you can do to keep them on the right track before this milestone, we invite you to come to see us!

If you have any questions or you’d like to schedule a visit with Portland dentist, Dr. David Case to get your kids started on their smile journey, contact Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Down Syndrome & Dental Issues

Today, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health would like to discuss the unique dental characteristics of those with Down Syndrome.

• • First teeth may arrive later. Children who have Down syndrome can get their first teeth anywhere from 12 to 24 months of age; they may not have a complete set of baby teeth until age 4 or 5. The eruption of front permanent teeth and 6-year-old permanent molars may also be delayed until 8-9 years of age—and it’s not unusual for any or all of these teeth to show up in a different order than anticipated.

• • Teeth and tongue attributes are different. People with Down syndrome have teeth that are smaller than usual—their tooth roots may even be shorter than those of the average population. Another marker of Down syndrome is a small upper jaw, which can cause a misaligned bite and mouths that do not comfortably accommodate their tongues.

• • Gum disease tends to be more prevalent in people that have Down syndrome. An impaired immune system is present in people who have Down syndrome, so their bodies do not have the natural protection against disease than is typical—so oral hygiene is very important.

Consistent dental care is important for every person, and your Portland dental team would love to help your little one with Down syndrome enjoy optimal oral health and wellness. Get in touch with Family Dental Health today to make an appointment!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Teens & Tobacco: Know the Risks

Today, Family Dental Health wants to give teens the bottom line about tobacco use: there is no such thing as a “safe” or “safer” tobacco product. Every tobacco product contains nicotine in varying amounts—and not only is nicotine addictive, but it can also harm the brain. (Many people don’t realize the brain continues developing until the mid-20s or even early-30s.)

• Cigarettes are usually made of tobacco and chemical additives in a paper casing. Inhaled smoke from a lit cigarette contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals; at least 70 of them are linked to cancer. Smoking cigarettes damages almost every organ of the body and leads to diseases like oral cancer and lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.
• The “vaping” of e-cigarettes has become increasingly popular in recent years. These devices heat liquid into an aerosol that is then inhaled by the user. Many believe this aerosol is innocuous, but it actually contains many chemicals that are unsafe to breathe. Most e-cigarettes also contain nicotine.
• Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned and includes chewing, oral and spitting tobacco, dip, chew, and snuff. Smokeless tobacco has high levels of toxic chemicals, and users are at high risk of oral cancer.

Oral cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers worldwide, and Family Dental Health wants all their young patients to enjoy long, healthy lives. Get in touch with us at Family Dental Health with any questions about tobacco use and oral health today.

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

What Are Maxillary Teeth?

The upper teeth formed along the maxillary jawbone are called “maxillary teeth” and include the top incisors, molars, premolars, and canines. Family Dental Health shares more information about maxillary teeth below.

Understanding the role of the upper teeth and caring for them properly is important in the fight against bacteria and infection in gum tissues and upper sinus cavities. Most maxillary teeth play specific roles in eating and digesting food, functioning as a set of silverware to break it down. 

Because maxillary teeth are so close to maxillary sinus cavities, it is easy to confuse a sinus infection with an infected tooth. If you visit Family Dental Health complaining of pain, they will determine which infection is present and either provide treatment or send you to your general physician.

If you have more questions about your child’s maxillary teeth—or ANY of their teeth—get in touch with Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Special Needs Dentistry: Everyone Deserves a Healthy Smile!

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines disability as a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” (Specific examples of major life activities addressed by the ADA include functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing and learning.) 

Disabilities may be congenital (present from birth) or develop later in life. If your child is living with a disability, you know how deeply important access to quality, compassionate medical care is, and that includes oral healthcare. At Family Dental Health, we want to help every person we treat develop and maintain a healthy, happy smile, and we believe being inclusive of children with special needs is an essential part of this mission. 

There is much to be considered when customizing care for individuals with special needs, from ramps, entryways, office furniture, space, and atmosphere, to the technology we use and the amount of time scheduled for appointments. Family Dental Health considers all of it and more to provide quality and compassionate care for kids with special needs. Tailored treatment plans may include sedation and anesthesia, which can really improve dental experiences for our patients with special needs as well as those with dental fears and phobias.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Family Dental Health with your questions, concerns, or comments, or just to schedule an appointment to come in and see us!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Why Are My Child’s Teeth Bumpy?

What are mamelons teeth?

If you’re a new parent, whether your babe’s teeth are just emerging or they’re starting to fall out, you might wonder, “What are those bumps on their front teeth?” 

Mamelons teeth appear in the front of the mouth (the incisors) both on top and bottom and are characterized by bumpy ridges. These ridges are completely natural and form as a result of enamel fusing together during the development process under the gums. 

Mamelons typically don’t last very long, as they’re quickly worn down with biting and chewing motions. If bite problems prevent mamelons from being worn down, your child may require orthodontics, or we can file them down for a smoother smile.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule a visit with your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case at Family Dental Health, contact us today to schedule a visit!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Can Children Have Gum Disease?

The smallest smiles in your family are as vulnerable to oral health issues as you are—likely even more so! Your oral hygiene regimen may already be thorough enough to keep your teeth free from cavities and your gums safe from gingivitis, but young ones typically need help brushing and flossing for years before their skills match yours. 

Family Dental Health wants to assist you on your mission to keep your child’s smile healthy, so we’re here to fill you in on what we see often, but want to help you and your little ones avoid.

Get in touch with us.

If you have any questions or you’d like to schedule a visit with Portland dentist, Dr. David Case to ensure your child’s smile is developing healthily, contact Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Oral Hygiene for Families on the Go

Today’s families seem to be busier than they were in the past—lots of homework, extracurricular activities, and hopefully, some quality time spent with the family. Here are a few ideas from Family Dental Health to make consistent oral hygiene a little more convenient:

• Brushing teeth in the shower:  as hard as it is to get your teenager out the door for school, this just may work—even though it probably won’t save water! And speaking of water…
• Water bottles everywhere: in backpacks, purses, and cars. Anything you or your child drinks that isn’t water—in other words, any liquid that tastes good—is either acidic or will turn into the acids that cause tooth decay. Teach kids to swish and spit with water after food and non-water beverages.
• Gum with xylitol for a treat: Xylitol has been shown to prevent cavities. Read those labels, you may be pleasantly surprised!
• Dental travel kits for the car: fill them with water, extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, healthy snacks, and reusable straws. (Why straws? They help sugar from coating kids’ teeth.)
• Interactive toothbrushes: fluoride toothpaste is a lot more fun if your toothbrush speaks like a favorite movie character, makes cool noises, or plays a song.

If you’re looking for a dentist that sees kids in the Portland area, make an appointment with Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Social Stories: Support for Kids with Autism

In this blog article, Dr. Case discusses Social Stories™ and how they help provide emotional support to autistic kids with the goal of improving their dental (and other) experiences.

A social story about going to the dentist follows specific criteria and story elements to reinforce a safe, detailed description of a dental visit in a way that is both meaningful and comfortable for children with autism or related challenges. This short story tool outlines the relevant social cues and common responses when visiting Family Dental Health for an appointment. The story also explains what happens in that situation and why those things occur.

The physical form social stories take can vary. Some are simple verbal messages that you’ll share with your child as you would any other story. Some are printed materials with or without drawings or photos, while others may be in video form. 

We’d love to help your child learn about their health and good oral hygiene habits. If you need a compassionate dentist in Portland, get in touch with Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Is My Child’s Oral Hygiene Routine Sufficient?

A child’s happy, healthy smile is a source of pride and joy for parents—and dentists, too! For this reason, you’ll likely spend a good deal of time helping them develop superb oral hygiene routines to ensure they keep their teeth for life. 

When you’re just getting started, you may have a lot of questions. We recommend bringing your baby into the Dr. Case at Family Dental Health as soon as their first tooth emerges, and we can show you how to care for their smiles as they grow and change including brushing and flossing techniques, fluoride, and more.

Looking for more guidance?

If you have any questions or you’d like to schedule a visit for your little one to see Portland dentist, Dr. Case at Family Dental Health, contact us at Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.