Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth, and proper dental care of a child’s baby teeth is essential.
Dental care often becomes a concern and a priority with most people only after they suffer pain and discomfort from a dental cavity. Many parents do not prioritize preventive dental care for their baby’s teeth, citing reasons such as, “Baby teeth are going to fall out anyway!”
The Dental Anesthesia Center provides safe pediatric dentistry care for children of all ages.
Baby teeth are as important as permanent teeth, and proper dental care of a child’s baby teeth is essential. Cavities, plaque, unpleasant odor, and tooth decay are some of the most common and chronic dental problems increasing among children at an alarming rate.
Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. And we’re glad you enjoyed the stylish shades too! 😎 We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
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.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We are honored by your trust in our team and appreciate you recognizing our commitment to compassionate, judgment-free care. Providing a safe, supportive experience for every patient is always our goal. Thank you for choosing The Dental Anesthesia Center!
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!
Effects of neglected dental hygiene
Pediatric dentists worldwide have always emphasized the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene among children. Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to several problems for children, including the following:
Cavities and tooth decay among children are prevalent and is considered a chronic disease. It is highly infectious and spreads to other teeth as well. Sensitivity and pain are related discomforts.
It has been estimated by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) that about 23% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old in the United States have cavities in their baby or primary teeth.
About 20% of children ages 6 to 8 have untreated cavities and tooth decay.
The chances of children developing cavities in their permanent teeth are much higher if they have suffered from cavities in their baby teeth.
Cavities and tooth decay can cause pain, sensitivity, and difficulty in speaking and eating. Pain and discomfort can cause the child to lose focus on schoolwork and other activities.
When cavities are ignored, they worsen, and the deeper into the tooth they go, they affect the root. Such infections require root canals that can be very painful. Moreover, untreated tooth decay can lead to several oral infections, like abscesses. An abscess is a pus formation inside the tooth or gum that needs ER treatment. It can occasionally be fatal.
When primary teeth fall before time, they can cause permanent teeth to erupt incorrectly and misalign. Such problems often need corrective dental and orthodontic treatment.
Prevention is Key
Regarding dental hygiene, the adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” holds true. A few good hygiene habits, a little enforcement, and the ability to say “no” at the right time can go a long way in ensuring that children have healthy teeth – primary or permanent. Here are some things you can do.
Restrict free access to an excess amount of sugary food and drinks.
Encourage eating sweets at mealtimes so that saliva in the mouth can neutralize the acids produced.
Ensure that children brush twice a day.
Monitor children while brushing their teeth to ensure they clean them properly.
Avoid letting children sleep with a milk bottle or a sippy cup in their mouth.
Remember, even excessive fruit juice and breast milk can speed up the onset of cavities.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
