Many children are scared or apprehensive about visiting the dentist. Some dentistry anxiety cases may be mild, but others are more extreme and need attention. So, how can we help ease the fears of a child who is scared of going to the dentist? 

Managing Your Child’s Dentistry Anxiety

There are quite a few simple tips that can help calm a child’s fears about the dentist. Here are six tips to help manage and keep anxiety at bay when it is time for your child’s next dental visit.

Tip #1- Early Visits

Take your child to the dentist starting at a young age! In fact, it is recommended that the child’s first dental visit should occur no later than their first birthday or even as early as their first tooth appearing. This helps to get the child familiar with the dentist from an early age and helps them to be more comfortable. 

Tip #2- Storybooks

Dental storybooks are a great way to help calm dental fears. These books feature relatable characters, colorful illustrations, and simple language, as well as showcase a positive dental experience for the characters in the book. Here are some of our favorite dental storybooks: 

• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
• Curious George Visits the Dentist by H. A. Rey
• Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer

Tip #3- Play Dentist

Play dentist at home with your child. Let your child pretend to be the dentist and “clean” your teeth. Then, switch roles and have your child pretend to be the patient. This is great practice for them as they near a dental visit. 

Tip #4- Answer their Questions

Communication is key for a child who struggles with dental anxiety! Don’t tell them about their dentist appointment last minute because that can make their anxiety worse. Instead, give them a heads up and give them plenty of time to mentally prepare. In addition, answer the questions they have in a simple manner. 

Tip #5- Lead by Example

Set a good example of oral hygiene for your child. Show them good brushing and flossing habits, and remind them that dentists are just doctors that take care of their teeth. Most importantly, keep in mind that a lot of dental anxiety is learned and developed from parents, so practicing good dental habits and regularly visiting the dentist is key.

Tip #6- Choose a Family Dentistry

Last but not least, choose a family dentist! Family dentists have experience with anxious children and have ways to alleviate the anxiety. Tim Loughran Dentistry here in Herrin is a Southern Illinois family dentistry that takes careful measures to make visits as simple and easy as possible for young children.

Choose Tim Loughran Dentistry

So, if you are looking for a Southern Illinois family dentistry for you and your family, contact Tim Loughran Dentistry today! Our team would be more than happy to help you make an appointment and answer your questions.

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While a common response from many children’s dentists is, “it depends” there are many conclusions that can be drawn from experience to give our patients a good idea on deciding what age would be best. 

Early children’s dentist intervention 

It is always recommended by dentists that a child be evaluated for braces by the age of 7. Keep in mind that this does not mean the child should get braces that early, just evaluated for them. If you are using a children’s dentist professional you will get a very good idea of what your child’s future orthodontic care will look like. 

By the age of seven, much of a child’s baby teeth should have or be coming out. This allows a skilled children’s dentist to make a decently accurate assessment of how the adult teeth will be aligned and if braces will be needed in the future. The only reason a dentist should apply some sort of brace or other tooth aligner is if the child’s teeth alignment issue is severe to the point where it impacts speech, the consumption of food, or other vital aspects of their life. 

A child can get braces at this early age if they have a condition the children’s dentist sees as a reasonable cause for them. These conditions consist of crossbites and crowding. Treating these early can be very beneficial for the child to avoid permanent issues. 

Keep in mind that braces require a lot of care, so be prepared to assist your younger child with caring for them, if they require braces this early in life. 

Common Children’s Dentist Treatment Age: years 10 – 14

The most common ages to receive braces are between age 10 to 14. This is usually the time when baby teeth have been completely replaced with adult teeth, and the jaw has grown strong enough to handle typical long-term orthodontic care. 

Usually, a children’s dentist will offer many different forms of braces. These come in the form of metal brackets, ceramics, and invisible options. While much of the stigma surrounding braces have been eliminated, make sure to speak with your child about the changes in their appearance before getting braces. 

As a teenager, your child should be at an age where they can reasonably care for their braces without assistance. When getting braces at this age, most children’s dentist prescribed braces for one-half to two years. Once the braces are removed, expect to wear a retainer for a period of time afterward to ensure the teeth stay aligned after treatment. 

Late Treatment: ages 14+ 

While you may not be using a children’s dentist at this point, it is never too late for braces. There are many reasons to not get braces as a child, and luckily there are many ways to get them as an adult. 

Teeth do stop growing after adolescence, just like any other bone would. However, just because they are not changing constantly, this does not mean they cannot be corrected. When getting braces as an adult, expect to alter different aspects of your daily schedule. Ask your dentist for specifics, but typically, expect changes to your diet, your morning, and nightly schedule. Just keep in mind that these minor inconveniences will all be worth it as you will have long-term success when it comes to your dental care. 

Braces done Right With Tim Loughran

We hope you now have a better understanding of what the best age to get braces is. If you want a more specific and accurate answer do not hesitate to ask a dental professional. Tim Loughran Dentistry is here to help you with all of your children’s dentist and family dentistry needs. We love to hear from patients and would be happy to get you the dental care you need. Contact us today or find us on Facebook!

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How Does Sugar Contribute to Tooth Decay?

Nowadays, many drinks that are marketed to consumers as “healthy” are lining the shelves of our supermarkets. But, in reality, these drinks are full of sugar. However, while sugar is a part of the issue where tooth decay is concerned, a big factor that contributes to the damage of the enamel is acid. 

The acid that contributes to the breakdown of tooth enamel is formed when a child’s mouth begins to use sugar as a source of food to turn into energy. Bacteria in the mouth is what starts the breakdown of the food and releases acids. These acids then, in turn, start to harm the enamel and even remove minerals from the teeth. What happens next is no fun- tooth decay, cavities, toothaches, rot, and more!

How Can I Help Prevent My Toddler from Experiencing Tooth Decay?

One of the most common answers that you will get from a pediatric dentist is to avoid giving your toddler sugary drinks. This does not mean that an occasional soda or juice is bad, but it is best to choose options that are low in sugar for everyday consumption. 

Water is a highly recommended option because it helps to wash away bacteria in the mouth. And, in addition, water also hydrates the tongue, assisting in the production of saliva. If your toddler does not like plain water, try adding fruit! This is a simple, healthy way to give water a delicious flavor while avoiding the harmful sugars found in soda or juice.

Another beverage with great health benefits for children is milk. Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which contribute to building healthier, stronger bones and teeth. However, it is important to try and avoid milk with added sugars and flavors such as chocolate milk. 

What Should I Do After My Toddler Has Consumed A Sugary Beverage?

Brushing your child’s teeth after they drink soda or juice is a great step to take in order to prevent harmful tooth decay. Brushing their teeth helps to get rid of the bacteria that leads to the acids that break down the enamel. However, it is important that certain steps are followed when brushing teeth after drinking a sugary beverage. It is important to wait 30-60 minutes after consumption to brush your teeth because of the sensitive state that teeth are in immediately after sugar is consumed. Instead of brushing immediately after and spreading bacteria around, rinse your mouth out with water. Then, brush your teeth once the 30-60 minutes are over. 

Tips from a Pediatric Dentist for Avoiding Tooth Decay for Your Toddler

There are other ways to prevent sugary drink-related tooth decay in your toddler. Encouraging good dental hygiene practices or avoiding sugary drinks are the top ways, but there are other options. 

• Moderation: A soda or juice every once in a while is ok, but no more than one sugary beverage per day should be consumed
• Dilution: Dilute sugary juice drinks with water to reduce the amount of sugar
• Straws: Have your toddler drink through a straw. This reduces the amount of contact that sugars and acids will have with the teeth.
• Bedtime: Avoid giving soda or juice to your toddler before bedtime.
• Dental Cleanings: Schedule regular dental appointments with your child’s pediatric dentist 

Tim Loughran Dentistry

Tim Loughran Dentistry in Herrin, Illinois loves our pediatric patients. Schedule your child’s appointment today, or contact us with questions or for more information.

The post How Do Sugary Drinks Affect my Toddler’s Teeth? appeared first on Tim Loughran Dentistry.

When a front tooth breaks we immediately ask the age of the child. Younger children with baby teeth often have a tooth chip or loosen, while older children fracture teeth and sometimes, unfortunately, knock them out. A chipped tooth, whether big or small, should be taken care of as soon as possible. 

What do I do if my child breaks or chips a tooth?

If your child is older than six years and you are certain an adult tooth is involved for the chipped tooth, try to locate the broken piece and keep it moist, then ask your emergency dentist if the piece can be re-attached. Several times over the years we have been able to re-attach corners of broken front teeth.

What do I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

Locate the lost tooth and quickly rinse the tooth clean and keep it wet or moist. The best liquid is milk, and the next best is water or salted water, in a small container, bag, or paper towel. Immediately phone an emergency dentist for further instructions. We have successfully replanted a knocked-out front tooth

When a child has a chipped tooth or a tooth knocked out, their comfort is everyone’s concern, but sometimes the dental appearance is also important. Tim Loughran Dentistry can be your emergency dentist when a child’s tooth is involved, and we do the cosmetic dentistry to help everyone smile again.

Call today ! (618) 988-8130 , schedule an appointment, or find us on Facebook.

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