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.
Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great! Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.
Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years. His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent. He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare. Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!
My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.
I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!
Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.
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.
