Tongue Scraper

A tongue scraper may sound like a torture device, but it’s actually a very effective oral hygiene tool. To assist with preventing bad breath, a tongue scraper can be used after you finish brushing and flossing and it will take excess bacteria off the tongue and out of the mouth. Tongue scrapers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and our doctor at Kidz Connextion is here to explain how they work.

If you’ve ever stuck your tongue out in a mirror and noticed a white coating on top, this is a combination of plaque, leftover food, and bacteria. To clean your tongue using this tool, place it at the back of the tongue, pulling the scraper forward. You may choose to clean your tongue with a toothbrush, but a tongue scraper is just slightly more effective in removing this layer of biofilm. Investing in a tongue scraper is not necessary, but it can help you reach the next level of clean when it comes to your oral hygiene routine.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, 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.

Intraoral Cameras

At Kidz Connextion, we take pride in using the best technology available to our patients.  The intraoral camera is an exciting tool that allows the mouth to be seen from previously impossible angles. This technology has proven very helpful in capturing images needed for procedure approval from insurance companies, but it will also change the typical dental office visit.

The tiny camera’s view is projected onto a monitor, making the same angle of the mouth visible to both doctor and patient at once. These views can help patients who don’t know a premolar from an incisor describe any problem area more accurately.  This can be especially helpful for kids just learning about their teeth and how to care for them.  Providing more details can also help any patient better understand and follow their dentists’ plan of care for their mouth.

If you have questions about the technology we use or services we provide, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Teeth and Pacifiers

Parents often struggle with weaning their child off a pacifier.  Infants are soothed to a sense of security by pacifiers, and when the time comes it is one of the hardest habits to break.  It can require a great deal of persuasion, but because of the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth children should stop using pacifiers by the age of two.  At Kidz Connextion, we always welcome new patients, especially those who have yet to wean off of the pacifier.

Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth, and create problems with tooth alignment.  Narrowing of the roof of the mouth and misalignment of the jaws can also occur.  Using a pacifier too long can also lead to a variety of complications including tilting in of the bottom teeth, and slanting in of the top and front teeth. Until the age of two, any alignment problem with the teeth or developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped.  We can help and support parents having any trouble weaning their child off a pacifier before that age.

If you have questions about pacifiers and teeth development, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Losing the First Tooth

When your kid is turning into a big kid, losing the first baby tooth is on the horizon.  It’s an exciting sign of growing up, but many kids still feel anxious or uncomfortable dealing with the unfamiliar sensation of a loose tooth.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care wants kids and parents to be prepared and understand why this pain occurs so your child can still have a positive tooth loss experience.

Before a baby tooth is lost, it begins to break free of its nerve endings.  This is the natural process that makes the tooth feel loose and wobbly at the gums, and the area will become swollen and red.  It can be painful, and for kids a great way to soothe tooth pain is applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth in the affected area.  Children may complain that they find it hard to bite or chew with loose or missing teeth.  It’s still important to keep eating healthy while they grow new teeth so encourage soup, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables.  A few tales of the tooth fairy can usually ease a little pain, too!

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Kidz Connextion, our staff appreciates feedback from parents and patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank our anonymous patient for this positive review, but we would like to thank them for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“My son loved it here the staff is really friendly and the place is super kid friendly really put him at ease. I will be recommending to all my friends and family.” –Levip, Youngtown

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Fillings

Dentists at Kidz Connextion have experience filling cavities for patients of all ages.  Fillings are a great way to preserve teeth that have experienced some decay or are chipped or cracked.  Getting a cavity filled is a standard and non-invasive procedure that is typically completed in a short appointment with local anesthetic.  The area is numbed before a dentist removes any decay from the affected tooth.  The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the filling material.

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals that bond together to create a hard, strong filling for a compromised tooth.  Amalgam fillings don’t blend in with natural teeth, but they are a durable option and some patients choose to use metal fillings on their back teeth.  Composite fillings are more aesthetically matched to the look  natural teeth.  These fillings are typically used on front teeth and surface cavities.  Once the material is placed, it is trimmed and polished to blend right into a patient’s natural smile. If you or anyone in your family is in need of a filling, please contact us.

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

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and though it is reversible, this doesn’t mean that we encourage you to neglect your teeth. Gingivitis causes gums to be swollen, inflamed, and tender to touch. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis and lead to tooth loss. To prevent gingivitis, you should visit our doctors at Kidz Connextion at least twice a year for professional cleanings.

Gingivitis is an infection that occurs when harmful bacteria invade the soft tissues and bone adjacent to teeth. The warm, moist environment is a breeding ground for these bacteria. To get rid of them, you’ll need to practice proper oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least twice a day in addition to visiting us for dental exams.

If you have questions or concerns regarding gum disease, 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.

Prevent Cavities

No one wants to hear that they have a cavity when they go to the dentist’s office. This is because cavities are a sign of tooth decay, and are holes in the teeth that can grow deeper over time. Cavities don’t always cause pain, but once they develop, they will need to be filled. Our doctors at Kidz Connextion are here to offer different ways to prevent cavities.  

Cavities are caused by plaque that sticks to the teeth and isn’t adequately removed. To prevent them, all you need to do is simply keep your mouth as clean as possible. We recommend carrying a portable toothbrush with you so that you can brush your teeth anywhere and anytime. Additionally, use American Dental Association (ADA) approved mouthwash to keep plaque from sticking. It’s important to know that cavities aren’t just prevented by proper oral hygiene; you’ll need to reduce your sugar intake because sugar attacks enamel and causes cavities.  

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, 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.

How Parents Can Ease Children's Dental Anxiety

Ideally, children will get their first dental check-up when they are too young to remember it and continue to have regular appointments throughout their lives. But that doesn’t mean they won’t develop anxiety about seeing the dentist. At Kidz Connextion, our staff is trained to soothe children, but there are things parents can do to manage their kids’ expectations before the visit.

It’s helpful for parents to say that the dentist and hygienists are friends who will clean the child’s teeth and make sure they’re healthy. Parents should avoid implying the visit will be painful by telling the child to be brave or that they’ll get a reward for not being scared. We work to accommodate children, including those with special needs, by explaining to them the procedure and the tools we use in terms they can understand. However, it is not necessary to talk about procedures which the child may not actually need, such as fillings.

Often, when children are scared of the dentist, it is because they are picking up on anxiety from their parents. If one parent has more of an issue with dentists, it is better for the other to take the child in for the visit. The best thing to do is focus on the positives of getting a professional cleaning: a shiny smile and a strong bite.

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

 

Fluoride Facts

Known as nature’s natural cavity fighter, fluoride is beneficial for children and adults. Fluoride is an element that is naturally found in most water sources such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. The best way to absorb fluoride is by drinking tap water. It can also be delivered through fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. Allow our doctors at Kidz Connextion to educate you on some fluoride facts.

Children and adults who are at low risk of dental decay can help themselves stay cavity-free by frequently exposing themselves to small amounts of fluoride. An easy way to do this is by brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Fluoride works by putting an end to the tooth decay process and keeps enamel strong and solid.  

If you have questions or concerns about fluoride, 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.

Sugar and Teeth

Our doctors at Kidz Connextion know that kids love sugar. In fact, they love it so much, that they often develop cavities before the age of 10. As much as we love to see our pediatric patients, we want them to keep their smile as healthy as possible. Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, and we want to take the time to explain the effect is has on teeth.

Vending machines and grocery stores are filled with sugar-laden foods, but our doctors encourage you to take frequent strolls down the water aisle instead. Sugary beverages create acids that destroy tooth enamel and these can lead to cavities if a patient isn’t careful. According to the USDA, sugar should make up no more than 10% of your daily calories. If the sugar habit is hard to break, try diluting apple juice or soda with water.

If you have questions or concerns about nutrition and oral health, 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.

Pain around Fillings

Fillings prevent the bacteria that cause tooth decay from hiding in cavities, which means the child hopefully won’t continue to experience tooth aches after receiving treatment. However, the area around the filling is often sensitive for a few hours after its placement. This isn’t normally a cause for concern, but if the pain persists, a visit to Kidz Connextion Dental Care may be necessary.

A filling should not prevent a child from biting down completely. If it is doing so, or a patient has to put themselves in a great deal of pain to bite with force, the filling probably needs to be removed and replaced with one that is shaped to better fit the tooth. (This problem occurs more often with some materials which shrink after they’ve been placed.)

If a patient’s toothache continues days after the placement of the filling, it may be that the tooth pulp became infected from the decay. Our advanced imaging technology can determine whether this has happened. But even if there was nothing wrong with the placement of the filling or the pulp of the tooth, it is possible for the seal holding the filling in place to develop a crack. If that happens, bacteria could enter the crack and begin causing decay, and the tooth would need to be re-treated.

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

 

Back to School Check-Up

We recommend that children get dental examinations twice a year, and there’s hardly a better time than when kids are going back to school. Tooth decay is very common in children; the Center for Disease Control estimates that 13% of teenagers and 20% of preteens are currently suffering from tooth decay. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 21% of preteens have experienced a cavity in a permanent tooth and 42% of preteens have had a cavity in a baby tooth. These statistics tend to be worse for children who don’t get to the dentist regularly.

Dental problems only get worse if left alone. Decay could progress to the point where a crown would need to be replaced, or the child would have to undergo a root canal in order to prevent an abscess from developing. Even if the decay is stopped before necessitating a major procedure during the middle of the school year, the pain from it can cause children to be distracted from their studies and to sleep poorly and be irritable. Dental examinations provide an opportunity to treat children with sealants, further protecting them from decay, and to assess whether the child will need orthodontics soon.

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

 

Flossing

At Kidz Connextion, it is our goal to establish healthy oral hygiene habits and to see them carried out throughout your children’s lives!  Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to help your kids floss effectively:

• ·        A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.


• ·        The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• ·        Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• ·        As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

Join your children in their flossing routine to observe if they are flossing correctly and establish the healthy habit. We are committed to setting up children for a lifetime of great oral health. Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

First Dental Visit

Parents are always asking our dentists at Kidz Connextion “When should my child first see a dentist?”  The correct answer is a child should have their first dental visit by their first birthday.  Usually, the first dental visit is short and involves very little treatment, but it is important to get your child on track for a lifetime of great oral health!

On your child’s first dental visit, we want to assess the child’s oral health and observe any unique needs they may have.  We encourage you to ask questions and voice any concerns about your child’s tooth development, teething, or thumb sucking.  We also want your child’s first dental visit to be as smooth and comfortable as possible, and make sure a dental visit is seen as a positive thing.  Many dental problems can be prevented or more easily treated in the early stages, and we hope to establish a relationship that will help keep mouths healthy from childhood into adulthood!

If you have a child due for their first dental appointment, don’t wait any longer and give us a call.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Toothbrush Abrasion

At Kidz Connextion, our doctors make it a goal to get your child excited about his or her oral hygiene routine, after all, brushing on a daily basis is critical for pediatric pearly whites. It’s important to observe how your child brushes his or her teeth because you don’t want them to brush too hard. Brushing too hard can not only cause damage to their toothbrush but their teeth and gums as well.

It’s important to understand that your child doesn’t need to brush with all of their might to maintain a healthy smile. What’s vital is brushing your teeth, period. Brushing too hard will lead to tooth sensitivity and will cause the gums to recede resulting in damage that isn’t reversible. Our doctors recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush when practicing proper oral hygiene. Aim for brushing for two minutes at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric oral care, 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.

Oral Piercings and Teeth

At Kidz Connextion, we understand that our teenage patients may have a little rebellion in them. Perhaps they’ve been toying with the idea of getting an oral piercing. We encourage patients to express their individuality to its fullest potential, especially when it comes to their smile, but we can’t help but warn them of the dental drawbacks that oral piercings may cause.

When deciding to pierce the tongue, lips, or cheeks, it can hinder your ability to chew, speak, and swallow. The mouth contains millions of bacteria, and often, infection and swelling occur with mouth piercings. If the body rejects a piercing, or if aftercare instructions aren’t obeyed, infection, pain, and swelling can quickly become life threatening if not properly attended to. Additionally, these piercings may cause damage to teeth because playing with a piercing can crack a tooth if you are not careful. If you choose to go through with an oral piercing, keep the piercing site as clean as possible. Contact us immediately if you experience any sign of infection.

If you have questions or concerns about oral piercings and dental health, 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.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

As is the case with adults, there are many reasons why children suffer tooth sensitivity. At Kidz Connextion, we strive to help our patients get to the bottom of whatever is bothering them. Usually, the problem is a cavity, but there are some other reasons why a child might particularly be bothered by hot or cold.

People of all ages are advised to use soft-bristled toothbrushes. Brushing too hard or with too hard a brush can actually harm the gums, causing them to recede and the sensitive tooth roots to be exposed. It is also possible for fillings from previous cavities to come loose, which is painful and leaves teeth vulnerable to discomfort from cold. Teeth should also be examined in case they have developed cracks, as often happens in children with autism or ADHD who develop habits of grinding their teeth, in addition to being hypersensitive.

However, sensitivity does not always mean there is a major dental problem. It is normal for teeth that are newly erupted to take some time to get used to different sensations. Baby teeth also tend to be sensitive when they’re about to fall out naturally. Tooth sensitivity could also result from a sinus infection or allergy.

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

 

Lip Sucking

Lip sucking and biting are some common childhood habits which can negatively affect the teeth as well as the soft tissue. For the purpose of this blog post, we’ll just focus on lip sucking as a habit instead of the biting some children do while numb, but we can advise parents about either problem.

As is the case with tongue thrusting and thumb sucking, sucking on the bottom lip can cause children to develop an overbite. However, it can also be done in response to discomfort from an existing overbite or as a habit that developed following prolonged stress. Lip sucking also tends to cause the lip to become chapped and swollen. If done for a long time, it can cause nerve damage and push the lower incisors backward.

Children who habitually suck their lips can usually be observed doing so, but it’s still worth-while to eliminate other reasons for their lips to be swollen, such as allergies. Usually, drawing the child’s attention to the habit and encouragement to break it is all that is needed, but sometimes a speech specialist needs to be consulted. An orthodontic device called a lip bumper can be used when the front teeth need more room to move back into position.

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

 

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores and ulcers are a common source of irritation, but they usually clear up on their own. However, parents may still want their kids to get checked out by a dentist to determine the exact nature of the infection and to learn how to provide pain relief in a safe manner.

Mouth ulcers are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is extremely common (90% of people have it). Children may get it through kissing or by sharing utensils, cups, or toys other people have had in their mouths. Nobody knows what causes cankers, but they are not contagious. However, recurring cankers may give cause to investigate if the child is suffering from allergies or a nutritional problem.

In any case, as long as the ulcer lasts, the child should brush their teeth gently and avoid food that is acidic (including tomato sauce), spicy, or salty. Many children prefer cool, easy to swallow foods, such as yogurt, when they are experiencing mouth pain. Our dentists can prescribe topical medicines if over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t doing the trick and instruct parents on how to use cotton swabs to apply them. Non-alcoholic mouthwashes can also help keep a child’s mouth clean without further irritating the sore.

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

 

Bad Breath

When children have bad breath, it’s usually because their oral hygiene needs more attention. However, there are some other possible reasons parents should be aware of, most of which we can help determine and treat at Kidz Connextion.

Maintaining good oral hygiene includes brushing the tongue. It’s easy for bacteria to accumulate on it and contribute to bad breath. But another important component of oral hygiene is saliva production. Saliva washes away bacteria and food particles, and when it’s disrupted or the child’s mouth dries out, bacteria will be able to spread much more easily. Mouth breathing and not staying hydrated during exercise obviously cause dry mouth, but so do some medications, including ones used for anxiety and ADHD. There are also medications that cause bad breath directly.

If a cavity has developed, the smell of decay could cause bad breath, but that’s true of any kind of infection. Mouth sores and sinus infections are other potential culprits. Tonsils, too, are frequently traps for decaying material and can become inflamed. Young children also sometimes push things up their noses, which can cause nasal drip and create a bad smell.

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

 

Sippy Cups and Teeth

Sippy cups, also known as training cups, are necessary for toddlers and young children. What parents may not realize, is that there is a way to misuse them. At Kidz Connextion, our doctors strive to maintain your child’s smile regardless of age, and the primary goal is to protect them from tooth decay. It’s important to know that when purchasing a “no-spill” cup for your child, that you put the right beverages inside it to protect their pearly whites.

While parents may desire to keep this training cup with their child for a long period of time, it’s ideal for young children to use them when transitioning from a baby bottle to a regular cup. During this time period, be sure to limit sugary beverages to your child, as these sweet drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay. If it’s hard to break the sippy cup habit, be sure to fill it with water in between mealtimes. If your child fights you on this, it doesn’t hurt to add a little water to their lemonade or other sweet drink to dilute the sugars. Doing so gives them a better chance of transitioning to a regular cup with a healthy smile.  

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, 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.

Pediatric Dental Anxiety

Parents, if your child is eager to visit our Kidz Connextion office for their dental checkup, consider yourself lucky. Dental anxiety is common in pediatric patients because they either don’t know what to expect or know what to expect and this instills fear in their heads. Fortunately, our doctors are trained to make our pediatric patients feel as calm as possible in the dental chair, and we’d like to offer tips to help you do the same.  

The primary technique that parents can use to help their child remain calm is to practice positive reinforcement. Most children don’t know how to sit or behave in the dental chair, so let them know how well they are doing during the length of treatment. A simple “good job” goes a long way and can help your child understand that things are going to be okay. Of course, there are always technological distractions to help your child sit still. However, there is always the chance that things could get a little out of control, so if you’d like to discuss sedation dentistry for your child, we are eager to answer all of your questions.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dental anxiety, 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.

Children Snacks That Cause Tooth Decay

As a parent, it can be difficult to balance your schedule with your child’s, which is why it can be easier to give them junk food rather than a healthier alternative. Foods high in sugar are a common cause of tooth decay which is why our doctors at Kidz Connextion recommend choosing a nutritious snack such as cheese, raw vegetables, or fruit. Meanwhile, we’d like to point out which foods your child should stay away from to keep their teeth cavity-free.

Many different types of food can cause tooth decay, but the three common types that children usually indulge in are starchy snacks, sugary fruit juice, and fruit packed in syrup. Starchy snacks like crackers, chips, and cookies can damage teeth and linger on enamel long after they are consumed. We aren’t saying that you should eliminate these treats from your child’s diet completely, but if they consume a starchy snack, be sure that they wash it down with water. Additionally, limit the number of sugary beverages your child consumes by diluting the juice with water to reduce the sugar concentration. You can help your child keep their tooth enamel strong by giving them dairy products that include calcium and by encouraging them to brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.

If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, 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.

Drink More Water and Protect Your Teeth

It’s not always easy to stay hydrated as an adult, so how are you supposed to tell your kids to drink more water? Our doctors at Kidz Connextion are here to provide assistance. Drinking juice or soda may help your child wash down his or her dinner, but these beverages can leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  It’s important that they drink water with fluoride, also known as nature’s cavity fighter, to help prevent cavities.

The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it from a young age. Water cleans your mouth with every sip by diluting these acids and washing away leftover food and residue that causes cavities. Children should drink at least eight glasses of water in 8oz glasses per day. If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, we can offer tips that might help them drink more.

If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, 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.

Dental Visit for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Kidz Connextion exists to provide children with comfortable dental care, and that’s especially important for children with autism spectrum disorders. Though every child has unique needs, there are some steps we commonly take in hopes of making their exams more pleasant and productive.

As a clinic, the dental office is brightly lit and full of smells most children aren’t used to. It is helpful for the child to take a tour of the office first and have the examination on a different day. This will give them a chance to become familiar with new sensory input as well as dental vocabulary and our staff.

It is often the case during the exam that children benefit from seeing an older sibling or friend go first, and autistic children are no different. But they may be more curious or anxious about the instruments and benefit from detailed verbal descriptions of what is about to happen and how long it will take.

We maintain evening hours to provide as much flexibility as possible for all our patients, and this is especially helpful for arranging the tours and doing the exam when there won’t be a lot of other people around. When necessary for the child’s safety and with permission from the parents, we can use nitrous oxide sedation. Autistic children are at risk for developing habits such as tooth grinding and tongue thrusting, so it is important that they visit a dental office that anticipates how to get them to respond positively.

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

 

Dry Sockets

When we extract teeth at Kidz Connextion, it is very important to us that our patients and their parents understand what to do at home following the operation. Though it is rare, one of the biggest risks following an extraction is a dry socket, so we want families to be able to recognize it as well as prevent it.

It is crucial after a tooth is extracted for a blood clot to be allowed to form over the socket and remain in place. Certain behaviors, such as smoking and taking birth control, are known to prevent blood from clotting properly. We especially emphasize to kids that they should avoid drinking through straws. The suction can pull clots loose, exposing the socket and leaving it vulnerable to drying out and becoming infected. Unfortunately, even if a patient follows all the instructions, there is a chance of a dry socket developing. This is particularly true if the extraction was complicated enough to require sutures.

Dry sockets are painful. If a person is in severe pain a few days after the operation or the bleeding hasn’t stopped, they need an emergency appointment. The socket will be cleaned with a vacuum and a dentist will dress the surgical wound in medicated paste or gauze. The patient may also need painkillers and antibiotics and to come back every few days to have the dressings replaced, but that is usually all the harm a dry socket does.

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

 

CareCredit Financial Services

Here at Kidz Connextion, we are pleased to offer our patients CareCredit, America’s leader in patient payment plans. CareCredit covers a variety of treatment options and lets you begin treatment immediately – then pay for it over time with low monthly payments that fit easily into your monthly budget.

CareCredit is the credit card exclusively used for healthcare services. With no up-front costs and no pre-payment penalties, CareCredit lets you pay-over-time and frees up cash and credit cards for other things you want or need. CareCredit offers low monthly payment plans for healthcare procedures not commonly covered by insurance, including dental treatments. Plus, you can use your card, again and again, to pay for additional treatment for yourself or family members in any CareCredit practice.

With the CareCredit healthcare credit card, you can benefit from preventive dentistry financing and procedures such as 6-month checkups, endodontics, periodontics, teeth cleaning, ceramic fillings, etc. as well as restorative and cosmetic dentistry financing procedures like lumineers, dental implants, tooth repair, dentures, and more.

To learn more about CareCredit 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.

Rotary Endodontics

Root canals are sometimes necessary to save a tooth and restore oral health. In the past, root canals were deemed “painful” or “scary”. But due to the technological advances of rotary endodontics, root canals are now usually nothing more than minor discomfort. This is why our doctors at Kidz Connextion have chosen to use rotary endodontics here in our Colorado Springs, CO dental practice.

There are several advantages to using rotary endodontics instead of the traditional manual file. The electric-powered tools are made of nickel titanium alloy, which is more flexible than the stainless steel used in manual files. This helps preserve the tooth root by going deep into the canal without stretching it. This means there is less discomfort to the patient during and after the procedure.

The rotary endodontic tools are also much quieter, so patients who in the past were concerned about the loud grinding noises or patients who have dental anxiety are put at ease with the quieter noise. It also allows for a faster process, which is another huge benefit to patients who do not enjoy being in the dental chair.

If you have questions about rotary endodontics, 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.

Crowns

Crowns are not as common in pediatric dentistry as with adult patients, but they are safe to use on children and can be a solution for patients of all ages.  Dental crowns protect teeth that are cracked, chipped, stained or so decayed that a simple filling will not restore the tooth enough to prevent future damage.  Crowns fit over the top of a tooth to protect it while blending in with the surrounding teeth. Crowns can also be used as a part of a dental bridge, which can replace a lost or missing tooth with an artificial one that is anchored on either side by crowns.

When a crown is needed, your dentist may need to recontour the existing tooth to ensure the crown will fit perfectly over it.  Crowns can be stainless steel or ceramic, and depending on the location of the tooth, your dentist may recommend one over the other. Once the crown is placed it should be cared for like your own tooth.

If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental crown, our dentists can determine if you are eligible candidates. Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventative measure used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel. Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth, and Kidz Connextion Dental Care can help you protect your child’s teeth with a sealant.

Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.

Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these molars much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay, and tooth enamel is protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years and can be reapplied of necessary

If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental sealant, our dentists can determine if you are eligible candidates and start preserving your teeth. Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

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.

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. Your child may not give much thought to cleaning his or her toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Kidz Connextion, we want you to encourage your child to know when to replace, clean, and store their toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, 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.

Safe Sedation with Nitrous Oxide

At Kidz Connextion, Dr. John Graneto safely uses nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” to control patient pain and anxiety during a procedure. It is not intended to put your child to sleep and he or she will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Graneto may have. Your child’s speech may be slightly slurred, and responses may be slower than usual, but in general, this practice is safe and should leave your child feeling relaxed and cooperative.

For people who avoid dentists like the plague, or for the restless child in the dental chair, sedation dentistry can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear. To administer nitrous oxide Dr. John Graneto will ask the patient to breathe normally through the nose, and within a few short minutes, he or she should start to feel the effects of nitrous oxide. It’s normal to feel light-headed or a tingling in the arms and legs. Ultimately, the goal is to feel calm and comfortable.

If you have questions about sedation dentistry or nitrous oxide, 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.

Why Your Child May Need a Space Maintainer

A space maintainer is an appliance that is custom-made by our doctors at Kidz Connextion in acrylic or metal material. It can be either removable or cemented in a child’s mouth. Its purpose is to keep the space open to allow the permanent tooth to erupt and come into place. Baby teeth are important to the development of the teeth, jaw bones and muscles and help to guide permanent teeth into position when baby teeth are lost.

Children may need space maintainers if they lose a tooth early or have a baby (primary) tooth extracted due to dental decay. If both of these issues are the case, it is important to know the benefits of using a space maintainer and how it can help support your child’s dental health. If the open space is not maintained, then teeth can shift into the open space and orthodontic treatment may be required. Once the space maintainer is made by the doctor, it may take the child a few days to get accustomed to wearing the appliance whether it is removable or fixed.

There are various types of space maintainers, and in some cases, more than one technique may be tried. With the proper treatment and home care, together we can maintain your child’s dental health. 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.

Intraoral Cameras

The Kidz Connextion Dental Care clinics in Phoenix feature the latest technology for diagnosing children’s dental problems and planning their treatment. Among them is the intraoral camera. Promoted as improving patient compliance in adults, the intraoral camera is not only an advanced tool for observation, in a pediatric clinic it allows parents to participate more fully in making medical decisions for their child.

Intraoral cameras are long, thin, handheld devices which can be moved within a patient’s mouth to provide a full view. They come with their own LEDs, so the high-resolution images they produce are in real color, despite showing areas of the mouth which are nearly always dark. The images are transmitted to screens in our office, allowing doctors, patients, and caregivers to see the same thing, which makes dentist appointments more interesting for children and aids in communication between adults.

That the intraoral camera produces digital images also allows us to make use of the suite of software we have available for recording and predicting changes in children’s mouths. Other tools, such as x-rays, are still necessary for a full diagnostic, but the intraoral camera is one of the best tools yet developed for surface-level observation.

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

 

Electric Toothbrushes

At Kidz Connextion Dental Care, a lot of our educational efforts are devoted to the importance of twice daily brushing. However, it is undeniable that there are a lot of children who struggle with this. Recently, manufacturers of electric toothbrushes have ramped up their marketing to children, so we thought we’d provide an overview of the pros and cons.

Many of the new electric toothbrushes incorporate smartphone apps. While the ones aimed at adults tend to provide direct feedback on brushing technique, those aimed at children mostly offer encouragement or provide them with a game to play which is designed to ensure that they are brushing for the right length of time. Apps such as those made by Oral B and Kolibree can be adjusted by parents to provide children with rewards.

Electric toothbrushes are expensive and offer very little added benefit to people who brush properly for two full minutes during each session. But in people who for whatever reason don’t learn the right motions or can’t maintain them for a long time, electric toothbrushes bring a marked improvement in oral hygiene. They don’t require the patient to brush for nearly as long as normal toothbrushes do, and are more forgiving of a user with undeveloped or compromised manual dexterity.

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

Gum Chewing: Helpful or Harmful?

It’s no secret that kids love to chew gum, which is why our staff at Kidz Connextion, wants you to know it’s the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it’s helpful or harmful to your teeth. The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.

For most people, chewing sugar-free gum (especially gum sweetened with xylitol) can be a good preventive measure in situations when tooth brushing and flossing aren’t practical. It’s important to remember that sugar-free or not, chewing gum should never replace good dental hygiene practices. Next time you and your child are walking through the sweets aisle and he or she is begging for some chewing gum, look for the ADA Seal so you can be sure it’s sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.

If you have questions about dental health, 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.

Gum Disease Stages

If you want to keep your child’s teeth healthy for a lifetime, then you need to encourage a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, your child may already be headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our staff at Kidz Connextion twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, 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.