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

Pediatric Dentistry

How Breastfeeding Affects the Oral Health of Your Baby

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When a baby is breastfed, the breast milk provides essential nutrients they need to develop properly and thrive and this includes their jaw and teeth.

Breastfeeding has proven to have countless benefits for both mother and baby. Most people are aware that breastfeeding protects against eczema and allergies, reduces the risk of certain infections and viruses, and that it can even lessen the threat of SIDS. But breastfeeding can also have positive effects on the oral health of your baby.

Essential Nutrients are Essential!

When a baby is breastfed, the breast milk provides essential nutrients they need to develop properly and thrive. To make sure your baby’s gums and teeth, once the erupt, are strong and healthy, these nutrients are essential. Breast milk contains proteins that help build strong jaw muscles, fatty acids that help reduce inflammation, and vitamins needed for good oral health.

Helps with Bite Alignment

Interestingly, the sucking mechanisms are different for bottle-fed and breastfed babies. In a recent study researches discovered that babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their life were 72% less likely to develop crooked teeth. This is because breastfeeding stimulates muscle tone in the jaw. After all, it requires the use of the jaw muscles more than bottle-feeding.

It’s important to remember though that every child is different. Breastfeeding is not a guarantee that a child will not have orthodontic issues in the future. Many other factors contribute to bite alignments such as pacifier use, thumb-sucking, and genetics.

Decreases Risk of Tooth Decay

Breastfed babies typically have a reduced risk of developing cavities. This is because they are not at risk of baby bottle tooth decay. When a baby is put to bed with a bottle containing milk, formula, or juice, baby bottle tooth decay can develop.

Once your baby begins teething, it’s important to start brushing them with a small, soft toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day. As your child grows, it’s important that they also go to the dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.

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

Call (314) 862-7844

The Importance of Pediatric Dentistry for Children with Special Needs

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, children with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting.

Every child needs to develop good oral hygiene and have routine dental care. However, for children with special needs, they are often at higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay, as well as sustaining oral trauma.

Whether your child has a condition that is congenital, developmental, or the result of a disease, special dental care is so important to their overall health. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, children with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Our team is compassionate and here to help patients accomplish dental care that they may have never had before.

What are Some of the Challenges?

Many children with special needs often have a lot of sensitivity around their mouths. As a child develops, parents and children will need help to deal with future oral structure changes and possible feeding issues. Other children with special needs often have a difficult time opening their mouths completely due to problems with the development of the jaw. This may make tasks like brushing and flossing difficult and make them more prone to gum disease and cavities. Some children with sensory challenges are often averse to the texture and sensation of a toothbrush or toothpaste in their mouth.

Not only can these challenges make oral health difficult to maintain, but they can make going to the dentist difficult. That’s why it’s so important for parents to find a pediatric dentist that is skilled in working with children with special needs. An experienced dentist will be a therapeutic partner for your child, one who listens and provides helpful resources.

Creating an Enjoyable Dental Experience

Any child may have a difficult time acclimating to the dentist at first. This can be even more true for a child with special needs. Working with a special needs pediatric dentist will enable your family to create a program that caters to your child’s specific mental, emotional, and physical needs. This in turn will create an enjoyable and comfortable dental experience for both your child and you.

Sedation Dentistry is an Option

For special needs children who have sensory challenges or high anxiety, sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, can be a safe and excellent option. It can offer you and your child the best experience, ensuring that your child receives the best dental care.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms complete dental procedures for patients with special needs requiring general anesthesia or sedation. Individuals with special physical or mental needs can receive complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Patients with special needs can have a thorough exam that includes taking x-rays and receiving a dental cleaning with general anesthesia.

Call us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

6 Fun Dental Apps to Make Your Kid Love Brushing His or Her Teeth

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If your child is already using mobile devices and you’re having trouble getting them to brush their teeth, test out some of these apps and find the right match for you!

Kids nowadays are familiar with how to use a mobile device, but they still need help when it comes to some basic healthy habits, like brushing their teeth. Parents are trying various methods to make brushing more fun and enjoyable and create a positive association in their children’s minds.

Luckily, there are plenty of solutions to make brushing and flossing fun, and we have compiled a list of six excellent app examples that can help parents and their kids.

Disney Magic Timer (iOs and Android)

This Disney license app by Oral-B is going to have any little Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars fans excited about brushing their teeth, with characters like Darth Vader, Belle, Olaf, and many others. You have to pair it with an Oral-B toothbrush and used twice a day to unlock new pictures in the app. This encourages the kids to use the brush regularly and do the brushing for at least two minutes.

Toothsavers Brushing Game (iOs and Android)

An app that uses the power of a good story to make children brush twice a day, Toothsavers features an evil witch that sends cavities to everyone’s mouths, and who can be defeated by brushing twice a day for at least two minutes. After 30 days of regular brushing, the evil witch can be defeated, and hopefully, the habit is already set in your child’s routine.

Brush DJ (iOs and Android)

This very simple app allows you to play music for your phone for exactly 2 minutes, which is the minimum amount of time kids should spend brushing their teeth. In addition to playing their favorite songs, this app also allows them to choose the color of the display.

My Teeth (iOs)

Thorough brushing is important, which is why parents have to assist their children for a few years before they brush on their own. This app is very helpful, because it shows the proper technique in a fun way, and allows parents to brush their child’s mouth with full cooperation from his side.

My Bright Smile (iOs and Android)

This app by Colgate has five mini-games that include visiting the dentist, choosing a healthy diet and brushing your teeth. It is meant to teach the little ones about how to keep a good overall dental health by not only brushing but also having the right diet and seeing the dentist regularly. As with most dental health apps for kids, it also features a song that will encourage your kid to keep on brushing for at least two minutes.

Time 2 Brush (iOs and Android)

An app created for Aquafresh, this fun game makes brushing fun by presenting lovable characters and allowing the child to personalize them and collect more. 

If your child is already using mobile devices and you’re having trouble getting them to stay still during brushing, test out some of these apps and find the right match for you!

Is It OK for Your Teen to Continue Seeing a Pediatric Dentist?

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They might already have all their permanent teeth or are waiting for only a few more to appear, but their jaw and facial structures are still growing and changing.

Many parents are unsure about when it’s time to take their child to a general dentist instead of a pediatric one. Teenagers are already dealing with a lot of changes in their bodies and behavior, and it’s easy to get confused about how to treat them from now on.

When it comes to dentistry, these decisions should be made based on the physiology of your child and what their specific needs are in terms of oral health and treatments.

So, should your teen continue seeing his or her pediatric dentist? The answer is yes. The recommended age for switching to a general dentist is 18 years old. Until then, a pediatric dentist is the most qualified to work with their changing physiology and specific dental issues.

Why Should Your Teen Be Seen by a Pediatric Dentist?

Even though our teens often baffle us with how much they start acting and looking like young adults, their bodies are still going through important changes at this age. They might already have all their permanent teeth or are waiting for only a few more to appear, but their jaw and facial structures are still growing and changing.

Another common characteristic of this age group is the prevalence of orthodontic treatments. In other words, a teen is more likely to wear braces than a young child or an adult, which makes their dental needs a bit more specific.

Seeing their pediatric dentist through their teenage years also has another great advantage: their doctor will know their history very well, and there will be a solid relationship already established between them. Even if your child would like to change doctors, you should still search for a pediatric dentist who can address the age-specific issues.

Educating Teens about Oral Health

Education doesn’t stop through your child’s teenage years. They may be able to properly brush their teeth on their own or make certain decisions independently, but they are still prone to neglecting their oral health or having bad habits for their teeth. Common problems during the teenage years are procrastination, unhealthy foods in their diet, starting bad habits like smoking, etc.

When Is the Time to Switch to a General Dentist?

As mentioned before, the recommended age when your child should start seeing a regular dentist is 18. By that time, their permanent teeth have replaced all baby teeth and their face and jaw are fully developed. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s St. Louis pediatric dentist about this and address any other questions you may have.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

Finding a pediatric dentist for special needs can sometimes be challenging. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs. Our office is fully equipped to accommodate patients with special needs, allowing us to deliver care in an environment that is relaxed and comfortable for you and your child.

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Is Milk Really Good for Your Child’s Teeth?

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The simple answer is yes! But some parents have heard differently – so why the confusion?

Calcium is a necessary component for building strong teeth and bones, after all, your teeth and bones store 99% of your body’s calcium. A baby’s teeth begin to form while in the womb and for this reason a pregnant mother should be taking the recommended daily allowance of calcium. Then, from infancy and through the teen years, calcium intake continues to be a key element for healthy growth and development.

So, is milk good for your child’s teeth? The simple answer is yes! But some parents have heard differently – so why the confusion?

Is Milk Good for Your Child’s Teeth?

Milk is good for your child’s teeth because it contains important nutrients needed by the bones and teeth. Milk naturally has calcium and phosphate, two compounds that harden the tooth enamel and protect your child’s teeth from cavities.

Giving your child milk and other foods rich in calcium, like oranges, yogurt, canned sardines (bones included,) beans, spinach, soy milk, etc. will ensure that he or she receives the recommended calcium intake. Be careful about giving them an extra dose of calcium, as excess is just as bad as a lack of calcium. Calcium enriched products should only be given when the doctor recommends it based on blood tests that show a need for extra calcium into the body.

It Depends on Certain Circumstances

Milk itself is very good and necessary to create strong teeth but it can cause negative results depending on certain circumstances. For instance, milk is not good for your child’s teeth if it lingers over the night in your child’s mouth, or if it contains sugar and other additives.

If you are used to giving your child milk in a sippy-cup or baby bottle before bedtime to make them fall asleep more easily, stop this habit as soon a possible. Even when the milk is simple and does not contain any added sugar, it still has naturally occurring sugars that will attack the tooth enamel if the child doesn’t brush their teeth before sleep. With bottle-fed babies, this phenomenon is actually well-known as “bottle cavities.” There is a common misconception that breastfed babies also get cavities because of nursing before bedtime, but studies show that breast milk protects against cavities and nursing doesn’t let the milk linger in the mouth.

So, giving your child milk to drink will make their teeth stronger, will protect their tooth enamel, and will strengthen their jaw bone. However, it really comes down to when you let them drink the milk. However, the same is true for any type of drink other than water. Giving your child a sippy-cup or bottle with milk, juice, or formula can cause tooth decay if they drink it to go to bed without brushing their teeth.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate team.

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

Call (314) 862-7844

My Kid Rarely Eats Sweets – Why Does He Still Have Cavities?

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Encourage a structured meal program and supervise their brushing at least twice a day to make sure they get rid of plaque.

Parents do their best when it comes to keeping their children healthy and teaching them good habits. Dental health is highly regarded in the US, and children are taken to the dentist early on so they can get used to being in the dentist’s chair.

Some parents also realize the great importance diet has when it comes to their children’s dental health, and are careful to exclude sweets from their diet to protect their teeth. However, these parents are very surprised when they find out that their children have cavities in spite of their efforts to keep them off sweets.

So why is that? If it’s not sweets, then what’s causing cavities in children?

Eating Foods Rich in Carbs

One habit that can lead to cavities is the type of food our children eat. Not everyone knows that it’s not only the sugar that’s bad for your teeth, but also starchy carbs. Snacks like pretzels, corn puffs or bread sticks can be just as bad for your child’s teeth. To understand this better, remember that starches have sugars that eventually turn into plaque once they reach our mouths and are processed by the bacteria there.

Starchy carbs have the tendency to be sticky when you chew them. Just think of a pretzel and how it turns into a paste-like substance that gets into your teeth’s grooves and in between. This is the kind of food we should try to avoid.

Eating Continuously Throughout the Day

Most children and teens need to eat every 3 to 4 hours during the day to fuel their growing and active bodies. However, every time your child has a snack, the bacteria in their mouth increases the acidity in their mouth. The acid, in turn, can attack the enamel that protects their teeth, causing tooth decay.

So in this scenario, it’s not necessarily what your child is eating but how often.

Alternatives to Avoid Cavities Altogether

If you have identified the culprit in your child’s diet, eliminate it immediately and replace it with something healthy. As parents, we know that it’s much easier said than done, but luckily there are amazing alternatives to starches that your child will surely love.

Instead of giving them dried fruit or products that contain dried fruit (like granola), switch to fresh fruit. Fresh fruit does not linger on the teeth for so long and has fibers that can actually help clean the teeth.

Instead of starchy food, offer them fresh vegetables, nuts, and peanuts, or dairy products (unflavored).

Encourage a structured meal program and supervise their brushing at least twice a day to make sure they get rid of plaque. When it comes to healthy habits, the power of example and persistence are the keys to success.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844