Kangaroo Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Dr. Mona is very familiar with the phrase, “Accidents happen.” If your child experiences a dental accident that causes him or her any amount of dental pain, call us immediately. We can talk you through the situation and help relieve your stress. If needed, we will schedule a same-day emergency appointment.

Often times, cavities develop without any pain or other symptoms. That is why it is so important to schedule your child for regular, routine visits with our office. Small cavities that are not painful are always easier to fix than large cavities. Left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious problems for your child, such as infections in the nerve of the tooth, swellings, and possibly needing to have the tooth removed. Some common symptoms of a larger cavity may include: 1) A painful toothache or swollen gums 2) Pain when chewing or eating hot or cold foods 3) The presence of white spots, tooth discolorations, or holes in teeth

If a baby tooth has to be removed before it is naturally ready to come out, Dr. Mona may recommend a space maintainer. If one primary tooth is missing for more than a short period, there’s more of a risk of other teeth becoming loose because they aren’t properly supported. Space maintainers help prevent the teeth around the one that was removed from shifting, leading to space loss. It is important to prevent space loss so that all of your child’s adult teeth will have room to come in. Depending on when the tooth was lost and when the next one will come in, Dr. Mona will be able to determine if and when a space maintainer is needed.

Extractions may be recommended for any number of reasons. For example, traumatic injury to teeth, an extremely large cavity making the tooth beyond savable, an infection or abscess, or a baby tooth not falling out after the adult tooth has already come in are all possible reasons Dr. Mona may recommend going forward with an extraction. Dr. Mona is happy to discuss the best plan of action for your child.

At Kangaroo Smiles we use digital X-rays. Digital X-rays are not only more comfortable and accurate than traditional X-rays but also faster and better for the environment. With no sharp X-ray film and no lengthy chemical processing required, the images can be seen on our computer screen within seconds. Studies have also found that digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays! X-rays can reveal: • Small cavities between teeth • Deep cavities • Infections in the jaw bones • Abscesses or cysts • Developmental problems such as missing teeth

Although they will all eventually fall out, primary (baby) teeth are important for: • Proper chewing and eating • Keeping space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position • Allowing normal development of the jaw bones and muscles • Development of speech • Giving your child the self-confidence they need to succeed in school and other activities

Usually, between ages three and six, children are ready to graduate to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. It’s best to use a toothpaste that includes fluoride, which provides protection from cavities.

White dental fillings provide durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to withstand the pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. White or tooth-colored fillings require the removal of less tooth material than traditional metal fillings. Since the fillings look just like your child’s natural tooth, no one will even notice a difference in your child’s smile.

Our dental check-ups typically consist of an examination of your child’s teeth, a professional dental cleaning, a fluoride treatment, and a set of dental X-rays. Routine dental check-ups can help prevent any serious dental problems and keep your children’s teeth healthy and beautiful. In fact, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child get a checkup every six months in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems.

This is a common question, but the answer varies according to age. Similar to having a dentist visit at an early age, a kid’s dental cleaning at home can begin even before the first tooth pokes through the gums. Parents can help their baby’s mouth stay healthy and free from bacteria by running a warm, soft washcloth or gauze wrapped around their finger over her/his gums.