4 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

According to the research platform, DentaVox, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. At Kids Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ we understand dental phobia is incredibly common. While this fear is attributed to a variety of reasons, we ensure every one of our patients a safe and comfortable experience throughout their dental exam. Here are four ways to combat dental phobia.

 

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to combat dental phobia is to give your dentist a heads-up. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before your dental examination. If you’re a parent of a child or teen anxious about visiting the dentist, take time out to chat about their apprehension, and let their dentist know as well. Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are happy to discuss any fears, answer questions and even give you a rundown of any procedures or tools you’re uneasy about.

 

Healthy Habits

Some signs of dental phobia are trouble sleeping the night before. Try to maintain healthy habits like proper eating, enough sleep, and exercise, especially before a dental examination to lower the amount of stress before you walk through our doors.

 

Coping Strategies

Want to listen to music on your iPhone? Enjoy funny audio-books during your examination? Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are understanding when it comes to any coping strategies you choose to lower dental phobia. Each dental chair also has a small television screen if you wish to watch your favorite show to distract yourself during your check-up. Breathing exercises are also another useful technique for calming and relaxation.

 

Relaxing Environments

Colorful decor, comfortable chairs, and a calming atmosphere are proven to mitigate any lingering fears when it comes to dental visits. That’s why all three of our Kids Connextion offices are artistically designed to distract and ease any fears. We also have free snacks, balloons, and face-painting to make you feel right at home.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

 

4 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

According to the research platform, DentaVox, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. At Kids Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ we understand dental phobia is incredibly common. While this fear is attributed to a variety of reasons, we ensure every one of our patients a safe and comfortable experience throughout their dental exam. Here are four ways to combat dental phobia.

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to combat dental phobia is to give your dentist a heads-up. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before your dental examination. If you’re a parent of a child or teen anxious about visiting the dentist, take time out to chat about their apprehension, and let their dentist know as well. Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are happy to discuss any fears, answer questions and even give you a rundown of any procedures or tools you’re uneasy about.

Healthy Habits

Some signs of dental phobia are trouble sleeping the night before. Try to maintain healthy habits like proper eating, enough sleep, and exercise, especially before a dental examination to lower the amount of stress before you walk through our doors.

Coping Strategies

Want to listen to music on your iPhone? Enjoy funny audio-books during your examination? Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are understanding when it comes to any coping strategies you choose to lower dental phobia. Each dental chair also has a small television screen if you wish to watch your favorite show to distract yourself during your check-up. Breathing exercises are also another useful technique for calming and relaxation.

Relaxing Environments

Colorful decor, comfortable chairs, and a calming atmosphere are proven to mitigate any lingering fears when it comes to dental visits. That’s why all three of our Kids Connextion offices are artistically designed to distract and ease any fears. We also have free snacks, balloons, and face-painting to make you feel right at home.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Why You Should Start Your Kids Early At the Dentist

What age is best to begin visiting the dentist? At Kidz Connextion, located in Phoenix, AZ we recommend 12-months as the ideal age to bring your child into our office. Many parents are surprised at how young this age is, but good dental habits start early. Here are three reasons why early dental visits are better for your child’s oral health.

Prevention

Don’t wait until your child develops cavities to take them to the dentist. Trips to the dentist when your kids are young are beneficial for preventing any oral health issues they are likely to face down the road. Whether its cavities, tooth decay, or sensitivities, your Phoenix, AZ dentists are ready to evaluate your child for any signs of poor dental health. Starting your children at 12-months is even better because we can evaluate your son or daughter’s primary teeth. While these teeth are considered baby teeth, they are essential in facilitating the growth and position of permanent teeth. Another advantage to starting dental visits young is the ability to monitor teeth and jaw development. Teeth naturally shift and change as we grow older, and for children, it’s no different. Whether it’s overbite or crowded teeth, the earlier the better it to monitor these issues, so book an appointment today at one of our three Kids Connextion locations. 

Hygiene Habits

Your toddler begins to eat three meals a day at 12-months old. This means more food is likely to get stuck in the mouth, creating plaque and a higher risk for cavities. By visiting the dentist earlier in their childhood, your son or daughter will not only benefit from our treatments like sealants or crowns that work to remedy these dental issues but also gain a headstart to learning valuable oral hygiene lessons. From flossing techniques to colorful toothbrushes, our dentists are kid-friendly and hands-on to teach your kids the importance of good dental habits. 

Ease Dental Fears

It’s common for children to have fears about the dentist. Taking your kids early to the dentist prepares them for what to expect in the future. Many children are anxious about dental equipment or even the whole process of getting their teeth checked out. Early visits will familiarize them with a new environment and ease any lingering nerves.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Fruit Juice and Tooth Decay

 Fruit juice, the perfect healthy drink for your child, right? This all-natural beverage may seem like the best choice for your kids to enjoy as opposed to soda or caffeinated drinks. But, fruit drinks are also a major culprit for tooth decay and cavities. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion offers expert advice on the causes and prevention of tooth decay, including advice on fruit juice.

The Dangers of Sugar

You’ve probably heard the dangers of sugar a thousand times. Sugar negatively impacts your body and your teeth are no different. After you eat junk food or sip on unhealthy drinks, harmful bacteria in your mouth like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus feed on the sugars leftover in your saliva. These bacteria create a plaque on the surface of your teeth. They also trigger destructive acids which cause enamel erosion and tooth decay.

But, Why Fruit Juice?

Okay you know sugar is bad, but why is fruit juice dangerous for oral health. When it comes to fruit juice or any similar food, keep in mind that just because something is natural doesn’t mean its completely healthy. Whether its sugar from candy or natural sugars derived from fruit, sugar is still sugar and harms your child’s teeth. Fruit juice isn’t all that healthy as well, with too much extra sugar and calories even if it’s naturally derived from just fruit. Bacteria also feed off natural sugars in your child’s mouth, leading the way for weak enamel and decay.

Treatment

Prevention is the best medicine. So the next time you pair your child’s afternoon snack with some beverage, choose water instead of juice. Of course, you don’t have to completely halt the juice intake, but limit the amount of fruit juice your child consumes on the daily.

If your child is already experiencing dental problems from sugar, contact our Kidz Connextion offices in Phoenix, AZ today. Our dentists offer a variety of treatment options and technologies including sealants, crowns, and electric handpieces to protect and repair your child’s teeth. 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Teeth sensitivity? White spots? Decay? Your child may be suffering from enamel hypoplasia or weak enamel. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion specializes in treating all things teeth for your little one, including enamel hypoplasia. This enamel deficiency leads to serious dental problems if not treated right away, so schedule an appointment now at our website. 

What is Enamel?

Considered the hardest tissue in the body, the enamel is a thin covering around each tooth. This covering protects your teeth from any damage including from daily activities such as brushing, chewing, grinding, biting, hot or cold temperatures, and even chemicals. This is why thin or weak enamel opens the door to a variety of issues for your child’s oral health if not taken care of soon. 

Causes

Developmental conditions like Usher syndrome, Secked syndrome, or Otodental syndrome.

Vitamin deficiencies

Smoking and drug abuses by the mother

Maternal or fetal infection

Infection

Celiac disease

Liver issues

Malnutrition

Medications that are given to the child earlier in life or to the mother while pregnant

Teeth trauma such as rough brushing and sports injuries

Symptoms
Higher risk of acid attacks, or enamel erosion caused by acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit beverages.

White spots on the surface of teeth

Pits or fissures on teeth

Tooth decay and increased cavities

Yellow or brown discoloration

Attrition or lack of tooth contact

Hypersensitivity especially to hot and cold temperatures.

Increased accumulation of bacteria

Translucent thin enamel surface

Treatment

Early detection of enamel hypoplasia gives your child a better chance of fixing the issue. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist will prescribe sealants for your child to protect their teeth against tooth decay. To repair already damaged teeth, we recommend crowns for your child. For more information on treatment options for enamel hypoplasia, contact our offices today!

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Swollen Lips after Procedures

We put high priority on children’s comfort at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix. When children need to be numbed for a procedure, we’re efficient and offer nitrous oxide to relieve their anxiety. But we depend on our patients and their parents to cooperate in order to prevent complications. One potential issue that may come up otherwise is a swollen lip, so we want the families we serve to understand what causes it and what they should do if one develops.

 

The alveolar nerve is what supplies sensations to the chin and lower lip. We often numb it with an injected anesthetic when doing work such as fillings and extractions. Loss of sensation in the lower lip makes it feel rubbery, and children who are new to being anesthetized may bite down on it out of curiosity. But, being numb, they have difficulty judging how hard they are biting, and can easily exert great force. Within hours of being bitten, the ulcerated lip may begin swelling, becoming several times its usual size.

 

The swelling is usually only somewhat uncomfortable, but it may look frightening and interfere with eating and speaking. If it is red and the child has a fever, it may be infected, in which case it would require antibiotics. But if not, it will reduce within a week. Children should be reminded to avoid biting when they go home numb after a procedure, but they can also reduce swelling by applying ice packs for fifteen minute intervals. After forty-eight hours, they may switch to heat packs, as long as they continue alternating the pack on and off every fifteen minutes.

 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.