Category Archives: Pediatric Dentistry

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How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

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Pediatric dental care is an essential part of your child’s health care routine. However, it is notoriously hard to keep a child calm at a dental office. In this article, we discuss how to prepare for your child’s first dental appointment so that it is successful and productive.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

Visiting a dentist with a child might be challenging. Children can be naturally worried or anxious about new people, especially when it comes to invasive procedures. Thus, it is important you prepare your child for their dental appointment. This way, you can help your child feel calmer and less scared and have a more productive and quick visit overall.

Another reason to prepare your child for their dental appointment ahead of time is to help them feel safe and secure during the procedure. The lack of negative emotions during their first dental visit will help them develop a positive attitude towards visiting a dentist and form good dental habits for life. Children who have a very negative first dental visit experience might form dental anxiety that will turn all future visits into an ordeal.

To make sure that the child is prepared for their first dental visit, you can explore several tactics:

Explain to Your Child What the Visit Is for

Use simple child-friendly words to explain to your child the purpose of the visit and what the doctor is going to do. We all fear the unknown, and having some information and understanding of the procedure in advance can help your child feel more prepared and calmer.

Play Games

Try using toys to role-play a dental visit. You can switch roles with your child and have them pretend to be both a patient and a doctor. This way, you can help your child familiarize themselves with the procedure and make them feel more optimistic about it.

Read Educational Books with Your Child

There are many picture books about dental visits available on the market. Pick a couple that look nice and friendly and read them with your child before the appointment. Seeing sweet and relatable characters going through the same experience will help your child feel more assured.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Avoid scolding your child for not wanting to go to the dentist or being capricious. Also, never threaten your child with a dental visit in case they refuse to brush their teeth or eat too many sweets. Such tactics will only make your child more anxious.

Instead, show your child that you have a positive attitude towards dental visits, tell them about the help dentists provide, or share stories about your good experiences. You can also praise your child for being brave and going to the dentist.

Promise Your Child a Reward

Schedule something fun to do with your child after you visit the dental office, or promise them a reward. This way, your child will have something to look forward to, which will motivate them to go through the appointment and not feel like they are being tortured without a reason.

Take Your Child’s Favorite Toy to the Office

Contact your dental office in advance and ask if you can bring a toy to the office. Typically, your dentist will allow it or have some toys in the office to help calm the child. Having their favorite plush friend near might significantly calm your child’s anxiety.

Stay Calm

Children tend to reflect the feelings and behavior of their parents, so it is essential that you stay calm, composed, and positive. Feeling your assurance, the child will feel safer, too, and thus less anxious about the visit.

Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist

Choosing a reliable and friendly pediatric dentist is vital when it comes to having a successful dental appointment with your child. Pediatric dentists are specialists specially trained to work with kids and know what language, gestures, and techniques to use to have a child feel safe and stay optimistic. Going to a dentist who knows how to work with kids will also ensure that the visit is productive and efficient and all the required procedures are done so you do not have to pay for a second appointment to finish the job.

Make an Appointment Today

Do not hesitate to call our pediatric dental office in Los Angeles today and make an appointment with a friendly family dentist. Our specialists strive to provide a stress-free environment for patients of all ages. We are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to Samaritan Dental.

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What Ages Does a Pediatric Dentist Treat?

Pediatric Dentistry,

Children require a lot of care, and regular medical checkups are part of that. Seeing a pediatric dental specialist on a regular basis is also part of a good healthcare routine for a child. But what ages does a pediatric dentist treat? In this article, we will answer this question and discuss the importance of dental health care for children. 

What Ages Does a Pediatric Dentist Treat?

Pediatric dentists treat children from the time the first baby tooth appears until around the age of 18. Children and teenagers benefit more from seeing a pediatric dentist than a general dentist. Pediatric dentists have the specialized knowledge and training needed to treat a growing mouth. 

In addition, a good pediatric dentist knows how to make a child or teenager less anxious about their dental visits and how to educate them on oral hygiene in kid-friendly terms. A friendly environment that a pediatric dentist can provide will ensure a positive experience for the child and will lead to better oral health habits in the future.

Why Do You Need to Take Care of Baby Teeth?

You should not underestimate the importance of healthy baby teeth. The fact that baby teeth will eventually fall out does not mean that their health can be neglected. There are several reasons for taking care of baby teeth:

Tooth Decay or Tooth Loss Can Cause Malnutrition

Toothache in a baby tooth or tooth loss might prevent children from eating some foods that require a lot of chewing or biting. Such foods might include fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, etc., and are crucial for the proper growth and development of a child. 

Dental Health Problems Lead to Chronic Pain and Stress

Constant stress that a child experiences from tooth or gum ache can affect their mood and ability to concentrate, learn, and make friends.

Tooth Decay or Tooth Loss Can Cause Speech Impediments

A whole set of healthy baby teeth free of pain plays a crucial role in a child’s proper speech development.

Tooth Decay Can Lead to Gum Disease

If cavities are untreated for a long time, the decay and bacteria can spread to the other teeth in the mouth and to the gum tissue. Gum disease that starts in early childhood can cause problems with permanent teeth in the future. Additionally, gum disease can cause serious issues with the development of the jawbone and lead to bone density loss.

Baby Tooth Decay Has Negative Impact on General Health

Tooth decay means that bacteria and infections are constantly present in a child’s mouth. Oral infections can lead to problems with the heart, lungs, bones, and gastrointestinal system of the child. Studies show that tooth decay can even negatively impact a child’s cognitive function.

Precocious Baby Tooth Loss Can Lead to Orthodontic Issues

Untreated cavities in baby teeth lead to precocious tooth loss, which negatively impacts jawbone development and the growth of permanent teeth in the future. Precocious baby tooth loss can also cause overcrowdedness, improper bite, and other orthodontic issues that will require more expensive and time-consuming treatment.

Even if your child already has all their permanent teeth, oral health care remains just as important.

At What Age Should You Start Bringing Your Child to a Dentist?

Dentists recommend having the first dental visit with your child by 12 months of age or no later than six months from the appearance of the first tooth. During this visit, a pediatric dentist will examine your child’s teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. The exam is needed to ensure that growth and development progress as they should. Early visits can also help predict any potential orthodontic issues and plan the treatment accordingly. 

Depending on your child’s oral health, your dentist might recommend a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent bacterial growth in your kid’s mouth. However, this procedure is typically done when more teeth erupt, between 12 and 36 months of age. 

In some cases, a child might not get their first teeth in their first year of life. Based on the data provided by AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), on average, children have their first dental visit at 2,5 years of age. If your child does not have teeth by the age of 12 months, you can postpone the visit until the time teeth do appear. 

Make an Appointment Today

Samaritan Dental offers a dentist for the whole family, who will make both you and your child comfortable during the visit. If your child needs a routine exam or you suspect any dental issues, do not hesitate to make an appointment with one of our specialists today. We look forward to welcoming you and your children to our dental office!

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Dental Anxiety Tips for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry,

It is common for children to fear visits to a dental office. There can be different reasons for the fear. Some children might have had an unpleasant experience before, or just the idea of undergoing any kind of medical procedure or intrusion might seem scary. In any case, these fears tend to make dental visits very challenging. Below, we cover dental anxiety tips for kids.

Dental Anxiety Tips for Kids

In this article, we go through the nature of these fears and give dental anxiety tips for kids to ensure that their visits to a dentist are productive.

The Nature of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a fear of visiting the dentist’s office. Some children might have fears associated with a specific procedure. For example, the sound of a dental drill can bring about the fear of strong pain. For other children, the idea of a needle being inserted into a part of their body seems terrifying. Many children are scared of the mere idea of going to a doctor.

The truth is that these fears are connected to the natural survival instinct in a child and are not something out of the ordinary. Subconsciously, children try to avoid any intrusion from outside.

Unfortunately, when the child is anxious and upset, it makes the procedure, or even a simple check-up, hard for both the child and the doctor. On top of that, if the child doesn’t learn how to cope with their dentist-related anxiety now, it might only increase with time.

Also, avoiding going to the dentist can lead to oral health issues that might need more expensive treatments later on. In addition, the repeated avoidance of dental treatments will only strengthen the anxiety.

Why Children Are Afraid of Dentists

There are several reasons why fear of dentists might be the case:

  • A learned fear from relatives, who are also anxious about dental visits and mentioned it around the child
  • Seeing other children being afraid of dentists on TV or among their peers
  • A memory of previous painful visits
  • The unfamiliar and often unpleasant smell of a medical office
  • Insufficient preparation by parents for the first dental visit

Dos and Don’ts in Cases of Dental Anxiety

Do not reprimand the child.

As we mentioned before, the fear of any intrusion into the body has its roots in the natural and absolutely normal survival instincts of a child. Unfortunately, children do not tend to have the reasoning adults have yet. They are just afraid of pain or harm that might be done to them, so they try to protect themselves by crying and screaming.

Thus, it is very important for parents to understand that these fears seem reasonable and justified for the child and to try to avoid scolding the child for them. Reprimanding the child will increase the level of anxiety even more.

Try to Calm the Child Down

A calm, natural, and assured demeanor of a parent will likely make the child feel calmer and secure, too. Try not to act anxiously or in an irritated manner yourself. Then, the child will feel that there is not that much to worry about after all.

Prepare the Child for the Visit

There are different ways to go about preparing your child for the visit. You can try telling or reading a child stories about dental visits that are meant to alleviate the stress. Make it sound like a fun adventure rather than a trial.

There are also some special toys and games available. You can play out a dental visit at home, preparing the child for what might occur during the procedure. You can even have a child pretend to be a dentist themselves.

Educate your child in easy-to-understand terms. Tell them in a positive manner why the visit is important and how it is good for them. Tell them about what they can expect at the dental office. If a child asks you a question, answer honestly. You might also carefully prepare the child for some unpleasant but not harmful sensations that might occur so that they are not surprised by them and do not break into tears at the appointment. You can also find images related to positive dental visits and show them to the child.

Do Not Enforce Oral Hygiene by Making a Child Scared of Dentists

Parents want to make sure that their child brushes their teeth properly. Sometimes, parents warn the child of a dental procedure that will happen if they do not maintain good oral hygiene. This will only terrify the child of anything related to dentistry. Try to use positive reinforcement instead, not portray dental procedures as a punishment for not brushing their teeth well. There are toothbrushes and other tools developed specifically to make children interested in keeping their mouth clean.

Bring a Toy Along to the Appointment

Having a favorite toy with them can reassure the child and make them feel more secure and calm.

Come up With a Reward for Going to the Dentist

It might be a good idea to tell your child that you are going to do something they like together after the appointment. It will help give the child motivation to endure the procedure.

Find the Right Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentistry is a special branch of medical training. An experienced pediatric dentist knows how to work with kids and how to create a positive and calming environment. Pediatric dentists have special training related to a child’s dental care. This will ensure a more productive visit and a positive experience for your child.

Make an appointment with one of our experienced pediatric DTLA dentists at Samaritan Dental for a check-up or treatment for your child.

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Most Common Dental Problems for Kids

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Your children should start going to the dentist at a very young age. Some parents might even want to start introducing their children to the dentist before their full set of teeth come in. Not only is it extremely helpful for your child to become comfortable around dentists at an early age, but it can also help our pediatric dental experts detect and treat the most common dental problems for kids.

Most Common Dental Problems for Kids

Take a look at the following guide and follow the recommendations of our DTLA dentist for all ages so you can ensure your child is receiving the best dental health care from the start. This will give them the strength and protection needed to lead a life of health as they continue to grow.

Emergency Dental Injuries

Kids like to be active, and that can be putting it mildly. If your child loves to roughhouse with their siblings or if they are perhaps engaged in a physical contact sport, then they are prone to dental emergencies. This can happen when your kid falls and hits their tooth, causing a crack or a break. In extreme situations, teeth can even be knocked out of your child’s mouth. Whatever the situation, it is important to get in touch with your child’s emergency dentist right away.

Emergency dentists can help repair an injured tooth, stop the spread of infection, and relieve pain by providing applicable treatment. In some cases, your dentist may even be able to put the tooth back in its socket and give your child’s mouth a second lease on life.

Cavities

Tooth decay, more commonly known as cavities, is probably the most well-known dental issues that can occur in children. What a lot of people don’t realize is that cavities are prevalent in adults as well. From a very young age, kids who indulge in sugary treats and sodas may be more prone to developing an infection. Sugar leaves behind harmful bacteria that can grow and spread along the teeth.

Eventually, this bacteria digs through the surface of the tooth and creates a pocket of infection. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause some serious health issues. Your dentist will treat a cavity and stop the spread of decay by applying a dental filling, clearing out the hole of infection, and filling it with a composite material that looks and feels like real teeth.

Dental Anxiety

It is more than normal for your child to fear going to the dentist. No matter how early you introduce them to their friendly dental experts, there might still be some anxiety leading up to your kid’s dental appointment. You can help them navigate these phobias by educating them about the procedures they will experience once they are in the dentist’s office. There are also a number of ways to make their visit more tolerable.

Pediatric dentists are experts at offering children incentives, prizes, rewards, and general good feelings after their trip to the dentist. You can prepare your child for this exciting journey by telling them all about the important benefits of having clean teeth. By making it a part of their normal life, they will come to fear it less.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment Today

Your child might have a lot of questions about the dentist that need answering before they visit our office. When you and your loved one are ready, you can schedule a top-rated DTLA pediatric dentistry appointment by signing up with our friendly experts online or in-person at our office. We offer a variety of pediatric dental care services that are jam-packed with rewards and treats to make your child feel as welcome as possible. Call us now and see everything we have to offer!

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Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

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You always hear about kids going to the dentist to get their cavities filled. If your child has to go once, twice, or even three times for cavities, you may want to ask your dentist, “Is it normal for kids to have cavities?” But this is typically not a cause for concern. Cavities are a common problem in children of all ages. There is always a possibility of tooth decay, regardless of how healthy your child is.

Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

Your trusted dentist in downtown LA has many preventative and treatment options that will help your child maintain good oral health. Our friendly team of experts has many treatments and procedures available to suit your every need. Tooth decay can occur from many causes, but it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. Here are some tips for kids to help reduce the number of cavities they develop throughout the course of their childhood.

Encourage Daily Oral Health Routines

As you did as a child, your children should be practicing good hygiene habits such as flossing daily and brushing their teeth every day. Your children can follow your example by flossing and brushing their teeth daily. Encourage your child to brush their teeth daily as soon as they have their first teeth. You can use the time to teach your children healthy habits and help them to get their teeth in.

Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake

Any dentist will tell you that sugar intake is the number one way to prevent tooth decay. Although you may be giving your child a nutritious and healthy diet, sugar is still a common ingredient in nearly everything. This is particularly true for juices and other flavored drinks your child may enjoy. Unfortunately, most fruit juices contain some of the highest amounts of sugar on the market.

What causes tooth decay when sugar is consumed? Sugar molecules are left on your teeth after you have eaten sugar. These sugar molecules can combine with bacteria or other substances in your mouth to form plaque. If left untreated, this plaque can form on your teeth and cause decay.

Stop Drinking Out of Straws

Research has shown that children who sleep with a sippy cup in their mouths while they are asleep are more likely to get tooth decay from sugary substances. Make sure you take out any formula bottles your baby is drinking. Reduce the number of times you give your child a straw throughout the day and encourage them to start using sipping lids. Reducing these sugary substances can make a big difference in your child’s dental health!

Preventing Pediatric Tooth Decay

A quick and simple dental sealant procedure can help protect your child’s smile from the dangers and infections of decay. A clear coating will be applied to the top of your child’s teeth by the dentist. This will protect against bacteria getting into the roots or pulp of each tooth. Bad bacteria can easily slip through the many cracks and crevices between molars, teeth, and even between them. Dental sealants make it impossible for bacteria to penetrate.

Dental sealants can last for up to a decade. This is an easy and painless procedure that both you and your child can benefit from if you are worried about your child’s dental health or want to make an investment in their future.

Reduce Cavities Today

Teach your child the importance of good oral hygiene. Your child can reduce the likelihood of tooth decay by flossing daily and brushing their teeth regularly. Your child’s oral health will be affected if tooth decay continues to develop without seeking out sufficient cavities treatment in Downtown LA. If decay is not treated, it can lead to infection and other serious health problems. Learn about stopping this problem before it gets worse when you get in touch with our friendly team in LA today!

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Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

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You are a new parent and you want to do the right thing for your child. It is important to schedule regular checkups and appointments. How about your child’s oral health? When is the best time to schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist? How can you prepare your child for a positive experience at the dentist? Here we have some tips for taking your kid to the dentist.

Tips for Taking Your Kid to the Dentist

Before you take your child to see the dentist, it’s important that you have all of these questions answered. You should be able to help your child feel at ease once that time arrives. Here are some top tips for taking your kid to the dentist, courtesy of your board-certified dentist in downtown LA.

Know What to Expect

Your child’s dentist will probably perform a brief and gentle exam during this first appointment. This will take between 30-45 minutes and depends on the condition of your child’s mouth. Your little one might also need to have X-rays taken and their teeth cleaned, depending on the situation. As they grow older, the dentist will teach your child proper flossing and brushing.

Help Your Child Learn the Value of Oral Health

Sometimes, it takes an expert to convince a child to take good care of their teeth. A healthy smile will make you a better person in the long term. Our dentists can provide treatment and care depending on the needs of your child. It helps to visualize the problems and pains your child would experience if they had to deal with dental issues.

Teach At-Home Oral Care Options

You will want to encourage your child to practice good oral hygiene habits before and after their first appointment with the dentist. To prevent plaque and other harmful bacteria from building up on your teeth, you should brush and floss daily.

These are just a few other tips that you can use to help your children feel more encouraged to practice daily dental hygiene:

  • Use a soft toothbrush to start. Start with a soft toothbrush and then gradually increase the number of bristles that you use to brush your child’s teeth.
  • Bottle tooth decay is a serious problem. Baby bottle tooth decay is common in babies who drink too much.
  • To clean their gums, use a damp cloth. Even though your child has all their teeth, their oral health is still important. Make sure you give them a gentle clean every day.
  • Teach your child how to brush their teeth. As they get older, teach your child how to brush their teeth properly. By age 7, they should be able to brush their teeth independently.
  • Limit sugary foods before the age of 8. Sugar can lead to tooth decay in children younger than 8, especially if they are still learning how and when.

It is crucial to begin monitoring your child’s oral health early. You should be alert for signs that your child may have oral problems as they grow.

Throw an After-Visit Party

Your child should visit the dentist approximately every six months for a checkup and cleaning. You can make going to the dentist a pleasant and enjoyable experience, even though everyone hates it. Instead of making the dentist’s chair intimidating and scary, teach your child about the many ways dentists can help you keep your teeth healthy. You can reward your child’s visit with something extra. You can take your child to a theme park or let them play hooky at school. Or throw a party at your home to celebrate good oral health!

Invest in your Child’s Future Now!

Even though they might not like to go to the dentist, it’s important that your child visits at least twice a year to get a deep clean and to look out for any oral health issues. There are many ways to help your child feel comfortable and calm when visiting the dentist. They are sure to enjoy our state-of-the-art office of pediatric dentistry in Downtown Los Angeles, where your young one can receive care from one of the best dental experts in the area. Get in touch with Samaritan Dental Arts today to learn more!

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Importance of Oral Health Care for Your Child

Pediatric Dentistry

Watching your baby grow and develop is one of the most exciting things about being a parent. During this transitional time, it’s important to pay special close attention to your child’s teeth. Oral health care for your child should become a part of your daily habits even before the teeth start to grow in. And when they do, they need special attention and care.

Children’s teeth go through a lot of changes in the first few years, and it is good to stay appraised of the status of your child’s oral health. At Samaritan Dental Arts, pediatric dentistry is extremely important to us. We pride ourselves on being a top dentist in Downtown Los Angeles. Allow us to give you the best tips and tricks for your child’s oral health. Keep reading below!

When to Start Teaching Your Child Oral Health

When is it too early – or too late – to start helping your young one brush and floss their teeth? It is a good idea to instill good habits into your child as soon as you can. Although primary teeth are different from adult teeth, they are still just as susceptible to cavities and decay. Not to mention, children often eat copious amounts of sugar, even if they are on a healthy diet. According to the CDC, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of children between 6 and 19 years of age.

Thankfully, cavities are easily treatable and preventable. Here are some habits you can start teaching your child as soon as they start developing teeth:

  • Help your child brush their teeth twice a day, and teach them how to do it on their own once they are old enough.
  • Purchase fluoride-heavy toothpaste to support more enamel and stronger support for the teeth.
  • Encourage a healthy diet in your child and keep them away from sugar and other corrosive substances.
  • Schedule a Samaritan Dental Arts appointment for you and your little one every year, or every six months, depending on your needs.

It’s no secret that impressing the importance of hygiene on a child will have positive results. Children are quick to absorb the information you teach them, so be sure to get a head start when showing them how to care for their mouth for the first time.

When Oral Health Begins

Oral health should start entering the conversation about your child’s health from a very young age. In fact, from the moment your child’s first tooth grows in, you should start thinking about caring for their teeth. Unfortunately, babies can suffer from tooth decay just as frequently as adults can, and it is important to examine their teeth often as they may be too young to express when their teeth are hurting.

Without giving your baby proper and consistent dental care, your child can run into more severe dental issues down the line. For example, untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth pain, inflammation, infection, gum disease, and trouble living day-to-day. No matter how old (or young) your child is, you need to make consistent dental care an essential part of their life. Remember that good habits start early, and it’s never too soon to start putting your child on the path to good health.

Seek Friendly Dental Care for You and the Whole Family!

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we provide friendly and comprehensive family services for all of our patients. We recommend that you start scheduling annual exams for your child starting as soon as their teeth begin to grow in. As we’ve explained, oral health care for your child should be a high priority. If you or your child are experiencing issues or complications, please get in touch with us online or give us a call at 213-986-2933 to schedule an appointment right away. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

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Toddler Teeth Grinding: Should You be Worried?

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It’s not only adults who can develop a habit of grinding their teeth at night — toddlers can too. Have you ever noticed your child moving their mouth around at night or heard the click-clacking of their teeth? This may be a sign of toddler teeth grinding at night.

This activity can usually start as young as 6 months old or whenever their teeth start to come in. You don’t have to worry too much about your baby experiencing stress as the cause of the grind because it’s usually just a result of them trying out their new teeth. However, it’s still important to get your toddler into an appointment with a pediatric dentist to help diagnose and treat the problem. Here are some things to understand about toddler teeth grinding.

Why Toddlers Grind their Teeth

Grinding teeth isn’t completely uncommon for toddlers — about 3 out of 10 children develop this habit. There are a few possibilities as to why toddlers grind their teeth including the fact that they just got these new chompers in their mouth and they’re likely just testing or feeling them out.

Other reasons could be that their teeth aren’t properly aligned or they’re doing it as a way to relieve some type of pain either from their teeth or ears. Stress and anxiety could also be a factor, especially if the baby is undergoing a big transition in the home. This is why it’s really important to make sure the toddler is participating in enough soothing activities. In more serious cases, it may be a result of a specific medical condition or a medication they’re taking.

The Effects of Toddler Teeth Grinding

In most cases, toddlers will grow out of grinding their teeth as their baby teeth fall out and new teeth come in. However, if their jaw or teeth are misaligned they may continue this poor habit into adulthood. This can cause the breakdown of enamel, headaches, and jaw pain. If the problem persists and your child becomes irritable from the pain, it’s important to take them to a pediatric dentist to see what your best option of a solution may be for the child.

Treatment Options

Treatment for a toddler grinding their teeth at night is usually dependent on the cause. Once you have figured out why your toddler is grinding their teeth, you can proceed with correcting the issue. If grinding is being caused by misalignment, you may need to get your child a mouth guard to wear at night. This particular mouthguard is made to be worn to protect teeth from grinding at night and is very thin and flexible. Nightguards can be tricky though, as toddlers could find them uncomfortable and unwilling to wear them. In addition, their teeth are going to constantly be changing at this age, so you may need to continue getting new mouth guards as they outgrow them. In this case, it’s almost better to wait it out. Eventually, you can correct misalignment with braces when they’re old enough.

If your toddler is grinding their teeth due to some type of medication their on, consult their doctor to find out about other medication options.

On the other hand, if teeth grinding is due to stress, try to establish a bit of a routine with them. Incorporating some soothing activities throughout the day that establish a ritual can help bring more peace and calm to a child. You can do these activities, such as a bath, some snuggle time, or reading time, right before bed to help them sleep more easily.

Pediatric Dentist Downtown Los Angeles

If your child continues to have issues grinding their teeth, take them to see a professional. A pediatric dentist will be able to carefully look at your child’s teeth to determine any misalignment with their teeth or any wear or tear they may be experiencing. Don’t hesitate to call Samaritan Dental today or visit our website to find out more about our dental hygienic options.

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Making Loose Teeth Fun for Kids

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pediatric dentist in downtown LA

Do you remember hearing tales of the tooth fairy? Did you excitedly hide your tooth under your pillow at night, only to wake up with a coin for your troubles?

There are many ways that we can make the tooth-losing experience fun for kids. While loose teeth can sometimes be bothersome or painful, the process is a natural transition that can help adult teeth grow in stronger and faster. At Samaritan Dental, we offer special and preventative care for kids.

If your little one is struggling with a wiggling tooth, here are a few ways that you can make it a fun and positive experience for them. For more about pediatric dentistry in downtown LA, visit Samaritan Dental today!

Wait to Pull The Tooth

Some kids might be tempted to pull a loose tooth on their own. When it’s wiggling in their mouth, it might start to get bothersome. However, teach your child that it is not always best to pull it out right away. Colgate explains that the roots of the baby teeth need time to dissolve before they can come out.

So, how can you make waiting fun?

Make A Memory Book

Children are often very excited to lose their first tooth. Help them turn this experience into a lifelong memory by working with them to craft a tooth fairy memory book. Use colored paper, sticks, glue, little pockets to store the teeth, and anything else you think they might enjoy.

You can even use this Amazon tooth very coin collection book as a template!

Play A Game

When in doubt, make a game out of it! Encourage your kids to mark down each day on the calendar that they have the loose tooth, working all the way up to the day it finally comes out. If they’re able to make it all the way, promise them a fun prize at the end!

This prize can be a trip to their favorite ice cream place, an hour with their favorite cartoon, or even an adorable tooth-shaped plushie.

Share With The Class

Does your child have a show-and-tell coming up? They can make a presentation about the experience of having a loose tooth. Their classmates will love learning about what to expect, how much the tooth wiggles, and how long they must wait for it to fall out.

This can turn into an excellent class project as well. If you have multiple kids, or if you teach a classroom, you can have them all make their own personal projects about losing their teeth. At this crucial age, kids are ready and willing to learn about the changes that are soon to come.

Read Books

Lots of children’s books have been written on the subject of losing a tooth. If your child needs a role model to feel comfort from – even if it’s fictional – try browsing the shelves of your local bookstore for some kid-friendly tooth stories. You can even search online for these fun and educational books. This will reassure them that everything they’re going through is natural and expected.

Most children aren’t afraid of this process. It can be an exciting, fascinating change, one that they look forward to with anticipation. Just be sure that they know not to pull the wiggling tooth out immediately – it can cause damage!

Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles

When your child is dealing with a loose tooth, you may want to visit your pediatric dentist in downtown LA to ensure that everything is going smoothly. In most cases, the tooth will wiggle its way out on its own, without anybody needing to force a pull. Our certified staff members and Dr. Alan Zabolian, DDS, can reassure you and your child that you are on the right path to growth and health.

For more information about the tooth-losing process, and for more ways to engage with your child in this exciting memory, contact us online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933. We look forward to working with you!

Big tooth and dentist mirror

Common Misconceptions About Going to the Dentist

Dental Emergencies, Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, , , ,

 

While taking a trip to the dentist isn’t the most fun thing to do during your week, dental hygiene is an important aspect to your health that shouldn’t be skipped. Many people spend years not going to the dentist, even if they are in pain, just because of some basic fears surrounding the experience. As a result, their oral hygiene suffers, their condition worsens, or they wait until it’s too late. It’s important to have regularly scheduled visits to your dental clinic in Los Angeles — even twice a year is way better than going years without the proper care. Here are some common misconceptions about going to the dentist that might encourage you to schedule an appointment today.

Too Painful

A lot of people avoid going to the dentist because they think the experience will be physically painful. However, this is hardly ever the case. Cleaning your teeth or filling in cavities may be mildly discomforting, but it is hardly painful at all. Any serious procedures, such as a root canal, crowns, or pulling a tooth are done after admitting anesthesia to the area, causing it to be numb so that you don’t feel a thing. Of course, there may be some mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off following an intense procedure, but your dentist will likely prescribe you pain killers while your tooth heals.

 

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are allowed to speak! If you are feeling any pain, it is encouraged that you tell your dentist — you, in no way, have to sit there and suffer. At Samaritan Dental, a dental clinic in Los Angeles, we want you to communicate your needs and feelings during a procedure so that we can proceed in making you as comfortable as possible.

Lack of Pain

Another misconception about going to the dentist is that you don’t need to go if you’re not in pain. Our mouths are interesting and mystical features on our body, and they don’t always exhibit signs of trouble. While you may not be experiencing any pain, it’s crucial that you visit the dentist to get a proper cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing can only do so much, but the dentist has the proper equipment to get into all your nooks and crannies, freeing up any plaque build-up. These hard to reach areas that build up with plaque can over time cause more serious problems to your overall oral hygiene, causing you to undergo a procedure you’d rather not.

Embarrassment

A handful of people will avoid the dentist because they’re embarrassed about how long it’s been since their last visit. It’s understandable that you might be afraid the dentist will be disappointed or judge you on your lack of dental care, but that is absolutely not what a dentist is here to do! Dentists see patients all the time who haven’t been to a check-up for years! At our dental clinic in Los Angeles, we understand that hardships are a part of life and your self-care can fall to the wayside. The hardest part is getting yourself to the dentist and from there on out, it is a judgement free zone. The most important part is that we get to the cleaning, making your mouth healthy and new.

Cost

Finally, one of the biggest misconceptions that keep people from going to the dentist is that it is too expensive. In actuality, regular check-ups and cleanings are actually pretty affordable, and they should be scheduled every six months. If you have dental insurance, these cleanings are completely covered, and if you don’t, there are programs that provide more affordable cleanings, like Universities. The worst thing you can do for your wallet is to not schedule these regular check-ups — this is where costs begin to add up. When you avoid visiting the dentist, your teeth get worse, causing more serious problems that end up costing way more than a cleaning in the end. Avoiding these expensive procedures is the goal and the way to do that is to make sure you are getting in that dental clinic in Los Angeles at least twice a year.

Dental Clinic in Los Angeles

Samaritan Dental in Los Angeles is here to answer any questions you have about your dental visit. Our goal is to get your teeth feeling healthy and new, no matter how long it’s been since your last visit. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or find out more about us, please visit us here or call, 213-986-2933