St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center

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Is Thumb-Sucking Really Bad for Your Child’s Teeth?

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For a child who uses their thumb constantly to find comfort, dental problems might be significant enough to cause concern.

Pediatric Dentist St Louis

Every parent who has a thumb-sucker has felt the sting of someone reminding them that their child’s habit is going to come back to bite them  – no pun intended. So, is it an old wives’ tale that thumb-sucking can lead to tooth decay and the need for braces, or is it really harmless to a child’s oral health?

Since it’s a self-soothing habit, you might hate to take it away from them. However, you also don’t want to let them persist with a bad habit that can cause harm.

The Truth About Thumb-Sucking

The truth is that when your child has their temporary teeth, there isn’t much they can do to hurt the permanent ones that lay dormant. Any behaviors like thumb-sucking and brushing teeth might be best developed early on in life so they become habits with more staying power as they age, but those issues really might not have any bearing on their oral health until they have lost their baby teeth and the permanent ones have grown in.

As they begin to get their permanent teeth, however, thumb-sucking may cause problems with the alignment of their teeth. It can also create a significant change in the formation of the roof of their mouth. Allowing children to use pacifiers is no different from thumb-sucking. The only difference is that pacifiers are easier to take away, and therefore the habit is easier to break.

For the occasional self-soothing thumb-sucker, the consequences might be mild. But for a child who uses their thumb constantly to find comfort, dental problems might be significant enough to cause concern. In fact, if your child is an aggressive enough thumb-sucker, you might begin to notice problems developing with their baby teeth early on.

When Should You Try to Break Their Thumb-Sucking Habit?

The best time to break a habit like thumb-sucking is sooner rather than later. From the ages of two to four years, a child begins to shed their baby teeth and their permanent ones will start to grow. If you notice that thumb-sucking is having a profound impact on your child’s baby teeth, then it’s imperative to stop it immediately, and it might warrant some advice from your pediatric dentist. But the best time to break the habit is before you notice baby teeth falling out.

Because thumb-sucking is a habit that many children find so comforting, it can be a persistent one and hard to break. The best thing you can do is to approach it with understanding and try not to be too harsh. Praise them for not thumb-sucking, and try not to use punishment as a means to control or eradicate it. Explain why it isn’t good for them, and perhaps work with them to find an alternate means to soothe themselves during those times when they need to find comfort.

Thumb-sucking isn’t the worst habit that your child can engage in, but it is one that you should try to limit and remove from their behavior patterns as soon as you can so that you can stop it from impacting their oral health in the future.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s oral health, please call us to schedule an appointment. Your child’s initial oral examination includes a visual exam, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.

Call us at (314) 862-7844 to schedule your child’s visit. We looking forward to meeting you!

Is Dental Sedation Right for Your Child?

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We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

St. Louis Special Needs Dentist

When your youngster is having a dental procedure done, you might be struggling with the choice of whether or not to sedate them. You want to prevent them from feeling any trauma and pain from the dental procedure, but you also don’t want to put their safety into question. That can leave you questioning whether dental sedation is right for your child.

The good news is that sedating a patient is almost always a safe procedure. There are ways to sedate your little one that are completely effective and come with very minimal risk. If you use the lowest level of sedation, then you can both save your little one the anxiety of sitting in the dentist chair and you can also relax, knowing that they are completely safe.

What Type is Right for Your Child?

The major types of sedation used for dental procedures are oral sedation, the use of nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Oral sedation is a type of sedation procedure where a child takes medicine by mouth (orally) before the procedure. It takes about 20 minutes to work, and it allows the child to relax and usually fall asleep; they can easily be awakened, and there is very little risk involved.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is used to keep children quiet and calm during a dental procedure. A mask is placed over their mouths, and they breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. While it gives your child a feeling of euphoria, it also means they will not remember the procedure or feel anything as the procedure is happening. Towards the end of the treatment, the mask will deliver just oxygen, and your child will be good to go home without any residual effects.

To sedate a patient with IV sedation, they must have an IV line inserted, and an anesthesiologist must be present throughout the entire procedure. Once the IV line is placed the child is delivered medication intravenously and then monitored throughout the procedure.

Depending on what your child is having done and how extensive the treatment is, your dentist will make a recommendation about which type of sedation is best. A good rule to go by is to weigh the benefits of sedation against the risks. It is always best to use the least risky sedation method possible for the biggest benefit.

Although choosing sedation might seem scary, many methods are completely safe and put your child at very little risk. The benefit to their psyche and to establishing a positive experience with the dentist is imperative to establishing good oral hygiene and health for a lifetime.

St. Louis Anesthesia Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation.

Call Us Today to Schedule Your Appointment at (314) 862-7844 We Look Forward to Meeting You!

Tips for Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth – Pediatric Dentist in St. Louis

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If you are like most parents, getting your child to brush their teeth may feel more like pulling those teeth.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

The novelty of having a new toothbrush and getting your child excited to take care of their teeth might fade quickly, but brushing habits are very important to establish good oral health – not just in childhood, but throughout their adult lives.

The key is to introduce brushing early on and to make it a habit that they get used to. Some dentists recommend that you begin brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they begin to erupt. The earlier you can establish the habit, however, the less resistance you will likely get from your child.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth

There are a number of things you can do to help your child develop good oral habits. Some of these include:

  • Choose a small toothbrush that is soft and make sure to soak the bristles before using them on the teeth. Brushing teeth should not be uncomfortable, or your little one will likely try to avoid it.
  • Fluoride toothpaste is essential to your child’s oral health, but it needs to be used in moderation for their safety. All you need is about the size of a grain of rice for babies and a pea-sized amount for your child after the age of three.
  • You should brush your child’s teeth twice a day, once in the morning and then again before bed. Using a timer, make sure that they spend a minimum of two minutes brushing. They should use great care with their molars because that is often where dental caries (cavities) develop.
  • Replace your child’s toothbrush every three to four months, or even sooner if they are sick. If the brush begins to show signs that it is wearing down, replace it; don’t ever allow your children to share a toothbrush.
  • Flossing should start as soon as your child has more than one adjacent tooth. Instead of using the string kind, get the little picks and show them how to floss their own teeth so that they can establish good habits.
  • Ask your dentist if fluoride treatments are a good idea. You might not need them if you have heavily fluoridated water, but only your dentist can guide you in the right direction. It might also be necessary for you to give your child fluoride supplements if your water doesn’t contain enough.
  • Consider dental sealants; they can help to prevent dental caries by protecting the surfaces of the teeth that do the majority of chewing. They can protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay.

Brushing is an essential part of good oral health. The earlier that you introduce it into your child’s daily habits, the better. Although it may seem like one more thing that you have to get onto them about, it is well worth it to establish good patterns in the beginning, so that they will practice good oral hygiene for a lifetime.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

Scheduling regular visits to the dentist for your child is important. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Some children who are experiencing anxiety and are unable to cooperate for needed dental treatment can benefit from anesthesia services. Please call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Sedation and What to Expect

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We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Sleep Dentistry in St Louis

There are times when IV sedation might be warranted for your child’s dental treatment. This isn’t just scary for you; it can also be something that can cause a whole lot of anxiety for your child. To minimize the concern you both feel, there are ways you can prepare yourself and your child for what will happen the day of the procedure. The more educated and aware you both are, the better the chances you will both make it through the procedure with limited anxiety.

Preparing Your Child for Sedation Dentistry

There are few risks involved when your child goes under sedation dentistry, which makes it imperative that you follow the preparation instructions very carefully. Make sure not just to talk to them about what will happen, but also follow the right steps the night before to make things go as well as possible.

The night before the procedure, your child will need to fast, which is medically called “being NOP.” If you don’t follow the instructions as outlined, then you can run the risk of having the procedure canceled.

  • The morning before the procedure or treatment your child will need to have the nasal decongestant Afrin sprayed into each nostril. The active ingredient is oxymetazoline. It helps to clear the nasal passages and will allow your child to breathe easier.
  • Do not give your child any milk or food after midnight the night before the procedure is scheduled. If you have an older child who is capable of getting up in the middle of the night to get themselves something to eat or drink, you have to explain to them that they must not have anything to eat and be diligent to ensure that they follow your instructions.
  • From midnight until two hours before the procedure, your child is allowed to have water, clear juice, or Pedialyte. Make sure that whatever they drink has no pulp, is not a sports drink with sugar like Gatorade, and that it has nothing with either dairy in it or fruit particles.
  • Administer the required dose of Tylenol one to two hours before you arrive at your scheduled appointment.
  • If your child takes regular medications, then they may take them with water up to two hours before their appointment is scheduled. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications or any nonsteroidal medications within two days before the scheduled appointment. You can give Tylenol, but do not give any products containing aspirin like Motrin or Advil.
  • If your child uses a nebulizer or breathing treatments, begin giving them regularly twice a day two days prior to the procedure. Do so even if they are not symptomatic.
  • Bring an item that they find comfort in, like a stuffed animal or blanket.
  • If they wear a diaper or pull-up at night, they may wear them to the procedure to prevent accidents.
  • Always have two adults there to help drive home so that one can sit with the child and monitor them on the way home.
  • If your child is running a fever or has any signs of a cold or illness, reschedule the appointment for another time.

IV sedation can seem scary for both you and your child. The more you understand how it works and prepare for your scheduled appointment, the more assured you will be that things will go as smoothly as possible and that everyone will be okay.

Dental Sleep St. Louis

When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns prior to your child’s appointment, please call us (314) 862-7844.

We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

How to Get Your Kids on Board with Good Oral Health Habits

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Instilling good oral habits in your child when they are young will foster good dental health for life!

St. Louis Pediatric Dentist

For a little child, going to the dentist can be a very scary thing. However, if you instill good oral habits early on with your youngster, you can avoid bad experiences at the dentist, which will foster good dental health for the rest of their lives.

The more you educate your children about their teeth, why it is important to take good care of them, and how to do so, the more likely you are to have pain-free visits and exams that increase the odds that they will maintain regular dental health exams when they are older.

Read Books about the Dentist and Oral Health

One of the best ways to help children develop good habits is through reading books that model healthy oral behaviors. Books will not only prepare your child for their dental exam and reduce any anxiety about their visit, but books can also provide the information your child needs about how to care for their teeth in a more engaging and enlightening way than by simply telling them.

Another good way to foster healthy teeth habits and reduce dentist-visit fears is to have them watch movies like “Timmy the Tooth” and other shows that explain how cavities form and how to prevent them. Movies and videos also help to explain what to expect when they visit the dentist and help to make exams less traumatic.

Demonstrate What Happens to Teeth

The Crest company has developed an experiment that you can do with your kids at home to demonstrate what happens when everyday acids build up in their teeth, and how those acids can make teeth weak and soft. It also shows them how they can protect their teeth by brushing the correct way. The experiment uses an egg, toothpaste, and vinegar, and takes about five or six days. Developed by dentists, the Crest experiment brings the process of tooth decay and damage to life and gives children a feeling of control over damage, while showing them how good brushing and oral care work.

Let Them Choose Their Own Brush

Those silly toothbrushes aren’t just a novelty, they are an excellent way to get kids excited about brushing their teeth. As one of the best investments, you can make, allow them to choose one that has a timer, lights up, or has their favorite character on it. That way they will be more excited to brush their teeth. The more frequently they brush their teeth as a habit, the more ingrained that habit will become both now and in their future.

Teach Them about Their Teeth

Teach children about teeth by outlining the different kinds of teeth they have. There are 32 in total: four cuspids, eight incisors, 12 molars, and eight premolars. Just talking about their teeth and giving them an understanding of what goes where is a good way to reinforce the importance of keeping their teeth strong.

The oral habits that children learn early on are not only important for the health of their developing teeth, but those habits will also set up their habits for a lifetime. Give them the knowledge they need, foster good brushing habits, and let them have some fun by experimenting and picking out their own brush, to keep them engaged and maintain their oral health for a lifetime.

Pediatric Dentist St. Louis

Your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. Depending on your child’s circumstances, we will discuss if sedation or anesthesia is right for your child.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

What Are the Different Dental Sedation Options?

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Many sedation options exist to make dental work pain and anxiety free.

Sedation Dentistry St Louis

Many people cringe at the mere thought of having dental work done. The good news is that if you do have to have treatment, it doesn’t have to be a traumatic and painful experience. There are ways to minimize the pain, and you can sit back and relax in the chair while your teeth are being repaired.

Many sedation options exist to make dental work pain and anxiety free. The key is to know what your options are and to choose which one is right for your procedure and your comfort level.

Dental Sedation Options

When dentists use sedation to help curb pain and anxiety during dental treatments, they use medications that allow their patients to relax. While it’s commonly referred to as “sleep dentistry,” in most instances it doesn’t actually put the client to sleep; generally, the patient is completely awake. The only time that a patient is put to sleep is if they decide to use general anesthesia. There are four different levels of dental sedation: minimal, moderate or conscious sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Inhaled Sedation

The minimum level of dental sedation is breathing in nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, and it flows through a mask that is placed over the patient’s mouth and nose. The dentist controls the amount of gas that the patient receives, and you are typically able to drive yourself home after the procedure is over.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation can be either minimal or moderate. Patients who use oral sedation take a pill. The most common type of medication is Halcion, which is taken before the procedure. The medication makes the patient drowsy, but they are still awake. For more moderate sedation, the dose may be increased. It is usually enough to allow patients to sleep through the procedure, but will still be alert enough to awaken with a little nudge.

IV Moderate Sedation

IV moderate sedation is given via IV and goes directly into the vein. It takes effect more rapidly, and the dentist is able to adjust the level and the amount of sedation.

General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation

For heavy sedation, anesthesia makes the patient completely unconscious. The patient will not be capable of waking up during the procedure. The medicine has to either wear off on its own, or other medication needs to be administered to reverse the effects of the sedation.

The good news is that if you are having a dental procedure, you don’t have to suffer. Depending on what you are having done, the right sedation method can allow you to sit back and relax. Your dentist can discuss the pros and cons of sedation and help you come up with an effective sedation method with minimal side effects and maximum comfort.

St. Louis Sleep Sedation Dentistry

We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!