At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we are often asked by concerned parents if thumb-sucking is harmful to their child’s oral health. While most children outgrow this behavior long before it can cause long-term problems, prolonged thumb-sucking can pose a dental health risk. The question is, when should a child stop this oral habit? 

Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs?

Sucking on thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers is a natural reflex that gives a sense of security and helps babies and toddlers self-soothe, relax, and fall asleep. For many babies, thumb-sucking is a way to help them explore the world around them. Most children stop sucking their thumbs between ages 2-4 with no long-term damage to their oral health. 

How Does Thumb-Sucking Affect a Child’s Teeth?

One in five children continue sucking their thumbs or fingers, past their 5th birthday, with serious oral health consequences. Long-term thumb-sucking can interfere with the growth and development of the mouth. It can also cause significant changes in the roof of the mouth and affect the shape of the face and smile. 

Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to tooth misalignment, protruding front teeth, overbites, crossbites, open bites, and problems with jaw development. It often translates to extensive orthodontic treatments when the child is older. In some cases, children with overbites require headgear and other orthodontic appliances because their overlapping teeth prevent the proper placement of traditional metal braces.

Thumb-sucking can affect the development of the teeth, jaw, and palate, affecting how your child eats and interfering with proper nutrition. It can also cause speech impediments requiring extensive therapy to correct. 

When Should a Child Stop Thumb-Sucking? 

Not all thumb-sucking is equally damaging. Children who rest their thumbs in their mouths are much less likely to sustain damage than those who suck aggressively. If your child is older than four or if you start noticing that the teeth no longer fit together when biting down, it is important to intervene. In general, thumb-sucking isn’t much of a concern until the permanent teeth come in, but you may want to discourage the habit by then to prevent damage to your child’s smile. 

How Can You Help Your Child Quit Thumb-Sucking?

Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Redirect your child and offer plenty of praise when not thumb-sucking rather than scolding. Consider creating a “Big Kid” reward system to celebrate daily successes. 

It’s important to get to the root of the problem and help your child find ways to self-soothe or cope with stressful situations. If your child’s thumb sucks out of sheer boredom, offer engaging activities or distractions. If thumb-sucking continues during sleep, a bandage or sock over your little one’s hand can help.    

If your child continues thumb-sucking, talk to Dr. Nadia or Dr. Allen at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos. We are happy to offer tips to help your child break this habit. If all else fails, we may recommend an oral appliance to prevent thumb-sucking and safeguard your child’s smile.  

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in San Marcos, California

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to learn more about preventing long-term oral health complications associated with thumb-sucking. Our experienced pediatric dentists and dedicated team will work alongside you to ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your little one’s appointment or complete the online appointment request form today! 

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Many parents wonder if their teens should continue seeing pediatric dentists. After all, they are not kids anymore, right? The truth is that teens have unique dental needs that pediatric dentists are best equipped to meet. At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we offer comprehensive dental care for teens tailored to their needs. We are committed to setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

General vs. Pediatric Dentistry

General and pediatric dentistry are both fields dedicated to the prevention and early detection of dental disease to maintain long-term healthy smiles. However, there are key differences between the two. To become a pediatric dentist, a general dentist must first undergo at least two years of rigorous training after dental school, focusing on caring for growing smiles, anxious personalities, and patients with different medical conditions. 

Pediatric dentists are specialists with extensive skill and expertise and a deep understanding of what it takes to tend to developing teeth. They are also experts at caring for children with special needs. Dr. Nadia and Dr. Allen at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos are accomplished Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists with the experience and expertise needed to care for your child’s unique oral health needs. 

Should Your Teen See a Pediatric Dentist?

With all the specialized training and expertise, it makes sense to choose a pediatric dentist to care for your child’s dental health. But how about teens? Teenagers may feel too “grown-up” to see pediatric dentists. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends seeing a pediatric dentist until at least age 18. 

Here are some reasons why teens should continue seeking care from pediatric dentists: 

Developing Smiles: Even though there are no longer baby teeth, a teen’s mouth, face, and jaws continue to grow and change. Pediatric dentists understand the unique anatomy and development of teenage teeth and jaws. They are the best-equipped specialists to care for your child’s teeth during the critical years of growth and development. 

Orthodontic Concerns: If the jaw does not keep up with the developing permanent teeth, your child can end up with crooked teeth or problems with the bite. Your pediatric dentist can guide you and help you decide if or when to start orthodontic treatment to get your teen on track to a healthy, straight smile. 

Incoming Wisdom Teeth: The wisdom teeth, known as the third set of molars, typically come in the late teenage years or the early 20s. A pediatric dentist has the skill and expertise to care for your child’s smile and detect any potential concerns, like tooth impaction, which can damage the surrounding teeth. Pediatric dentists help recognize minor issues before they become significant problems down the road. 

Establishing Healthy Habits: At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we teach our young patients how to care for their smiles. That includes good oral hygiene, nutritious food choices, and being proactive in keeping dental disease at bay. We strive to ensure your young patients develop healthy habits to help them enjoy healthy smiles for life. 

Dentistry for Teens Near Me in San Marcos, California

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to learn more about the quality care we offer to children of all ages, from infancy through the teenage years. Dr. Nadia, Dr. Allen, and our dedicated team are here to support your child’s oral health every step of the way. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child’s consultation, or complete our online appointment request form today!

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Maintaining healthy baby teeth is integral to a child’s oral health and development. If a tooth is lost before its permanent replacement is ready to come in, your trusted team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos may recommend a space maintainer to safeguard your child’s smile. But what exactly is a space maintainer, and why would your child need one? 

The Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth play an essential role in the development of the jawbone and facial muscles. They also help your child learn how to pronounce certain sounds and support chewing, ensuring your child gets the nutrients needed to grow strong and healthy. 

Baby teeth act as placeholders, keeping the space the adult teeth need to erupt in their proper alignment. If a baby tooth is lost due to decay or trauma before its replacement is ready to come in, the adjacent teeth may shift toward the gap, resulting in crooked adult teeth and the likely need for future orthodontic treatments. 

Baby teeth act as placeholders, keeping the space the adult teeth need to erupt in their proper alignment. If a baby tooth is lost due to decay or trauma before its replacement is ready to come in, the adjacent teeth may shift toward the gap, which can cause the incoming permanent teeth to get stuck in the bone, as there is not enough space for it to erupt. That may result in the need for future oral surgery to remove the impacted tooth along with complex orthodontic treatment. Placing a simple space maintainer after a tooth is lost or removed can help save thousands of dollars and prevent time spent in surgical or orthodontic care.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are custom-created fixed oral devices that improve your child’s oral health by maintaining the space left by missing teeth. A space maintainer comes with a stainless steel band around one tooth and a bar extending outward. 

Space maintainers help keep the neighboring teeth from shifting or drifting, preventing the complications that often follow premature baby tooth loss, including the need for future oral surgery. They have been shown in some cases to reduce or even eliminate the need for braces down the road.

Life With Space Maintainers

It may take a brief adjustment period for your child to get used to the new space maintainer. Your little one may complain of mild changes to the bite or find that the oral appliance is initially annoying for the first day. Rest assured that this is perfectly normal and expected. In a matter of days, your child won’t even notice that the space maintainer is there.

Caring for a Space Maintainer

The space maintainer can trap food particles and plaque, so it’s important to maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Make sure your child avoids chewy, sticky, or hard foods to prevent damage to the space maintainer. 

Remind your child not to push on the space maintainer with the tongue or fingers to avoid loosening or bending it. Most importantly, visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos for routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. Our pediatric dentists and team will monitor your child’s oral health and ensure the space maintainer stays free of damage. 

Space Maintainers Near Me in San Marcos, California

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to learn more about safeguarding your little one’s smile with a space maintainer. Our dedicated pediatric dentists and kid-friendly team are all about laying the groundwork for healthy smiles for life. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your little one’s appointment or complete the online appointment request form today! 

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Good dental hygiene and regular dental exams and cleanings are the best ways to keep your child’s smile healthy and sound. However, there may come a time when your trusted team at Pediatric Dentistry may recommend a dental crown. Here’s all you need to know about dental crowns and why your child may require one. 

What Are Dental Crowns? 

Dental crowns are restorations that fully encase the visible portions of a damaged baby tooth’s structure, restoring your child’s healthy smile. They stay in place until your child’s permanent teeth are ready to come in.

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we offer different crown materials, including stainless steel, tooth-colored composite resin, and white zirconia crowns.

• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel crowns are incredibly strong and durable, offering an excellent solution to restore the back teeth. 
• Tooth-Colored Composite Resin: These crowns offer an aesthetic solution to restore the front teeth, delivering seamless smiles. 
• White Zirconia: Zirconia crowns can be used on the back teeth in some cases – we only recommend them if we believe they offer the best long-term restorative solution for your child’s smile. 

Why Would Your Child Need a Dental Crown? 

We may recommend a dental crown for the following reasons: 

• Severe Tooth Decay: Deep decay is the most common reason a child may need a dental crown. If a cavity is too large to be filled with a dental filling, a dental crown will restore the tooth’s function and prevent further damage. 
• To Support a Large Filling: A tooth with a large filling may be weak and prone to fracture. A dental crown will strengthen the affected tooth’s structure and preserve it until it’s time for it to fall out naturally. 
• A Cracked or Chipped Tooth: A cracked or chipped tooth may require a dental crown to prevent further breakage and protect the inner pulp. Your little one’s restoration will strengthen and support the affected tooth’s structure. 
• A pulpotomy is needed: A pulpotomy may be needed to save a tooth with a cavity close to the nerve, restoring its health and function and preventing infection. A dental crown will protect the tooth after treatment, preventing further damage. 

What Is the Crown Placement Process?

We will start treatment by numbing the area and administering nitrous oxide sedation, if needed, to ensure your little one is comfortable and free of stress. Next, we will prepare the affected tooth, shaping it to make room for your child’s restoration. The last step is placing the crown, restoring your child’s oral health. 

Pediatric Dental Crowns Near Me in San Marcos, CA

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to learn more about restoring your little one’s healthy smile with a dental crown. Our experienced pediatric dentists and kid-friendly team are all about maintaining strong teeth and happy smiles. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child’s appointment, or complete our online appointment request form today!

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Did you know that tooth decay is the most common yet preventable chronic childhood disease? Left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, infection, and damage to your child’s permanent teeth. This can significantly impact your child’s health and quality of life. At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we are all about prevention to maintain healthy, cavity-free teeth for a lifetime. One of the ways we safeguard young smiles is by offering preventive fluoride treatments. 

What Is Fluoride and What Are Its Benefits?

Fluoride, often touted as nature’s cavity fighter, is a mineral that’s naturally found in foods, plants, the soil, and some types of rocks. As a public health measure that has been in place for over 75 years in the US, most communities in the US and worldwide now offer fluoridated drinking water. 

Numerous studies and years of research have established the benefits of fluoride in the never-ending battle against cavities. The powerful mineral strengthens your child’s tooth enamel and disrupts the acid production by bacteria, which lowers the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride can even reverse the early signs of decay by building up and repairing the tooth enamel in a process known as remineralization. Regular fluoride application is recognized as one of the safest and most effective ways to lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities in children.  

Does Your Child Require Fluoride Treatments?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently updated fluoride recommendations for children, indicating that treatments should start when the first baby tooth emerges, usually around six months. From that point, regular fluoride applications every six months can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay during the early childhood years. As children’s teeth are still developing, fluoride treatment can have a lasting positive impact on their dental health, setting them up for a lifetime of strong and healthy smiles.

What Is the Fluoride Application Procedure? 

Fluoride treatment is quick, safe, and painless. One of our pediatric dentists or our dental hygienist will use a small brush to apply a small amount of fluoride varnish or gel on the visible surfaces of every tooth. The entire procedure takes a few short minutes to complete, leaving your little one’s teeth with a cavity-fighting boost. 

What Is Dental Fluorosis? 

Dental fluorosis is a side effect of way too much fluoride ingestion while your child’s teeth are still developing. It can occur before age eight and is characterized by generalized white spots or flecks on all your child’s teeth. Fluorosis occurs mainly in rural areas where the water supply is naturally high in minerals, including fluoride, and where most of the population drinks well water. Swallowing large amounts of toothpaste daily from a young age can also lead to fluorosis. 

Fluorosis is primarily a cosmetic concern with no adverse health effects other than abnormally strong teeth and bones. Swallowing large amounts of toothpaste at once can also cause fluoride toxicity. As with everything in life, too much of anything good can become a problem. In the dental setting, our modern, professionally applied fluoride varnishes or gels stick to the teeth and cannot be ingested. Professionally applied fluoride provides your child’s teeth with all the anti-cavity benefits and none of the negatives associated with the old days of fluoride ingestion.

To lower the risk of fluorosis at home, it’s important to supervise teeth brushing time. Use tiny amounts of toothpaste until you’re confident your child can spit it out. Our exceptional kids’ dentists at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos are happy to evaluate your child’s toothpaste use to ensure they aren’t using too much.

Fluoride Treatment Near Me in San Marcos, CA

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to learn more about keeping your child’s smile healthy and cavity-free. Our accomplished pediatric dentists and kid-friendly team are committed to providing quality preventive services to help our young patients enjoy healthy smiles for life. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your little one’s appointment or complete the online appointment request form today! 

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Welcome to Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos! We are so happy you chose our practice to care for your child’s smile. Our exceptional pediatric dentists and kid-friendly team are committed to ensuring our young patients have a stellar experience every time they walk through our doors. We look forward to working alongside you to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The Importance of Caring for Baby Teeth

Baby teeth matter. Preventing cavities in your child’s baby teeth helps reduce the risk of infections that can damage their adult teeth. It also helps lower the chances of developing cavities in the adult teeth. Your little one’s tiny chompers play an important role in speech development and help your child chew without pain, allowing for proper nutrition. They act like placeholders for the permanent teeth developing behind the scenes, helping them grow in the correct positions.

If a baby tooth has a cavity that leads to infection, it can negatively affect your little one’s oral health and lead to many future dental problems. Taking care of your child’s teeth right from the start will set the stage for long-term healthy smiles.

When Should You Schedule Your Little One’s First Dental Exam?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a child’s first dental visit should occur as soon as the first tooth emerges and no later than the first birthday. Following the initial visit, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are typically recommended every six months, although the frequency may vary based on your child’s specific needs.

What Happens During a Child’s First Dental Exam?

Our new patient exams are typically quick and straightforward. We’ll start with a tour, so you and your little one can get comfortable with our staff and our office. If there’s anything we can do to make your baby or toddler’s first dental visit more comfortable, please let us know.

After greeting your little one, we will review their medical history and go over any specific concerns you may have. The doctors will evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health, including their teeth, gums, bite, and dental development. We will also discuss your child’s nutrition and evaluate any oral habits, including thumb sucking, pacifier use, or teeth grinding, to ensure their smile stays healthy and sound.

Depending on your child’s age and specific needs, we may recommend taking digital x-rays to uncover any problems we can’t see during a physical examination. Most children develop cavities between their teeth, which are only visible by x-ray examination. We may also recommend a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our team loves to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques to encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home.

What Happens Next?

The doctors will go over any recommendations needed to address current problems and prevent future ones. We have trained our exceptional front staff to go the extra mile and look into your specific insurance benefits before you arrive. If your child needs any dental treatment, we will provide you with an estimate of your benefits based on the insurance information you’ve provided. During the upcoming visits, we will monitor your child’s oral development and provide preventive care as necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos is always happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. We want your child’s first visit and every following one to be fun and educational for you and your child. Dr. Allen and Dr. Nadia are a husband and wife team of board-certified pediatric dental specialists. We are happy to provide the highest quality care for your family and look forward to establishing long-term dental care for your children.

Quality Dental Care Near Me in San Marcos, CA

Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos looks forward to welcoming you and your child into our family. We love caring for young smiles and are committed to delivering outstanding care in a safe, warm, and happy environment. We look forward to getting to know you and helping get your child’s oral health off to a great start. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child’s appointment, or request one online today!

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It makes sense to repair a decayed permanent tooth. But many parents ask – why treat a baby tooth with a dental filling if it will eventually fall out? Maintaining healthy baby teeth is critical to the health and development of your child’s adult teeth. That’s why your trusted dentists and team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos never spare any effort to keep young smiles healthy and sound. We are all about laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

What Are the Causes of Tooth Decay?

Just like adult teeth, baby teeth can develop decay due to sugary foods and beverages, frequent carbohydrate snacking, poor oral hygiene habits, and plaque and tartar buildup. Untreated cavities in your little one’s baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating, and potential complications affecting the permanent teeth developing under the baby teeth. 

Why Would Your Child’s Baby Tooth Need a Filling?

Repairing a decayed baby tooth with a dental filling will help lower your child’s risk of developing cavities in their permanent teeth. Moreover, primary teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth developing behind the scenes, guiding them to come in the proper position when it’s time to erupt. When a tooth is lost prematurely due to tooth decay or damage, the neighboring teeth may shift and block the space the adult teeth need to come in the correct alignment. That often results in crooked or impacted teeth and the need for orthodontic treatment in the future. 

Repairing a cavity with a pediatric dental filling will prevent the decay from progressing to the inner pulp of the affected tooth. Deeper cavities may need more extensive treatments, such as pulpotomies and dental crowns. If tooth decay reaches the nerve, it can cause infection and even an abscess. An infected tooth can lead to severe pain and swelling for your child. In these situations, we may need to remove the affected tooth. 

An infection in a baby tooth that is untreated can not only damage the adult tooth developing below it but can also spread throughout the face. Severe dental infections can result in life-threatening illness and hospitalization. Even if your child has a small cavity in a baby tooth, you can’t wait for it to fall out on its own.

Healthy baby teeth serve more than an oral health function. They play a critical role in speech development, helping your child learn to form new sounds. They also help with chewing, ensuring your child can eat all the nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong and maintain healthy teeth and gums. 

What Is the Cavity Filling Procedure?

Depending on the size and location of the decayed tooth, we may numb the area with a local anesthetic. The next step is removing the decayed portions of the tooth and placing a tooth-colored filling made to match your child’s smile. Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos will do everything we can to keep your child as comfortable as possible throughout the filling process!

How Can You Prevent Cavities?

The best way to keep your little one’s pearly whites healthy is to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Encourage daily brushing and flossing and limit sugary foods and drinks. It’s also important to visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos for your child’s twice-yearly recall exams and dental hygiene appointments. We will monitor your child’s oral health and recommend any preventive or restorative treatments needed for long-term healthy, beautiful smiles. 

Dental Fillings Near Me in San Marcos, CA

If you suspect your child has a cavity, contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos today. We may recommend a dental filling to restore your child’s smile. Our accomplished dentists and dedicated team are committed to providing outstanding, gentle care to ensure our young patients enjoy healthy smiles for life. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your little one’s appointment or complete the online appointment request form today! 

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At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we understand that dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly and cause pain and stress. We are pleased to offer emergency dental services to alleviate your child’s discomfort, treat infections, and save damaged teeth. The question is, how do you know if your child is having a “true” dental emergency?

What Constitutes a True Dental Emergency?

If you are unsure whether your child’s dental problem is a true emergency, consider the following questions:

• Is your child experiencing severe, persistent tooth pain?
• Does your child have a bump or pimple on their gum tissue?
• Are there any cracked, loose, or knocked-out adult teeth?
• Is there swelling in the gums, mouth, or face?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your child is likely experiencing a dental emergency requiring urgent care. Please call our office immediately. Our staff members will evaluate the situation and offer you guidance until we can see your child in person.

If your child is an existing patient and has an emergency after hours, please send our office an email with your child’s name, medical history, date of birth, and a photo capturing the emergency so we can address it. If your child develops facial swelling or has a knocked out or loose permanent tooth after hours, please head to Rady Children’s Hospital and ask for the pediatric dentist on call to receive immediate care.

Common Dental Emergencies

Here is a look at the most common dental emergencies:

Severe Toothache: Clean the area, rinse with warm water, and use dental floss to dislodge any trapped food. If the pain persists, contact Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos immediately. Meanwhile, children’s Tylenol can help with pain management.

A Knocked-Out Tooth: If a baby tooth gets chipped or knocked out, we will evaluate your child’s condition and determine whether a filling is needed or if the tooth should be smoothed out or left alone to heal. If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown without touching the root, and rinse it in water if it’s dirty. Gently return the tooth to its socket as soon as possible or carry it in a cup of milk and head to the hospital if it is after our office hours. Time is the most critical factor in saving and being able to reimplant the tooth. Call us for an emergency appointment right away.

Injury to the Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks: Apply light, firm pressure to control any bleeding, and contact us for an appointment to evaluate the area. If you can’t control the bleeding or the wound is completely split open, head to the nearest emergency room, as your child may need stitches and antibiotics.

Other Dental Emergencies: Some pediatric dental emergencies can wait until the next day, such as chipped teeth or broken baby teeth. Contact our office for guidance. It is important to seek professional dental care for any emergency because even minor problems can quickly become serious if left untreated.

Emergency Dental Care Near Me in San Marcos, CA

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, restoring your child’s smile is always our top priority. Our dedicated pediatric dentists pride themselves on providing exceptional emergency care to children of all ages. If your child experiences a dental emergency, call us at 760-798-2825. We are here to support your child’s smile every step of the way!

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As parents, we always want what is best for our children, especially when it comes to their health. Unfortunately, even with the best oral hygiene habits, some children are prone to developing tooth decay. If your child seems to be getting one cavity after another, talk to your trusted team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos. We will outline a preventive treatment plan to improve your little one’s dental health. 

The Prevalence of Tooth Decay in Children

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children ages 6-8 have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth, and more than half of adolescents ages 12-19 have had at least one cavity in a permanent tooth. 

Preventive Dental Care for Long-Term Healthy Smiles

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we believe in prevention as the main line of defense against tooth decay. Here is a look at some of our preventive services: 

Regular Dental Exams: Most children need to see the dentist for routine dental exams and cleanings every six months. However, children at a higher risk of cavities and other dental problems may need more frequent visits. We will screen your child for signs of tooth decay and treat as needed to prevent the condition from progressing and requiring more extensive treatment down the road. 

Dental Hygiene: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is the leading cause of cavities and gum inflammation. If not removed, it will harden over time and can only be removed using dental instruments. Removing plaque and tartar deposits during your child’s twice-yearly dental visits will lower the risk of tooth decay, promoting long-term healthy smiles. 

Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride, is what we consider “nature’s cavity fighter.” Fluoride is a mineral naturally found in many foods and water. It remineralizes teeth, strengthens tooth enamel, and disrupts the harmful oral bacteria’s ability to produce acids, leaving your child’s teeth more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments are highly effective at preventing cavities and stopping early tooth decay from progressing. 

Dental Sealants: Your child’s back molars have deep pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces that trap food and bacteria. These hard-to-reach teeth are challenging to brush and floss properly, increasing the risk of developing decay. Dental sealants are  protective coatings that provide a barrier between vulnerable tooth surfaces and food and bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of cavities. Please review our blog regarding sealants for more details.

Healthy Habits for Healthy, Cavity-Free Smiles

While it’s important to maintain dental exams and cleanings every six months, it is also essential to care for your child’s smile at home. Encourage your child to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and food debris before tooth decay can develop. 

It’s important for your child to limit sugary and sticky foods and maintain a balanced diet to provide the nutrients needed for healthy teeth and gums. Our team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos is happy to answer any questions and offer tips on caring for your child’s smile. 

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in San Marcos, CA

Visit Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos to learn more about our preventive services for healthy, cavity-free smiles. We look forward to working alongside you to set the stage for long-term oral health. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your child’s appointment, or complete our online appointment request form today!

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At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we are committed to providing safe and comfortable dental care to ensure our young patients develop positive associations with the dentist. We are pleased to offer a range of safe sedation dentistry options to help even the most anxious child relax while receiving outstanding dental care. Our goal is to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Sedation Dentistry: An Overview 

Sedation dentistry involves using medications to create a calm and relaxed state, which helps guide good behavior, prevents sudden movements, and reduces the pain and fear of future dental care.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for any child needing a little help to relax because, let’s face it, most dental procedures require a patient to be perfectly still with their mouths open for about thirty to forty-five minutes, which can be difficult even for adults to tolerate. Sedation dentistry is especially helpful for the following:

• Children with high fear or dental anxiety
• Children with sensitive teeth
• Children with a strong gag reflex
• Children requiring complex or lengthy treatments
• Children who are unable to sit still for long procedures
• Children with past traumatic dental experiences
• Children with special health care needs

What Are the Forms of Sedation?

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we offer the following types of sedation services depending on your child’s unique needs:

Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety in children undergoing dental treatment. Your little one will breathe nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a mask and will stay awake and communicate with us throughout treatment. As soon as we turn off the gas, the effects of sedation will wear off completely.

Laughing gas is the lightest and safest form of sedation we offer, with most children feeling completely normal during its use. Nitrous oxide reduces the gag reflex and relaxes the jaw muscles, so your child is not as tired due to keeping their mouth open. Laughing gas also helps with pain management, so some minor procedures can even be completed without additional local anesthesia shots. Laughing gas has an incredible safety record and has been used for over 150 years in dentistry!

Oral Conscious Sedation: If your child needs more help to relax, we may recommend oral conscious sedation, which involves giving your child an oral medication before treatment. We typically use oral conscious sedation for short treatments and in limited circumstances, as there can be mixed results with effectiveness. Your child will be comfortable and remain awake and responsive to directions.

Oral sedation acts almost like a “glass of wine” before dental treatment, where most children can feel more relaxed. It helps them tolerate the laughing gas and procedures better. Some children, however, may feel drowsy and irritable as they have less control over their emotions.

General Anesthesia: If your child is too young or unable to tolerate extensive or lengthy procedures, we may recommend general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Your child will remain asleep during treatment and will have no recollection of the procedure. This is similar to what you can expect when wisdom teeth are removed but with the same precautions taken when a child is asleep for surgery in a hospital.

We consider treatments performed under general anesthesia mini dental surgeries, so parents will remain in the waiting area, just as you would in a hospital setting. We utilize the services of the best and most experienced anesthesiologists and take maximum safety precautions. Our anesthesiologist will contact you the night before treatment to discuss the pre-operative instructions, anesthetic plan, risks, benefits, and alternatives. We are always happy to answer your questions.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Your Children?

Sedation dentistry has an incredibly high safety record when administered under the care of an experienced dental professional. At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we evaluate your child’s medical history and unique needs before sedation. We also adhere to all safety protocols and monitor your child’s vital signs throughout treatment. Moreover, Dr. Allen and Dr. Bala are board-certified pediatric dentists and both are attending doctors at Rady Children’s Hospital. Dr. Allen and Dr. Bala teach sedation dentistry safety and techniques to new dentists in training to become pediatric dental specialists. With our extensive experience and expertise, you can rest assured that your child is in the safest hands!

When it comes to general anesthesia, we select only the best board-certified anesthesiologists who administer and oversee the entire procedure. Whether your child requires laughing gas, oral sedation, or general anesthesia, we never spare any effort to ensure your child is comfortable and safe while receiving outstanding dental care!

Pediatric Dental Sedation Services Near Me in San Marcos, CA

Our board-certified pediatric dentists and team at Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos are committed to ensuring every dental visit is a comfortable and happy experience. Our gentle approach and sedation dentistry options will ensure your child is relaxed while receiving the highest level of care. We invite you to call 760-978-8285 to schedule your child’s appointment or complete our online appointment request form today!

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