Panoramic X-Rays

Kidz Connexion in Phoenix maintains high standards for care, and part of that means having up-to-date equipment. Our practice utilizes panoramic x-ray machines, and you may have seen them on previous visits. These devices allow us to provide reliable orthodontic assessments and to intervene early if there’s an issue with a child’s facial growth, allowing them to be treated more effectively.

 

Panoramic x-rays provide a complete picture of a patient’s skull by observing them from all angles. This is an improvement over 2-d pictures, in which x-rays may be blocked by prosthetics such as fillings. In adult patients, panoramic x-rays are usually used to monitor the integration of implants, observe the progression of gum disease, and check for oral cancer. But in pediatric patients, 3-d x-rays allow us to observe the placement of impacted teeth and to better determine how to guide their eruption or plan their extraction. They also allow us to plan for orthognathic treatment such as palate expansion.

 

Panoramic x-rays are easy and safe for the patient. After removing metal jewelry, they simply have to bite their front teeth down on a plastic tab to help position their jaws while the scanners rotate around their head. The whole process only takes about a minute, and the scanners can be adjusted for people of different heights or who are in wheelchairs. There’s a limited time in a person’s life before their jaw bones solidify too much for unerupted canines and incisors to be guided into place, but with more accurate x-rays, we can plan for orthodontic treatments that will spare a pediatric patient from needing oral surgery as an adult.

 

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.

What are Sealants?

If you have children, it’s almost certain that we recommend they get dental sealants. This type of preventive care is nearly always covered by insurance and goes a long way toward reducing cavities. In fact, many adults could benefit from them, as well. But although you’ve probably heard sealants are helpful, you may still be unclear on what they are. At Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, we want the families we treat to feel confident in their care, so let’s take a closer look at what sealants do and why they should be applied in a timely manner.

 

A sealant is a plastic barrier between a tooth and decay-causing bacteria. It can’t substitute for regular brushing and flossing, but it can slow down the rate of decay. This is especially important for children, whose teeth are softer and who have more difficulty maintaining their oral hygiene. The process of receiving a sealant is simple and easy on the patient. After a professional cleaning, the teeth are etched with a mild acid in order to increase their surface area. The sealant is then painted on in liquid form and hardened under a blue light. The patient should be able to eat normally within a few hours, and the sealant can be expected to last for several years.

 

Usually, sealants are applied to the molars and premolars. These teeth have indentations between their cusps, which are used for chewing, and the indentations are where starchy food debris is most likely to get caught and fuel decay. In addition to providing a shield, sealants somewhat even out the tooth, removing the trap for food, while still allowing the cusps to serve their grinding function. Sealant plastic isn’t immune from acidic erosion and food debris still has to be brushed away, but sealants, along with brushing and drinking plenty of water, will allow a child to eat their favorite foods with significantly less risk of developing cavities on the teeth that are most vulnerable.

 

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.

Cleaning Your Night Guard

If you grind your teeth, you’re most likely familiar with night guards. Prescribed to protect your teeth from the damage that results from teeth grinding or bruxism. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion offers expert care for teeth grinding, including night guard care. Here are a few tips and tricks for night guard hygiene.

Night guards are usually made from acrylic or hard plastic. Since these mouthguards are meant to be worn for long periods of time, it’s important to sanitize them properly. Dirty night guards are home to breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria that wreak havoc on your oral health.

The best way to wash your night guard is under lukewarm water and mild soap. Since night guards are removable, they’re easier to clean. However, the interior surfaces of the acrylic appliance are harder to disinfect. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to gently scrub the inside of the night guard.  

Your Phoenix, AZ dentists advise sanitizing night guards soon as you remove them. When dry, bacteria and debris are harder to unclog on the surface of retainers.

In general, night guards need to be handled gently to preserve for long-term use. This means staying away from any harsh cleaners and rough scrubbing. 

If you want a deeper clean for your night guard or notice bacteria stuck on the surface, bring your device to Kidz Connextion for special cleaning.

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.

6 Tips to Improve Your Smile

Your smile is key to making a good first impression. That’s why your dentists at Kidz Connextion are passionate about improving patients’ smiles at their three Phoenix, AZ locations one mouth at a time. Here are six ways to transform your smile today!

Proper Hygiene

Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth is a no brainer for keeping your smile beautiful and healthy. Without proper care, your molars will rot and decay. Invest in a good quality toothbrush for use twice a day. Try to rinse your mouth with water after every meal to remove any lingering debris in your molars. Forming good habits like this will take you far in achieving the pearly smile you dream of! 

Eating Healthy
It’s no secret that sugary drinks and junk food have a big impact on your teeth. If you want a beautiful smile, it’s best to stay away from unhealthy foods. A little candy or soft drink is fine here and there, but don’t let your sugar tooth run loose.  Too much sugar results in everything to avoid for a pretty smile: cavities, tooth decay, enamel, and gum erosion, and much more.

Avoid Foods That Stain
Coffee, red wine, and even tomatoes are just some of the many foods that stain your natural teeth hue. But, you don’t have to ditch the drink right away. Instead, opt for a straw when you sip and rinse after consuming.

Teeth Whitening and Cleaning
Some teeth stains are unavoidable and that’s where your Phoenix, AZ dentists come in. To return your teeth to their natural color, we offer free teeth whitening for all new and insured patients at our dental offices.  We’re passionate about your oral health, so our convenient cleaning and dental hygiene sessions allow for a whiter shinier smile.

Braces

Do you have gaps or crooked teeth? Braces are a great way to fix this issue all while drastically altering your smile for the better. Contact us today to learn more about the braces we offer for adults and children.

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.

Canker Sores 101

Canker sores are irritating wounds in your mouth that make chewing, talking, and even moving your jaw incredibly painful. But you don’t have to suffer forever. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion specializes in all things relating to the mouth, including canker sores. Here’s everything you need to know about canker sores.

What Do Canker Sores Look Like?

Canker sores or mouth ulcers emerge as small shallow open wounds in the mouth. Usually appearing under the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks, canker sores are red with a thin grey, yellow or white film. 

There are three types of canker sores: minor, major, and herpetiform sores. Minor canker sores are the most common type of mouth ulcer. Major and herpetiform sores are rarer, both with longer healing periods Major canker sores may scar as they heal. 

Causes

We don’t know exactly what causes canker sores, but your Phoenix, AZ dentists rounded up some potential triggers:

Stress
Physical trauma like rough brushing, biting, or metal braces scratching around the gum line

Poor dental hygiene

Acidic and spicy foods
Nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12
Sodium lauryl sulfate, commonly used in toothpaste

Treatment

Canker sores aren’t serious and certainly not contagious. Usually, these ulcers heal within 7-10 days, but if you get persistent canker sores or experience extreme pain, contact our office for an appointment 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.

Your Guide to Toothpaste

With thousands of toothpaste brands on the market, it’s overwhelming to find a toothpaste that best fits your needs. That’s why your Phoenix, AZ dentists at Kidz Connextion created a simple guide for navigating the world of dental hygiene. Here’s everything you need to know about toothpaste. 

Know Ingredients

Most toothpaste brands use the same active ingredients in their formula. If you know you’re allergic or sensitive to a few ingredients, it’s helpful to be aware of what you’re putting in your mouth beforehand. 

For example, sodium lauryl sulfate, common in many tubes of toothpaste is known to trigger canker sores. If you’re prone to mouth ulcers like canker sores, it’s best to stay away from brands that use this ingredient.

Fluoride is another ingredient to know. An essential component to look for when purchasing toothpaste, fluoride fights tooth decay and strengthens the enamel. However, younger children should only use a tiny amount when brushing. Too much fluoride exposure during the first eight years of a child’s life leads to a cosmetic condition called fluorosis. 

Check for ADA Approval

The American Dental Association (ADA) evaluates every dental product on the market using strict guidelines of safety and effectiveness. The official ADA seal on an item means it’s trusted by your Phoenix, AZ dentist. 

Types of Toothpaste

The most important function of toothpaste is to fight cavities. Besides this purpose, it’s your preference for selecting a brand that targets additional oral health problems like:

-Sensitivity issues

-Whitening

-Bad breath

-Tartar control

-Allergies: Natural or organic toothpaste was invented as an additive-free option for dental hygiene. These products work the same as regular toothpaste but their mild contents are suitable for people with oral allergies.

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.

Do You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

For some, growing wisdom teeth is a ball in the park. For others, it can be an uncomfortable experience. While it’s normal to feel some pain and soreness as a wisdom tooth comes in, continuous pain may mean you have an impacted tooth and require an extraction. At Kidz Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ, we provide safe and effective wisdom tooth extractions. But first, let’s take a look at what it means to have an impacted wisdom tooth. 

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth typically grow in the 17-25 age years, emerging in the upper and lower back areas of the mouth. If a wisdom tooth can’t break through the gums or is stuck under the gums, this means your tooth is impacted. A wisdom tooth that grows at the wrong angle due to lack of room in the mouth also is impacted. Some wisdom teeth, known as partially impacted teeth, only slightly emerge in the gums. When food is trapped under the gum flap or operculum of a partially inflamed tooth, you risk a potentially dangerous health condition called pericoronitis.

Symptoms

Some impacted teeth may never need removal because they don’t have any dental problems. Others lead to serious infections like pericoronitis if not treated right away. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact our office in Phoenix, AZ immediately for an appointment:

Bleeding gums

Bad breath

Severe pain

Trouble opening the jaw

Swelling

Pus discharge

 
Treatment

At Kidz Connextion, we value making our patients feel safe and comfortable during all procedures. This includes extractions for impacted wisdom teeth. Your dentist will determine your full range of options including extraction site preservation and operculum cleaning before extraction takes place. 

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.