Should a 5-Year-Old Get Cavities Filled?

If your five-year-old has cavities, you may be wondering if they should get them filled. After all, they are only baby teeth, and they will lose them anyway, right? The answer to this question is it depends. It will depend on what teeth are affected and the severity of the cavity. Let’s look at why taking your child to a child-friendly dentist is essential to ensure those baby teeth are well cared for.

What Is Paediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is a vital part of dental care for children. With proper care from a young age, your child can enjoy healthy teeth and gums for the rest of their life. While many people think that baby teeth are only temporary, and they are, they are also space holders for adult teeth. This means they deserve the same care as you give your teeth. Furthermore, going to a child-friendly dentist at a young age ensures that your children will be more comfortable getting dental care as they grow older. Starting healthy oral habits young is very important to their oral health in the future.

When it comes to oral health, children are constantly growing and changing. Their teeth and gums continually evolve, which can lead to problems. Our pediatric dentistry services consider all of these changes by providing a wide range of oral care options specific to the needs of children. These include preventive measures such as fluoride treatments and sealants, early identification and treatment of cavities, sedation (when necessary), other treatments (when appropriate), and dietary recommendations specific to young children.

Tooth decay and gum disease are two major concerns in pediatric dentistry. Attending a child-friendly dentist for regular checkups and screenings can help your child avoid developing these problems. If you feel your child has issues with their teeth, schedule an appointment today by calling 08 9468 7182.

What Does Odin House Dental Do?

When it comes to cavity filling, many different types may need to be treated. Some of the most common include primary molars (the first teeth to come out), permanent molars (the big teeth at the back of your mouth), and adolescent teeth (teeth between the ages of 11 and 16). Our team of experts looks at your child’s cavity and type of tooth to determine the best course of action. While some will need to be filled, others might be something you shouldn’t worry about, as they will be gone soon and unaffected by the cavity. We understand the consequences of leaving cavities and want to do what is best for the patient. Each situation is different. Let our team of experts help you make the right decision for your child. Call 08 9468 7182 today to get started.

Once your child has had their cavity filled, it’s essential to follow up with regular visits so that any residual problems can be addressed and preventative measures can be taken for future dental health. In addition, we believe in helping you teach your children about proper oral care. From brushing their teeth twice daily to flossing and seeing the dentist regularly, we will discuss this with you and your child. Our team of experts is there to help answer your questions and provide answers that make sense.

What Happens If Cavities Are Not Filled In Children?

Cavities are a common problem in children, and they can have severe consequences for their overall health. Untreated cavities in children can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. In addition, untreated cavities can also affect the child’s permanent teeth in some cases. However, it will depend on the severity of the cavity and where it is located for us to decide if it needs to be filled. We don’t always need to fill every cavity a child has.

If you have children that have yet to see a dentist, what are you waiting for? Odin House Dental is a child-friendly dentist that would be happy to see them and assist you in making those tough decisions about what is best for your child’s oral health. Call 08-9468 7182 today! Let us help you with our child-friendly dental services.

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Creating an Excellent Patient Experience…

Sedation Therapy – Can it Help Anxious Patients Get the Dental Care They Need?

Many people become anxious at the very thought of having to visit the dentist.  Whether they underwent a traumatic dental visit as a child, are experiencing pain and fear more of it, have endured unexpected sensitivity during a previous procedure, or are simply uncomfortable at the thought of being in close proximity to others or having another person’s hands in their mouth, avoidance of receiving proper dental care may prevent a patient to receive the routine and restorative dental care necessary for keeping their teeth and gums healthy.  “Sedation dentistry” encompasses three main levels of medical sedation, each uniquely designed to help patients relax during dental procedures.   These methods are adjustable, based on your level of anxiety and the severity of your dental issue, and they can enable you to have a safe, calm, and peaceful dental experience.

Sedation dentistry is available and appropriate for patients who have anxiety that prevents them from visiting the dentist, and it may be ideal for you if you:

• have very sensitive teeth
• have difficulty sitting still for an extended period of time
• have a low threshold for pain
• have a delicate gag reflex
• require extensive dental work to be completed

The most conservative sedation option is Nitrous Oxide gas.  Also known as “Laughing Gas”, Nitrous Oxide is a safe, mild sedative, breathed in effortlessly through a mask placed over your nose.  This highly effective means of relaxing sedation invokes a feeling of calm relaxation while the patient remains awake and aware.  Nitrous Oxide can easily be controlled by your dentist throughout your treatment and it wears off soon after it is discontinued.  Nitrous Oxide gas is an excellent option for patients who experience mild uneasiness during teeth cleanings and other dental procedures, and it effectively controls both pain and anxiety.  Nitrous Oxide has no lingering after-effects upon the patient; a general feeling of euphoria and lightness accompany its use which subsides comfortably the following use.  Patients who employ this method of inhaled mild sedation are typically able to drive shortly following their procedure and is generally considered safe for children.

Oral sedation, in the form of a pill, can be taken approximately an hour prior to a dental procedure and provides a more moderate range of sedation.  With oral sedation, patients are awake and conscious of their surroundings, although they experience a deeper level of relaxation.  Treatment following the administration of oral sedation begins once the medication has taken effect when the patient indicates they are ready to begin the procedure.  Patients may fall asleep during their treatment.  We recommend that patients receiving oral sedation have a designated driver following their procedure and that they do not drive themselves home after their appointment.  Patients may experience lingering lethargy and slurring of their words as they recuperate.  Oral sedation wears off slowly, over a period of several hours.

Intravenous (IV) sedation delivers are deeper level of sedation which can be moderated by the dentist throughout your treatment.  IV sedation is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. While the patient remains conscious throughout, he or she may have very little recollection of the experience afterward.  IV sedation allows the patient to experience a “twilight” effect, similar to dozing, and they can still be awakened easily.  While more aggressive than inhaled or oral sedation, IV sedation is ideal for those who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety, and wish to avoid acute awareness of their experience as much as possible.  Patients who have experienced IV sedation must be driven home from their procedure.

For those who anticipate extensive dental work or who are especially prone to acute anxiety, general anesthesia may be advised.  General anesthesia will allow the patient to slip into a deep, semi-conscious, or completely unconscious state during their procedure, thus allowing for the time necessary to perform the necessary treatment.  Under general anesthesia, the patient is not easily awakened and the effects take some time to wear off completely.  For patients interested in general anesthesia, we recommend consulting your physician prior to your dental visit to address any health issues that might be of concern.

Sedation therapy affords our patients the comfort of little to no pain or discomfort, relaxation during treatment, and an overall ability to relax during their dental visit.

Prior to the use of sedation therapy for your dental procedure, we will review your general medical history.  We will assess any medications you are currently taking and discuss which sedation method is recommended for you.  Your safety and comfort are our #1 concern.

At Odin House Dental, we are proud to serve our community with professional care and courtesy.  With an extensive staff of dentists, oral health specialists, and our supporting staff, we are uniquely qualified to put your mind and body at ease while ensuring your best oral health.  Give us a call today.

About Odin House Dental

Creating an Excellent Patient Experience…

Sports Mouthguards Aren’t Just for Kids!

Professional Footballers and Contact Sports Players also Benefit from Them.

Dental trauma resulting from recreational and athletic activities can sideline not only your smile but your life.  Impact injuries from high-velocity sports can have consequences that are painful, expensive, and complex.  Regardless of age. using a mouthguard in these situations can greatly reduce the risk of sports-related injuries – even concussions.

Sports mouthguards are thick, moulded devices made from plastic that conform to the mouth, protecting your teeth and gums.  These removable appliances create an impact barrier between the upper and lower teeth, keeping them aligned and insulated from external impacts caused by blows to the mouth or jaw.  Additionally, they help to protect the soft tissues of the lips, cheeks, and tongue – most especially with braces.  Mouthguards allow the jaw to redistribute impact to the head and reduce the severity of blows that could lead to concussions.

There are three levels of customization, comfort, and expense when considering sports mouthguards.  They are as follows:

• Stock Mouthguards – These mouthguards are generically pre-formed, ready to wear, and can be purchased at sporting goods stores, retail chains, and pharmacies.  Made of plastic, polyvinyl acetate, or polyvinyl chloride, these devices are not custom-fit or customizable.  While they are the least expensive of the mouthguard options, they do not usually fit well or comfortably and they can make it difficult to talk and breathe.  Stock mouthguards are not considered as protective as other types of mouthguards.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – These mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic, clay-like material.  Users submerge the tray into boiling water to soften the material and then use the tongue and fingers to press it around the teeth and gums for a more customized fit.  They can be found at most sporting goods stores or online.  While they fit far better than stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards can be tricky when conforming to braces or other dental devices.
• Custom-Fit Mouthguards – Custom-fitted mouthguards are created at either your dentist or orthodontist’s office.  They use a polymer substance and make a mold of your teeth.  This mould will be sent to a lab, where a completely customized and comfortable mouthguard will be created just for you.  The most expensive of the three options, custom-fit mouthguards are the most effective, comfortable, and durable choice for protection in the event of an impact on your face.  Because they conform exactly to your dental plate, they will not restrict breathing or speech.

Regardless of the type of mouthguard you choose, keeping it clean and dry when not in use is key for your continued oral health and hygiene.  Routine replacement is advised as well, as a worn, cracked, or broken mouthguard will not provide optimal protection in an impact situation.

Injuries of the mouth are the most common in contact sports and can be greatly reduced with the use of a sports mouthguard.  These injuries include:

• Lip, cheek, and gum lacerations and bruising
• Chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth
• Fractured crowns, caps, or bridgework
• Damage or dislodging of braces or other fixed orthodontic appliances
• Nerve and root damage

Concussion
As children grow and develop, their teeth and jaw are particularly vulnerable to high-impact injury.  While a “baby tooth” may be replaced by a permanent “adult” tooth growing into its place, the same cannot be said for teens and adults.  Therefore, it is recommended that all athletes participating in contact sports, high-velocity sporting activities, or recreational events wear sports mouthguards while playing sports, even if mouthguards are not a uniform requirement.

Sports mouthguards are one of the most overlooked protective devices in sporting equipment, but the protection they provide is priceless.  A sports mouthguard can help protect your mouth, teeth, jaw, head, and wallet – helping you avoid costly and painful dental injuries.  Call Odin House Dental today to discuss your sports mouthguard needs and book an appointment for a custom fitting.

About Odin House Dental

Creating an Excellent Patient Experience…

Dentists are the professionals who are responsible for oral health and dental care in both adults and children. They diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases and provide advice on how to keep teeth healthy.

Dentists work with patients of all ages, and they have a number of responsibilities that vary according to their level of experience. These responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing oral diseases.
• Treating oral diseases with medication or surgery.
• Preventing future disease by advising on how to maintain good dental hygiene.

Finding the right dentist for your family will probably take some time. However, you want to take the time to ensure that you find the right dentist’s office that meets your needs and you are comfortable with them. This is especially important for those that are looking for a pediatric dentist.

A pediatric dentist will specialize in children’s dentistry, which is a bit different than adults. They will need a gentle hand and patience with children and the knowledge of what to do with children’s teeth. The ability to speak with the child at their level is also very important as you don’t want your child to fear the dentist but have a good understanding of what to expect.

Children’s teeth are not their permanent teeth. However, they impact their permanent teeth and need proper care to ensure that the permanent adult teeth grow properly.

The Importance of Finding a Dentist for Your Child

Dentists are essential for our children’s oral health. They provide a wide range of services to help maintain or improve your child’s teeth. Some dentists specialize in pediatric dentistry, while others are general practitioners who focus on adults and help children. Finding the right dentist for your child can be difficult, but it is certainly worth the effort.

Going with a general practice dentist means that your child can grow up within that practice and be familiar with it. This allows them to be very comfortable during visits and procedures. They can stay within that practice for years into their adult life and even bring their families there. These are the benefits of finding a general dentist that also offers pediatric services such as Odin House Dental Surgery.

Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for a Pediatric Dentist

You should first ask around and see if anyone you know has a dentist they recommend. Also, you could do some research online for reviews and find out what other parents say about their dental experience. You need to take your time to find someone that will be perfect for your situation. If your child is nervous or if you are nervous, you can speak to the dentist about this.

Many times you can have a meet and greet with the dentist where they can explain things in terms a child would understand. While it is important not to sugarcoat things, don’t mention scary stuff such as needles. If you have questions on how to properly speak to your child regarding visits to the dentist you should seek the assistance of a pediatric dentist’s office to find out what would be appropriate at what age.

Children’s dental care is an important aspect that shouldn’t be neglected. Give our office a call, and we would be happy to speak to you regarding your child’s dental care needs. We work with parents and children to ensure that everyone feels comfortable. Call today, and let’s set up an appointment for you to meet our staff.

About Odin House Dental Surgery

Over the last two decades, Odin House Dental Surgery has been proud to serve the suburb of Innaloo and has grown to include 10 dentists, three oral health therapists, and 10 support staff. We have eight surgery rooms, a sterilisation room, a laboratory (where we make your mouthguards, whitening trays, and models) as well as two waiting rooms which include a small play area for children. We also have a unique “special room” complete with a massage chair, large screen TV, and even X Box!

Our dentists are all members of the Australian Dental Association and are local to Perth, so it would be no surprise if you have seen us out and about in the community.

My child’s baby tooth broke. Do I need to get it removed?

Unfortunately, when it comes to children, broken or fractured teeth can occur. Toddlers learning to walk are unsteady on their feet. Children playing hard or playing sports may experience dental trauma causing damage to their teeth.  Kids can even break or fracture a tooth simply while eating! The injury doesn’t have to be the result of an impact.  Depending on their age, the affected tooth may be one of their baby teeth.  Treatment for these issues varies depending on the type of tooth damage.

When your child suffers a chipped, fractured, or broken tooth, you want to call Odin House Dental Surgery House as soon as possible.

Got to the dentist

Whether a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, it is crucial to reach out to your pediatric dentist right away when your child has damaged a tooth.  If your child should damage their teeth outside of regular business hours (anything more than a minor chip), it is recommended that you go to the emergency room. You must then follow up with your child’s regular dentist as soon as possible.

Fractured tooth

If your child experiences a chipped or fractured tooth, you can do the following to help ease the pain until you can get to your general dentist:

• Save any pieces of the broken tooth.  Keep them moist in water or milk; your dentist might be able to use them when repairing a broken tooth.
• Carefully use floss to remove any fragments left in the mouth.
• Gently rinse the mouth with warm water; this will help clean the area.
• You can use a cold compress, however, do not apply heat to the affected area.
• You may give your child children’s pain medication as indicated on the packaging, however, do not put aspirin directly in their mouth.

Remember, if your child experiences a chipped or broken tooth, it is important for you to stay calm.  Kids feel the stress of their parents.  Calm, assured, and quick action on your part will help prevent infection, soothe their anxiety, and minimize or eliminate continued injury or damage.

Baby tooth fractures vs. permanent tooth fractures

Tooth fractures are treated differently depending on whether they affect baby teeth or permanent teeth.

Kids can chip their baby teeth just from everyday use.  Dentists will most often leave these alone or smooth them out if needed. However, when it comes to a more extensive fracture, the dentist may use a filling to replace the broken area of the tooth.  If possible, the dentist may replace the original pieces of the tooth. On occasion, tooth repair may require a crown.  If a baby tooth has been completely knocked out, your dentist may not replace it.   Your dentist’s goal will be to keep the integrity of the permanent tooth that will replace the baby tooth.

When a permanent tooth has been damaged or fractured, it is important to contact Odin House Dental Surgery right away.  These fractures require immediate attention.

About Odin House Dental Surgery

Over the last two decades, Odin House Dental Surgery has been proud to serve the suburb of Innaloo and has grown to include 10 dentists, three oral health therapists, and 10 support staff. We have eight surgery rooms, a sterilisation room, a laboratory (where we make your mouthguards, whitening trays, and models) as well as two waiting rooms which include a small play area for children. We also have a unique “special room” complete with a massage chair, large screen TV, and even X Box!

Our dentists are all members of the Australian Dental Association and are local to Perth, so it would be no surprise if you have seen us out and about in the community.