Blog

Is My Child’s Loose Tooth Causing Them Pain?

If you’re a parent or you’re lucky enough to work with infants and toddlers, you know that teething is not the most fun phase they’ll go through. Teeth having to push their way through gum tissue sounds rough, so it’s no surprise that as it happens, your little one will likely be sensitive and in need of more soothing than usual.

Because welcoming those small pearls can feel like an arduous ordeal, you might wonder if losing them is difficult or painful, so let’s talk about it! 

Most children experience the loosening and wiggling of a baby tooth around the age of 6 or 7, beginning with which tooth was first to arrive (usually one of the lower front teeth). Unless there’s a sign of infection, like redness or swelling of the gums around the tooth, the process of it becoming more wiggly shouldn’t hurt.

More About this Milestone

If you’d like more assurance, we can explain how loose teeth should be treated and how you can help your child through what might feel like a scary process at first. 

If you’ve got any questions or would like to schedule a visit for your little one, contact your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of 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.

How Do I Answer My Child’s Dental Questions?

Kids aren’t afraid to ask questions about everything under the sun; teeth are just one of the many mysteries they will ponder. At Family Dental Health, our pediatric patients come up with some of the most interesting questions we hear—and we hear questions all day! 

Most of the time, kids’ questions about teeth are fairly basic:

• Why do I have to floss?
• Do we have to brush our teeth every day?
• Why do we use toothpaste?
• Why do baby teeth fall out?

Sometimes questions are a little more interesting:

• Do wisdom teeth make you smart?
• Are teeth good for anything besides eating?

Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health, can help you out when it comes to dental questions. We want to give kids the right information so they understand the reasons for consistent oral hygiene, which we hope sets a foundation for their future good health.

If your little one’s dental question has you stumped, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Family Dental Health. 

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.

Does Your Child Suffer from Bruxism?

Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, a habit that children and adults can develop and maintain, often without being conscious of it—until symptoms hit. Those symptoms can include:

• Worn, sensitive teeth
• Headaches
• Earaches
• Facial and jaw pain
• Tinnitus

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, or you have yourself, you know they can interfere with their ability to learn and play. 

The cause of your child’s bruxism can be as complex as the resultant symptoms, but for a few common culprits, we can recommend tips for how to spot the habit and help your child find relief. 

Your Partners in Smile Protection

Bruxism is another reason for bringing your child to see your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health for regular checkups are important. With our thorough and gentle examinations, we can see whether their enamel is worn, evaluate how their jaw is functioning, and whether their bite could make it harder to break the habit.

Family Dental Health is here to help your little one’s smile grow healthily, so 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.

Sports Drinks & Energy Drinks: Proceed with Caution

Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health wants to make sure our patients know all about healthy hydration. Most people already know that soda and juice aren’t great for teeth, but now the American Academy of Pediatrics is cautioning parents and caregivers that sports and energy drinks have similar negative effects.

Sports drinks are intended to replace water and electrolytes lost while sweating from exercise. If a child participates in vigorous, prolonged physical activity, their ingredients may be helpful—but plain water is best during routine physical activity. Sports drinks can contribute to tooth decay and are high in calories. They are not intended for consumption at any time other than strenuous workouts.

Energy drinks are a different—and more harmful—type of beverage because they contain stimulants such as caffeine and taurine. Energy drinks are inappropriate for children or teens, as they can affect developing brains and cardiovascular systems. Water should be the primary source of hydration for kids.

If you want to know more about sports drinks or energy drinks, don’t hesitate to give Portland a call!

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.

Help! My Child is Terrified of the Dentist

If you’re the parent of a young child, you know their brains are similar to sponges that soak up everything around them—especially in their first five years, which neuroscientists say is when they’ll do the most learning and developing in their entire life. 

At this formative time, your child may amaze you with what they notice: your facial expressions, the different tones of your voice, and your habits. If your habits include regular dental visits and an excellent oral hygiene routine, they’ll notice and want to emulate you. 

If you happen to feel anxious about your dental visits, or you groan when you’ve got to floss and brush, they may synchronize and feel your dread. This could lead to dental fears that stick with them for years—potentially a lifetime!

Kids Can Be Courageous

If you’re feeling guilty right now, go ahead and put that away as it won’t serve you or your little one. Everyone has some room for improvement, and Family Dental Health is here to help show you and your child that visiting the dentist can be not just comfortable, but rewarding! 

We would love to help teach your children about dental care and how to make them feel safe and confident before dental visits. 

If you’ve got any questions after reading, or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your little one, contact your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of 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.

Don’t Drink That! Choosing Teeth-Friendly Beverages for Kids

Studies conducted in 2016 found that 43% of children ages two and up had cavities—that’s a decrease from 2012 study results that found cavities in 50% of children in the same age group. While that drop gives us hope, it means tooth decay still affects 43 out of 100 children two and up. 

We know parents don’t want their children to experience the pain of cavities, and neither do we! Family Dental Health is here to help teach you and your loved ones strong prevention methods, such as solid oral hygiene routines and how to maintain an enamel-friendly diet (beverages included). 

So, what should your kids drink and what should they avoid to keep their smile healthy and happy? Hint: avoid the sugary stuff like juice and soda! A good rule of thumb is that water should be what they drink most often. But that gets old, so you can also mix in milk (add some chocolate and they’ll be happy!), unsweetened iced green tea (a little honey can sweeten it up without doing as much damage), or healthy fruit smoothies. 

Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health, is happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Contact Family Dental Health today for more information or to schedule a visit for your child! 

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.

Take it Easy After Tooth Extraction

At Family Dental Health, we’re here to help you as you teach your little ones how to care for their growing and changing smiles. Sometimes our combined efforts will prevent them from needing dental treatment beyond cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, but other times we might recommend extraction to get them back on track for better oral health. 

We know that’s not what any parent wants to hear, but Dr. David Case will do everything in their power to make the process as comfortable as possible.

Homecare Instructions

Your child’s aftercare won’t look too different from what we’d recommend for you—no strenuous activity for at least 24 hours post-extraction, and you’ll want to have gauze on hand. 

If you have additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Family Dental Health. We hope your young one is back to smiling happily and healthily in no time!

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.

Signs Your Child May Have a Dental Problem

Examining your child’s mouth isn’t easy! Their bone structure is still developing, and they might have difficulty opening wide—if they don’t, you’ll probably need a flashlight and a dental mirror for examination. 

Your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health, is equipped with a comfortable dental chair for them to lean back in, an illuminating overhead light, intraoral cameras, and x-ray imaging that helps us get an accurate picture of the condition of their teeth, gums, jawbone, and tongue.

However, if your child is experiencing any dental issue, such as gum disease, a tongue tie, or tooth decay, there are telltale signs you’ll notice, such as your little one avoiding eating or drinking because of sensitive teeth.

Physical Cues

Young children may not be able to verbally express that they’re experiencing pain, but if they’re drooling, rubbing their faces, having trouble sleeping, or even acting out angrily, bringing them to Family Dental Health is a good idea. We can talk more with you about the most common dental symptoms that indicate trouble and explain potential causes.

If you’re concerned for any reason about your child’s dental health, don’t hesitate to contact Family Dental Health! We’re here to ensure your little one’s smile doesn’t cause them pain.

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.

Does My Child Have to Have a Shot to Get Dental Work?

No one of any age gets shots in their mouth for fun, and fear of needles (trypanophobia) is a documented condition. Children may fear shots because they seem so unfamiliar, with a fear of potential pain. Does your child have to have a shot to get dental work? It will depend on the procedure being done, and what Family Dental Health advises.

Pain relief methods that do not require a shot include:

• Topical anesthetic alone numbs the gums enough for most children to tolerate dental work.
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can relax a child but isn’t appropriate for all kids.
• Oral sedation may be effective pain relief for young children receiving extensive care.
• Laser therapies can eliminate the need for shots. 

Some other ways to calm a child who fears shots:

• Demonstrate a small pinch on their arm to show how a shot could feel, substituting words like “sleepy juice” and “tickling your teeth” that seem less scary. Don’t lie about pain— but avoid horror stories!
• Have the child meet the dentist at a separate appointment where no dental work is being done so they can meet the staff, ask questions, and get more comfortable with our office at Family Dental Health.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re happy to help! 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.

Questions to Ask at a Back-to-School Dental Visit

Some schools require a back-to-school dental visit, but even if yours doesn’t, right before school starts is a good time to schedule one of your child’s regular checkups. Family Dental Health can take care of any problems so your child won’t have to miss class after school starts, and if oral hygiene routines got a little lax over the summer, Family Dental Health can help get kids back on track.

Here are a few questions to ask at your child’s appointment:

• How is my child’s overall dental health?
• Will my child get a cleaning today? 
• Does my child need an x-ray?
• Do you recommend sealants?
• Can you check my child’s mouthguard?

These questions cover all the bases for general dental health and safety. A mouthguard will be checked for wear, tear, and fit in case a replacement will be needed, while sealants can help prevent cavities in permanent molars. A professional cleaning picks up where brushing and flossing leave off to give your child a nice bright smile to begin their school year.

If you need to schedule a dental checkup for your child at any time of year, give Family Dental Health a call 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.