While most dental patients undergoing root canal therapy are adults, there are times when it’s appropriate for children as well. Children are susceptible to tooth infections, and retaining the primary (baby) teeth is as important as protecting their adult teeth. Even if it were not, there are inherent risks to not addressing a tooth infection when they occur. They can damage bone tissue in the jaw, impact the health of existing adult teeth, and ultimately become a systemic infection if left untreated. Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry provides pediatric root canal therapy for our patients to ensure the healthy development of their adult smile.
No matter your age, tooth infections can be excruciatingly painful. However, they may also be asymptomatic while still presenting a threat to your child’s remaining teeth. Therefore you must be able to determine if your child is currently experiencing symptoms that indicate the presence of a tooth infection.
Some common signs of tooth infection include:
These symptoms are a clear indicator that it’s time to get your child into our office to be seen for a dental infection. Even if we can rule out a tooth infection, we’ll take steps to rule out any dental cause.
Don’t ignore the potential signs of a dental infection. Your child’s oral health can be negatively impacted by failing to take action, both now and in the future. Acting quickly is the surest way of eliminating the infection and helping your child’s oral health get back on track. Start by calling our offices at (832) 271-6114 today! We’ll bring your child in for an exam and consultation and help them get relief from dental infection pain with pediatric root canal treatments.
Baby teeth have always held significance to many people and cultures. The most well-known tradition is placing lost baby teeth under your pillow in return for money from the “Tooth Fairy.” Some families keep them; others will even create a craft project or some form of a keepsake. Modern uses are more scientific, with baby teeth being preserved to provide the ability to use their mesenchymal stem cells later in life. This is used as a safeguard against various illnesses, including certain forms of cancer. Below we’ll discuss some of the baby tooth traditions that have developed worldwide.
Almost every human culture ever encountered has had rituals that developed around the disposal of our baby teeth. Researchers poured over the records available to produce the following summarized list:
This last was among the most common ritual performed. All over the world, there were instances of a baby tooth being offered to a rodent, most commonly a rat or mouse. This was done in the hope that the child’s teeth would be blessed with the strength of the rodents. This offering was usually paired with the singing of a song or a prayer. In other areas, the spirit of the ritual was kept by offering the tooth to a beaver, cat, squirrel, or dog. Far and away, however, it was the mouse that received the tooth in most cultures.
Many areas of the world still celebrate the Tooth Mouse. Whether in a slipper, under their pillow, or somewhere else, the tooth mouse receives an offering of the baby tooth. The mouse responsible goes by many names, including El Ratoncito Perez, La Petit Souris, and many others. The tooth fairy was an evolution of the tooth mouse and the idea of the good fairy and remains a popular option in the West to this day.
All of this emphasis placed on baby teeth isn’t without merit, however. Our baby teeth are an important part of helping our oral cavity develop properly and ensure that there’s plenty of room for our adult teeth to come in. Further, they ensure that when our adult teeth arrive, they are straight and properly aligned. If you want to learn more about the importance of baby teeth, call us for an appointment at (832) 271-6114 today!
For many, the loss of a child’s first tooth is a wonderful and special occasion. This is when some parents introduce the concept of the tooth fairy and celebrate their child’s growth and development. This is also an indication that the child’s adult teeth will start to come in. However, it’s possible for permanent teeth to start to erupt before a child loses the “baby tooth,” and that can be cause for concern. Thankfully, the Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry team is here for you and knows what to do to help protect your child’s oral health.
Every child is different, but the typical ages for baby tooth development include the following:
What you need to do when this occurs varies from case to case. In most cases, an adult tooth coming in before the baby tooth is lost isn’t a major cause for concern. Usually, the baby tooth will become loose as the adult tooth comes in. You can check and see if this is the case by having your child wiggle the tooth with their tongue. This will usually help the tooth loosen further and ultimately fall out.
However, in some cases, the tooth will not be loose and won’t show any signs of naturally falling out. This is when you need to schedule an appointment with our team. When this begins to happen with one tooth, it’s likely that neighboring teeth are going to be impacted as well. We’ll perform a full exam and determine what steps are necessary to address your child’s oral health. Some signs you may need to come to see our team include the following:
If the erupting teeth aren’t addressed quickly, there is a risk of orthodontics and other oral health concerns when it occurs. This means that expensive and uncomfortable treatments may have been required to address the consequences.
Baby teeth are a temporary part of our childhood development, but they play an essential role. Throughout our childhood, they encourage the growth of the jaw in a way that will accommodate our adult teeth. This includes both ensuring there’s sufficient space and that they can come in properly aligned. If you’re concerned about the health of your child’s teeth, call for an appointment today at (832) 271-6114!
On the skin and throat, group A streptococcus bacteria are often seen. Group A streptococcal infections generally result in sore throats, typically strep throat. Additionally, this bacterium can cause cellulitis, impetigo, and a rash, usually called scarlet fever.
Group A streptococcus infections can have significant side effects on the heart and kidneys, including rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Although everyone can get group A streptococcal disease, the following individuals are especially at risk:
Children are more prone to illness due to their lack of understanding of hygiene rules than adults. They also engage in close physical contact during play and spend more time in crowded settings like schools. On rare occasions, Group A streptococcus can penetrate the body and cause severe infections that are even deadly. These conditions are called invasive group A streptococcal infections (IGAS). Most people who get the iGAS sickness require hospital treatment.
But people with group A streptococcus can spread the infection to others by contacting their contaminated skin or by exhaling droplets of coughing or sneezing that carry the bacteria. For instance, you might get the sickness if you come into contact with someone who has group A streptococcal bacteria if you:
The most common group of Streptococcal infections is treated with antibiotics recommended by a doctor. Your doctor will use antibiotics to treat you if the illness is severe enough. For serious conditions, inpatient care is typically necessary. Good hygiene is The best defense against a group A streptococcal infection. To reduce the spreading of Strep A, wash your hands often after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food.
Keep surfaces like bathroom sinks, faucets, doorknobs, clothing, and linen clean to protect everyone in your home. Think about having strep throat or another type A streptococcal illness yourself or a family member. In that situation, you should wait at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic therapy before returning to preschool, school, or your job. Parents must also ensure their children have had all the immunizations advised, including those for chickenpox and the flu. Vaccinations help to lower the risk of viral infections, which can increase the risk of invasive group A streptococcal infection and strep A.
Often, streptococcal A does not go away on its own. Your doctor has to treat the infection before it worsens and affects other organs. If you exhibit symptoms of Strep A, call Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry immediately at (832) 271-6114. A sore tonsil and throat, difficulty swallowing, a fever, aches, and exhaustion are all potential symptoms of strep throat.
Your two-year-old may temporarily become more moody. You start to think, “Oh, this is just the terrible twos.” Did you realize that the advent of their second teeth might impact your toddler’s behavior? Additionally, once their teeth sprout, they might become more challenging to manage than usual. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to help your child. There are various ways to help your teething toddler at home!
The second molar, also known as the two-year molar, is the last pair of teeth at the back of the mouth. Your child will often start to show between the ages of 23 and 33 months. Even the happiest child may become irritated throughout this process since it might be uncomfortable. It’s conceivable that your child won’t be able to communicate how he feels. Here are some common warning indicators to look out for:
Along with the physical symptoms, it’s common to notice a change in your toddler’s temperament as they struggle with their molars erupting. Even the happiest child may get irritated and cranky throughout this process since it can be difficult and unpleasant. As a last option, pain in a two-year-old’s molar should not be treated with medicine. The good news is that your child can benefit from several effective therapies when their molars erupt. Anything chilly can soothe gum-cutting soreness. To massage their gums, allow your child to chew on a moist towel that has been cooled in the freezer. Use a piece of cool, wet gauze or rub it with a cold spoon to calm their gums. Gum rubs with the fingers might be beneficial as well. Eating firm, crisp, and healthy meals is also good for the gums.
Tooth decay might start as soon as a child’s teeth sprout. Parents begin brushing their children’s teeth as soon as they see them. However, waiting until a child is comfortable before beginning may be advisable. There are typically 20 primary (baby) teeth in a kid. Once the last of these is lost, usually during their preteen years, the adult set of 32 permanent (adult) teeth begins to grow behind them. Some children may not grow their molars until later since their jawbone isn’t yet big enough for them to fit into position properly. A more prominent jaw will allow more significant adult and potential wisdom teeth.
Kids360 Pediatric Dentistry would be proud to be your family’s dental office if you have worries about your child’s oral health or require a pediatric dentist. We’ll be pleased to help you and your child get through the teething stage. Call us at (832) 271-6114.
Your child’s dental history starts before they ever emerge from the womb. From the fourth month of their life as a developing fetus, they have all the teeth they’ll ever have already growing within their jaw. This means that even before they’re born, it’s important to start watching for their oral health. When it comes to their developing adult smiles, it’s often beneficial to consider getting an orthodontic evaluation to check for developing issues while it’s still early enough to prevent them or lessen their impact. While not every child will require orthodontic care, it’s essential to determine this as early as possible. Here at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry, we prepare for your child’s future by performing an orthodontic evaluation when they reach age 7.
Simply put, no. However, seven years of age is the perfect time to have them receive their orthodontic evaluation. During this visit, they’ll receive a full oral exam, including dental imaging. By checking the development of their adult teeth at this time, it can make it clear whether any issues need intervention before they fully develop. While your child will be ready for their orthodontic evaluation at age seven, the actual work typically won’t begin until age 9. This is when your child’s adult teeth begin erupting, and steps can be taken to ensure that they turn out a beautiful, straight, and healthy smile. When you see the team at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry for an orthodontic evaluation, the following topics will be covered:
If you want to prepare your child for a future with a magnificent, healthy smile, call us today at (832) 271-6114. We’ll schedule you an appointment to get your child evaluated by our team. Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan that will ensure your child has beautiful, healthy teeth for years to come.
Growing up can be challenging, and growing up with misaligned teeth can be even more challenging. Kids have enough to worry about without worrying whether others will tease them about their smiles. More importantly, misaligned teeth can lead to serious oral health concerns as they age. The good news is their fears about their braces being noticeable aren’t as true to life as they used to be. Newer braces are less intrusive and may even be completely invisible. However, those active in bands and playing brass instruments may still be concerned about their impact on their ability to play.
Daily practice can be challenging to keep up with, but every musician knows it’s essential to improving. When anything gets in the way of this critical part of excellence, it can be incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, there’s no reason that having braces has to keep young musicians from perfecting their art. Plenty of brass players have gotten braces and are managing to continue performing and improving over time. In fact, by the end of this article, we will share a secret with you about wearing braces while playing. In the meantime, just know that a little patience and time to adjust will have you playing in no time. All you need to do is follow these tips:
So there you have it! Four things will help you return to playing while undergoing orthodontic care. Now, we promised you a secret. That secret is that studies have revealed that those who wear braces while learning to play brass instruments advance faster and develop better technique than those who don’t. Something about adjusting to playing with braces produces superior results while practicing and a better relationship with their embouchure.
If you have a child that needs braces, it’s time to call on the team at Kids 360 Pediatric. We can meet with you and your child and discuss the options for orthodontic treatment and what concerns may lay ahead for them. Call us at (832) 271-6114 to schedule an appointment at our Richmond, TX, office today!
Parenting comes with a lot of duties but is also very gratifying. As parents, we must teach our children self-care skills such as eating independently and cleaning up. A critical component of an efficient cleaning regimen is oral care. Most parents do an excellent job of teaching their kids how to clean correctly, but flossing is frequently more challenging.
Children can start using tooth floss around seven or eight, but it’s always early enough to teach them! It would be advantageous if you began teaching your kid to floss when they have two teeth close together. What makes cleansing crucial? Answering this question is necessary before we continue. Brushing is the first line of defense against decay, bad breath, and periodontal disease, with flossing coming in second. Brushes can’t reach areas of the lips that dental floss can. Food and plaque are frequently concealed along the gum line and between teeth. The development of cavities or periodontal disease is possible if food particles are not eliminated by flossing. There are numerous types of floss, including:
How can you make it fun when deciding which floss to use with your kid? Do it jointly! Start flossing while listening to upbeat music and making silly expressions at yourself in the reflection. Ideally, your child will look forward to spending more time with you as much as they look forward to cleaning their teeth! A flossing calendar is a beautiful tool for urging your kid to use dental floss daily. Add a star to the board each time your kid uses the bathroom. Reward them for five days every time they floss. Let your child choose the mouthwash they want. Take your child to the shop so he can choose the kind and flavor of floss he wishes to use before you start teaching him how to floss. An excellent incentive is getting their favored shade or taste when they floss.
Your kid should see a pediatric dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning, checkup, and instruction on how to brush and floss properly. Call (832) 271-6114 immediately to arrange an appointment with Dr. Mayuri Appareddy at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry!
Getting kids to care for their teeth and carry out basic actions like cleaning and flossing can be challenging. It can be incredibly challenging when you have a kid with special needs. However, it is crucial to instill in your child excellent dental hygiene as it helps to prevent dental issues and maintains the health and beauty of their smile.
Many parents find this to be difficult. However, the difficulty increases when it comes to kids who have special requirements. For children with unique challenges, consider the following dental hygiene advice:
If your infant lacks the skill to use a toothbrush, you can give it a hairbrush handle. Make cleaning your teeth a more enjoyable experience as an additional option. If your kid doesn’t do their daily dental routine, try playing music or putting up amusing pictures around the restroom to get their attention.
Finding a dentist who can see your kid every time he visits the office and has some experience with special needs patients is also essential. When facing a terrifying circumstance, it can be beneficial to see a familiar face. The pediatric dentists at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry are very experienced with treating patients with special needs and are knowledgeable about a variety of methods that can be used to calm your child. We want your kid to appreciate themselves while visiting our office. Call (832) 271-6114 to arrange an appointment straight away!
There’s so much to learn when you’re a first-time parent. The experience can be equally parts thrilling and nerve-wracking, especially with so much to learn. It can be particularly trying when your baby eats for a long time. Even more concerning is when these long feeding times are combined with their never quite seeming to be full. The good news is that a common cause of this could be a condition called a lip tie or tongue tie. Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you understand lip and tongue ties and give you options for resolving them!
So, unfortunately, your baby having a lip-tie or tongue-tie doesn’t mean they’re particularly quiet. Instead, it means that the band of tissue under the tongue, or between the gum and teeth, is larger than normal. This increase in size means that their tongue or lip can’t move freely. This makes it difficult for them to latch onto a breast or bottle easily, making it difficult for them to eat efficiently. The band of tissue that is the source of the concern is called the ‘frenulum,’ or in the case of the tongue, the ‘lingual frenulum.’ While generally harmless, the complications that can occur with it are not. In addition to causing issues with feeding properly and speech development. If left untreated, it may even interfere with the development of their gums and the arrival of their adult teeth.
Thankfully, this condition is easily treated, and there are signs to reveal its presence:
If your child has a tongue or lip tie, our team has ways to help. Treating ties is a straightforward and relatively risk-free procedure. Using a laser scalpel, we cut the excess frenulum away in a procedure known as a frenectomy. It only takes a few minutes to perform, and the anesthesia will make sure your baby doesn’t experience any discomfort during the procedure. If you want to learn more about frenectomies and ties, call us at (832) 271-6114 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mayuri Appareddy at our clinic in Richmond, TX.
