Effects of Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a common habit in children under three, but it can have serious consequences as the child’s mouth continues to develop. At Kidz Connextion Dental Care, we advise that children should learn to stop sucking their thumbs before their permanent teeth start coming in, as malocclusions, jaw misalignment, and changes to the shape of the roof of the mouth could all occur if they continue.

There is a difference between thumb sucking and simply holding the thumb in the mouth; while the latter may not be good for a child’s social life, it isn’t nearly as damaging to their health. Using a pacifier, however, will cause the same changes in skull shape, and even after the child stops sucking on something, they may continue to thrust their tongue forward, which can also cause misalignment.

Often, thumb sucking is motivated by anxiety, and offering a child some kind of reassurance or alternative means of gaining comfort may be necessary. There are also devices which can be used to discourage thumb sucking if it is becoming a serious problem. If your child is old enough to understand why their dentist is concerned, they may be able to actively participate in finding a solution.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at KidzConnextion.com.

 

Panorex

At Kidz Connextion DentalCare, our patients’ youth is no reason to skimp on the latest technology. Our equipment not only improves our ability to monitor our patients’ health, it is also designed with the patient’s comfort in mind. One of the primary examples of this is our Panorex digital x-ray machine.

Traditional photographic x-rays required patients to hold film inside their mouths while a series of photographs was taken. This was uncomfortable, time-consuming, and produced images which needed to be scanned before we could use our dental imaging software. The Panorex eliminates these problems. Patients simply have to bite with their front teeth on a bite blocker while resting their chin on a ledge, and the machine’s panels will rotate around their head. The process takes less than twenty seconds but produces a 360⁰ view of their mouth.

Patients will still need to remove any metal objects from their person and wear a protective covering, but Panorex machines produce far less radiation than photographic x-rays. The images allow us to better monitor the eruption of children’s wisdom and canine teeth so we’ll know if orthodontics or extractions will be necessary.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at KidzConnextion.com.

Fluoride and Tooth Decay

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Here at Kidz Connextion, our doctors can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if your child is an eligible candidate.

When fluoride reaches the teeth, it is absorbed into the enamel. Fluoride helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus to keep your teeth hard through a process called remineralization. When fluoride is present during this process, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. The results are stronger tooth enamel and a cavity-free grin.

If you have questions about fluoride treatment, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Importance of Oral Health

Parents have a key role in helping their children to develop a proper oral hygiene routine. After all, children are very sensitive to social stimuli and learn best by imitating their parents. At Kidz Connextion, we take pride in helping your child maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and we encourage you to help them utilize these four steps to encourage good oral health.

1. See the dentist regularly -- Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent problems or to stop small problems from getting worse.


2. Keep your child’s mouth clean - Brush his or her teeth and tongue at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease (gum disease).


3. Eat, drink, but be wary - Healthy food such as fruits and veggies are good for your child’s general health and oral health. The nutrients that come from healthy foods help to fight cavities and gum disease.


4. Check your child’s mouth regularly – Look for warning signs of periodontal disease such as red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums.

If you are concerned about the oral health of your child, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Dental Emergencies

Dr. John Graneto of Kidz Connextion understands that accidents happen and being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If your child experiences some sort of trauma to the mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If your child experiences a dental emergency, contact us immediately. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.