Children’s Oral Care

Children’s Oral Care

At State Avenue Dental Office we serve the whole family!

From children's preventative treatment to teeth straightening, our team understands what you need.

Our experts tailor individualized, ongoing routine dental treatment plans to fit the needs of your children. We make every effort for them to feel comfortable and safe during the process. We understand that dental offices can be scary for many young ones. Our providers and the rest of our team are highly experienced in meeting your child’s needs whatever they are. 

You should schedule your child’s regular dental checkups every 6 months. Regular care prevents tooth decay and ensures your child maintains oral health.

Common Dental Problems Among Children Include:

  • Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is more commonly called a cavity. It occurs when plaque eats away at the enamel on the surface of a tooth. Plaque is a pesky white material that contains tooth damaging acid. Poor brushing habits coupled with sugary foods can cause cavities. Cavities can cause pain, infection, and lead to other problems in speech or eating habits over time.

Fluoride varnish for babies, or sealants for older children, can help prevent cavities, along with good brushing habits.

  • Tooth Sensitivity 

If your child's teeth hurt, it could affect their focus, attitude, comfort levels, and eating. While tooth sensitivity could be from any number of dental issues, it is best to get your child’s teeth checked out soon. This is often a symptom of an underlying condition.

  • Broken Tooth

A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth is always a reason for concern. If the bleeding and pain are extreme, this is a dental emergency and you should contact our office as soon as possible.

Follow these steps for a chipped or broken tooth: 

  • Rinse your mouth out with water

  • If there is excessive bleeding, apply pressure directly to area 

  • If there is swelling and pain, apply a cold compress 

  • If the tooth has fallen out, place it in a cup of milk or water

  • Call our office as soon as possible to make an appointment

  • Teeth Grinding/Thumb Sucking 

Grinding teeth and thumb sucking are common habits in young children. However, if these habits continue into childhood they can cause some serious damage to your child’s teeth. 

Teeth grinding can cause enamel erosion.

Thumb sucking can cause an open bite, which is a gap between top and bottom teeth.

  • Gingivitis and Gum Disease 

Typically found in adults, gingivitis is also common in children. There are several signs that could point to gum disease in your children: 

  • Swollen or puffy gums

  • Dusky red or dark red gums

  • Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss

  • Bad breath

  • Receding gums

  • Tender gums

Our dental team will clean your child’s teeth of plaque, tartar, or other irritants that hurt gums.

Regularly schedule your child’s dental appointments with our office. We can help! This ensures they keep their healthy teeth, gums, and smiles.

 Tips for early childhood oral health success: 

  • Babies 

Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and water to gently brush your baby’s teeth. Not only will this help remove plaque, it will also enforce good habits from a young age. 

  • Young Children 

Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and brush their teeth twice a day. For toothpaste recommendations, feel free to ask us!