Always a team effort of caregiving based on need state - mental and dental, the doctors have a first class practice at 950 Francis Place. I’ve never heard a judgmental word spoken. They guide you in planning your visit and follow through on the execution every time. Just put your trust in the prevention, treatment and care you’re guaranteed to receive. Your health will benefit and any anxieties or physical limitations can be overcome. Oral care at home (or lack thereof) cannot meet 100% of your needs. The Dental Anesthesia Center will complete it.
My sweet daughter has Autism, and was unable to work with a typical dentist. She must be sedated for dental cleanings, which can be scary for both of us. The team here is always very warm and understanding. They’re patient and willing to help us when she is struggling. Dr. Thoms is so helpful and kind. We’ve seen him for several years now, and I trust him and his team completely. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and trust in our team over the years. We’re so grateful to be part of your family’s care and truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to our team!
I am so impressed with this Place. The staff is super friendly and explains everything in great detail and really takes their time with their patients. I came here after 15+ years of not having Dental insurance or the means to see a Dentist.
Needless to say, my teeth were in pretty bad shape, and I needed a deep periodontal cleaning. When I went in for consultation back in February I was totally nervous, anxious had no clue what to expect. I just knew that I needed to a tooth that was falling out pulled and needed to do something about my teeth.
After talking with a staff member and Dr. Hoffmann I felt totally at ease. Both my procedures in Feb and May went incredibly well and I woke up from both with an incredible smile.
I came back today for follow up and cleaning my Hygienist was awesome I still had some sensitivity around my front teeth and when she noticed I flinched she stopped and said do you need break, or do you want me to put some numbing jell on your front teeth.
After we got done, I had a lot of questions about the proper way to floss, what type of tooth paste I should use for sensitive teeth etc and she really took the time to answer all my questions.
If you have been putting off dental work because of anxiety, I encourage you to check this place out. The staff truly cares about their clients.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re so glad you felt informed, supported, and cared for throughout your visits. Helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their dental care means so much to our team. We truly appreciate your trust!
I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful our team could help provide a comfortable experience and appreciate your trust in us.
Amazing staff from entering to exiting! Thank you all for truly caring and taking the time to explain every step as you go. You are appreciated and I would highly recommend you to everyone!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you felt cared for and informed throughout your experience. Our team truly appreciates your support!
Thumb-sucking seems like a harmless habit common in most children, especially below the age of 7. Between 75% to 95% of all infants suck their thumb, but sometimes the habit may spill into adulthood. In case you didn’t know, thumb-sucking is an instinctive habit that comes naturally to toddlers in times of distress. Sucking their thumbs soothes them and gives them a sense of security.
Unfortunately, thumb-sucking may develop into a habit that does more harm than good. That’s because thumb-sucking can have negative effects on your child’s oral health, particularly teeth development. Below, we’ll look at the dangers of prolonged thumb-sucking.
May Lead to Protruding Front Teeth
The most common side effect of persistent thumb-sucking is protruding front teeth or overbite. When sucking their thumb, children often press their thumb against the part of the gum where their incisors emerge. Over time, this continuous pressure pushes the front teeth forward when they grow, leading to a condition known as an overbite.
Protruding front teeth are aesthetically unappealing and may make your child feel insecure about their appearance. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help correct overbite. The earlier it’s corrected, the better it is for your child.
Open Bite
Open-bite is when both the front and bottom teeth become directed outwards. This means the two sets of teeth don’t touch even when your child shuts their mouth. Open bite leads to teeth misalignment and irregular chewing patterns that sometimes lead to discomfort.
Increases Vulnerability to Mouth Ulcers
Children that suck their thumbs are more likely to develop mouth ulcers. This is because when they suck their thumb, it’s likely to scratch their mouth palette, which is still quite soft. Mouth ulcers, in itself, aren’t such a major cause for concern. However, they can make a child avoid tooth brushing because it’s painful. With time, this can develop into a full-blown habit that could lead to various oral health problems in the future.
Promotes Mouth Breathing
When children suck their thumb during bedtime, then drift into sleep, they’ll likely sleep with their mouths open. That’s because they’ll still have their thumb in their mouth. This makes them breathe through their mouths instead of their noses. But what’s the problem with breathing through the mouth?
Mouth breathing can be dangerous because it introduces harmful pathogens that can harm the teeth and gums. Remember, the nose has hairs and mucus to take care of these harmful bacteria; your teeth don’t. As a result, these bacteria might enter a cavity or hole in their teeth and cause intense pain.
How Can You Stop Your Child From Thumb-Sucking?
Verbally telling your child to stop sucking their thumb rarely works. Instead, what you need to do is show them that it’s not okay to suck their thumb. You can do this by simply removing their hand from the mouth whenever they start thumb-sucking. Over time, your child will know that sucking their thumb is a definite no-no.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
