Taking care of our children’s health, including their dental health, is very important. Visiting the dentist regularly is important for everyone, including children with special needs. However, some special needs children may feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist due to sensory sensitivities or communication challenges. As caregivers and parents, there are steps we can take to help accustom special needs children to the dentist and make the experience as positive as possible. One of the first and most important steps in making special needs children comfortable at the dentist’s of ..read more

Dental health is an important part of overall well-being for children.  Having a bright, healthy smile is not just an appearance issue; it actually affects children’s overall health and wellness.  In order to achieve healthy teeth, it is essential to start practicing good dental habits from a young age. By establishing and maintaining these habits early on, children can enjoy healthier teeth and gums for a lifetime. Here are some important steps to help children develop good dental habits: Brushing Twice a Day. There is a reason “twice a day” brushing has been a standard for many ye ..read more

Visiting the dentist can often be intimidating and overwhelming for young children. However, introducing them to the idea of a dentist’s visit through captivating storytelling can truly make a difference. The professionals at ABC Children’s Dentistry fully grasp the significance of creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for our little patients during their dental visits, and we find that introducing them at home through story books can often ease the anxiety of that first dental visit. Exploring Dental Adventures Through Books There are many delightful books that serve as excellent t ..read more

Did you know that your baby’s teeth start forming before they are even born? It’s true! Although you can’t see them during the first six months, the teeth are there, waiting to emerge beneath the gums. Many parents wonder when their children’s teeth will emerge and when they will fall out.  Be aware that the timing of tooth eruption varies widely, so talk to your pediatrician if you are concerned that your baby’s teeth have not yet come in. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you estimate the times when teeth will be arriving–or leaving! Primary Incisors (Baby Front Teeth) Typically, yo ..read more

Many parents of young children are reluctant to have their pediatric dentist perform a root canal, even if it is recommended.  What is a root canal, and is it necessary and safe for children?  What are the alternatives to a root canal that parents can consider? Root Canals for Children Under 16 A root canal is a dental treatment that is performed when the pulp, the soft inner part of a tooth, becomes infected or injured. This can happen due to severe tooth decay, a deep cavity, or a traumatic injury to the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and even a ..read more

Hearing that your child needs a root canal can be frightening, particularly if the patient is under the age of 14.   If a dentist says your child needs a root canal to treat a decayed tooth, what are your options?  Is the procedure safe for young children?  How long will it take to recover?  Will there be permanent damage to my child’s teeth?  These are all common questions that parents ask when faced with a pediatric root canal procedure. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist can give you answers to these and other questions that will help ease your mind and allow ..read more

If you are trying to establish a lifelong timeline for your child’s dental care, you are not alone.  Most parents struggle at some point with understanding just when they should be on the lookout for certain stages of dental development, and how they should resolve any problems that arise during these stages.  Here is a handy guide to help you think about your child’s progress from infant to adult in terms of his or her dental growth.  Remember, all children are different, so these stages are approximate! Birth to two years:  From birth, your child’s “baby teeth” or “milk t ..read more

Cleanings and small cavity fillings for children are routine dental procedures, and most parents feel comfortable having their regular dentist perform these tasks.  However, what happens when a child needs more extensive dental work, such as a root canal or wisdom tooth removal?  For these major procedures, it is important to have a dentist who understands children’s specific needs and can make them as comfortable as possible while using the best medical techniques to achieve good oral health. Root Canals for Children  A root canal is a fairly extensive dental procedure in which ..read more

If your older child is “cutting” wisdom teeth, he or she may be faced with weeks of ongoing pain and discomfort.  How can you relieve this pain, and how do you know if wisdom teeth should be removed?  It is important to understand the progression of wisdom teeth eruption or growth and when to take your child to a dentist so that you can minimize his or her pain and make informed decisions about wisdom tooth removal. What Are Wisdom Teeth And Why Do They Have to Be Removed?  Wisdom teeth are the term applied to the last set of molars to erupt or grow in from under the gum line.&n ..read more

We all want our children to have positive life experiences, but sadly, many children become traumatized and afraid to go to the dentist after a bad experience at a young age.  Often, these early experiences carry over into adulthood, making dentist visits a nightmare for many people.  Fortunately, there are some simple ways to prevent this problem and give your child a pleasant, painless and stress-free dental experience! Start early. The younger your child becomes acquainted with the dentist’s office, the better.  You can begin as soon as your child shows his or her first teet ..read more