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

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Pediatric Dentistry

Your Child is Afraid of Going to the Dentist – How to Ease Their Fear

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Our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training that allows them to interact positively with children who have anxiety and special needs.

Going to the dentist is an essential part of keeping your kid’s mouth healthy. However, it generally doesn’t rank high on the list of things your child, or you as a parent, want to do. For some children, they truly fear going to the dentist. They may experience anxiety just at the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that fear and anxiety are real feelings that can be difficult to control, especially for a child. We strive to make your child’s dental experience comfortable and positive. Yet, there are several things you as a parent can do to help ease their fear.

Ways to Ease their Fears

To help your child’s visit to the dentist go more smoothly, try these suggestions:

  • When talking about the dentist, avoid using words such as shot, hurt, or painful.
  • Tell your child about the upcoming appointment but limit the number of details you give. Answer their questions with simple answers. Let the dentist explain the more intricate details. Pediatric dentists have the training necessary to describe things to children in an easy-to-understand, nonthreatening way.
  • When talking about your dental experiences, don’t tell your child about any unpleasant or painful experiences you’ve had.
  • From an early age, explain to your child how important it is to take care of their oral health and that going to the dentist is a positive thing.
  • Read children’s books about going to the dentist.
  • Tell your child how friendly the dentist and staff are and that they will be in excellent care.
  • They may be scared to be separated from you. Let your child know that you can be with them the entire time.
  • Let them take their favorite doll or teddy bear to the appointment.

Reasons for Their Fears

Keep in mind that it’s entirely reasonable for your child to be fearful or nervous. They may be afraid of the unknown; others may be scared of being hurt or injured. If your child has special needs, this can add to their fear and apprehension. Some other reasons your child may fear going to the dentist include:

Whatever your child’s reasons, 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.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

Does Your Child Have Braces? Help Them Keep Their Teeth Clean

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Braces are an investment in your child’s future smile, so keeping their teeth clean and in good shape is essential.

Brushing teeth with braces isn’t too different than brushing without braces. But maintaining clean teeth with braces is just a bit more time consuming and involves the help of some other tools.

As a parent, you may find it a little frustrating if you have to continually remind your child to brush their teeth and to do it correctly. However, braces are an investment in your child’s future smile, and like any other important investment, it’s wise to help them keep their teeth and braces clean.

When to Brush with Braces

There are a couple of essential times your child should be brushing their teeth if they have braces. First, they should brush their teeth in the morning, after they wake up, and at night, before going to bed.

Second, they should brush their teeth after every meal. However, the problem with brushing after every meal is that it can be impractical. If your child is at school, they may not be able to find a good place to brush, or they may not have a toothbrush with them all the time.

One suggestion that can help is for them to rinse their mouth out with water right after eating so they can rinse away any particles, sugars, and starches that could lead to plaque buildup. This is often a more practical solution if brushing isn’t possible.

How to Brush Teeth with Braces

Having the right kind of toothbrush goes a long way in helping a child brush their teeth effectively. An orthodontist will typically recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush or power toothbrush. They must brush their teeth thoroughly and be sure not to rush through a cleaning. Some good points to keep in mind include:

  • Brush each side of every tooth
  • Brush around all parts of the brackets
  • Brush along the tongue, gumline, and roof of the mouth

The amount of time spent brushing is essential too. To get all of the above areas thoroughly cleaned, a child should brush for a full two minutes. Playing a song in the background can be helpful. Also, some toothbrushes have a built-in timer and will signal when two minutes is up.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it’s important to floss at least twice a day because particles of food and plaque can easily get stuck in between the teeth. An oral irrigator, or a water flosser, is a useful tool that works just as well as traditional floss. Another way to floss is by using a reusable floss-threader along with regular dental floss.

Have a Tooth-Friendly Diet

No matter how much your child brushes and flosses their teeth, eating the right foods, and staying away from the wrong ones, goes a long way in keeping their teeth healthy while they have braces. Sugary food and drinks can increase the likelihood of your child developing cavities. Acidic food and drinks can damage tooth enamel. Foods high in starch can stick to the teeth for long periods and cause tooth decay.

It’s important to be aware of the foods that can damage enamel and lead to tooth decay so that your child doesn’t have stains on their teeth when their braces come off.

If your child has braces, discuss these things with them. If they are struggling to do it right, find a solution to at least one of the issues. Many of these things take time to put into regular practice, so don’t give up!

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844

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.

Call Us Today

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.

Call Us Today

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

Call (314) 862-7844