Why Do Children Have A Need Of Pediatric Dentistry?
Let’s understand “What is Pediatric Dentistry” and “What does a Pediatric Dentist do”.
So, it is easy to understand as it is in regards to your kid’s oral health. Pediatric Dentistry is the branch of dentistry which is dedicated to oral health and dental care for kids from birth to adolescence. The doctors who adapt this profession seriously and practice it, called Pediatric Dentists.
In this field of Dentistry, Dentists have inclusive sort of treatments for their patients. They continue their practice in treatments of,
- Oral Health Education
- Preventive Dental Services
- Behavior Management
- Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
- Laughing Gas Sedation
- Conscious Sedation
- Outpatient General Anesthesia
What does a Pediatric Dentist do?
Pediatric Dentists are dentists just like other dentists but they have the competencies and qualifications with experience to handle children dental health – teeth cleaning, tooth decay, gums, mouth soft tissues, enough fluoridate, etc.
The only speciality of Pediatric Dentists are they treat kids with extra care especially infants and 3 to 5 years children. They always try to make a visit more pleasing for kids. If they do not do proper dental care along with enjoyable visits then children’s regular teeth will suffer decay. That’s why pediatric dentists and their dentistry is very crucial for your kids.
Handling the social dynamic interactions with children makes this dentistry so special rather than other dentistry fields.
Even Pediatric Dentists teach parents how to deal with their kid’s bad habits so that parents can improvise bad dental habits of their kids with time.
REASON TO RESPECT: The speciality of Pediatric Dentists aren’t ended here. There are a lot of other oral health treatments that Pediatric Dentists do with care such as diagnose medical conditions related to diabetes, asthma, and hyperactivity. They always recommend you best oral health treatments which influences the development of permanent teeth in the long-term.
That’s why each parent should respect a Pediatric Dentist’s advice and always give your best try to kid’s dental treatments by chasing their enthusiasm. In this way, your children get potential dental problems like overbites and uneven teeth.
In my coming blogs, you will learn about distinct Pediatric Dental Treatments so that parents like you should have knowledge about Pediatric Dentistry and the treatments in depth. This will help you to maintain your child’s oral health.
Worth Dental Care Tip:
Early ages dental care treatments are like prevention than cure later. Pediatric Dentists like Dr. Soo Jun are here for your children’s oral health. Consult Pediatric Dentists and give your visits with your children to one of the best Kids Dental Clinics near you. ASAP!
Why Dr. Soo Jun?
I live in Bellevue, WA. Here, Dr. Soo Jun is the best Pediatric Dentist in my area. I always prefer to visit Dental Clinics near me. Moreover, her Dental Clinic – Mint Kids Dentistry is near to my location and she does her Pediatric practicing there. I really like the environment of Mint Kids Dentistry as my children enjoy her dental treatment. She creates such an environment during treatment which satisfies parents.
So, find the best Pediatric Dentist near you which not only treats your children but also provides an environment wherein your kids can feel ease.
 

COVID-19 Amid Pandemic – Standard Precautions Guidelines For Dental ClinicsThe Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronavirus typically causes respiratory symptoms such as severe fever, shortness breathing, tiredness and cough.
 
Coronavirus disease is also known as COVID-19. It is an epidemic disease caused by a newly discovered virus. The COVID-19 name was given by The World Health Organization (WHO).
– CO stands for corona
– VI stands for virus
– D means disease
– The 19 is for 2019, the year the disease first became visible in China.
This disease was originally called novel coronavirus. Most people infected with COVID-19, experience mild respiratory illness and recover with some special treatments and it is very dangerous for aged people across the World.
 
Older people, those who have medical problems like diabetes and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. At present, vaccines or treatments of coronavirus are not available. Clinical trials are in progress for the coronavirus vaccine.
 
The best way to prevent and slow down the infection of COVID-19 is be well informed about the cause and how it spreads. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following preventive actions.
 
• Wash your hands frequently – Wash your hands with water and soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill the viruses. Wash your hand for 20 second and don’t forget to wash your wrists.
 
• Maintain social distancing – Maintain at least 2-3 Meter space between yourself and anyone who is sneezing or coughing. If you are too close to anyone then you can inhale the COVID-19 virus particle because while sneezing or coughing people spray small liquid droplets that may contain COVID-19 virus.
 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – Hands touch many surfaces in a day and can pick up viruses. From there, the virus can enter your body by touching your mouth, eyes and nose.
 
• Practice respiratory hygiene – Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or bent elbow while sneezing or cough, to protect the people around you from the viruses.
 
• In fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care – If you feel unwell then stay home and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
 
No doubt there are only 0.2% cases of the coronavirus reported in children across the World. This disease is transmitted from infected people to around them. During this novel coronavirus pandemic, dentists should be more careful with their dental procedures, especially pediatric dentists.
 
As to your practice of pediatric dentistry, all your dentists and staff members follow the set standard precautions guidelines by the government and let your patients know about precautions. Help kids and their parents to be aware about the precaution’s routine.
 
Why to stay more proactive, informed and calm during a coronavirus pandemic?
 
Dental care is important but these days along with dental care, personal hygiene is also needed to consider. During practice, you must be more cautious about dentistry tools, gloves, sanitizers and masks. Most of the dental clinics are closed due to World emergency and lockdown. In case, any dental emergencies then patients can call their doctors for consultation.
 
If you are in Bellevue, WA and looking for dental consultation for your kids then you can call Dr. Soo Jun for pediatric dentistry. She will be available on calls and email as Governor Inslee has mandated to close all dental offices except for emergency patient care until 5/18/2020. You can officially email her at Mint Kids Dentistry email address, office@mintkidsdentistry.com.
 
 

Preventive Pediatric Dentistry – Early Oral Health Risk Assessment
After reading the blog title, you must be confused between Preventive Pediatric Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry.
Do not think much – Both Dentistry – Preventive Pediatric Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry are somewhat the same. Only preventive term makes little difference.

Your confusion solution is here, get knowledge yourself through the blog.

Preventive Pediatric Dentistry – So you know what prevention means. It means the action of stopping something from happening or arising. It is the general meaning of prevention so you’re getting a little bit of an idea now “Why Preventive Pediatric Dentistry?”

It is as simple as a prevention meaning. Preventive Pediatric Dentistry means your kid’s healthy smile. It requires regular parental involvement for daily kid’s oral care at home. Preventive kid’s Dental Health Care includes,
·         Proper nutrition and good dietary habits
·         Brushing and flossing correctly
·         Fluoride intake quantity
·         Regular paediatric dental check-ups
·         Risk assessment for developing cavities
·         Evaluating oral growth and development
·         Worthy Oral health education
·         Protection against dental injuries
·         Oral habits management
·         Erupting teeth guidance
·         Sealants

For this you just need to visit your Pediatric Dentists as Preventive Pediatric Dentistry is the part of Pediatric Dentistry. Your Pediatric Dentists practice Preventive Pediatric Dentistry in their clinics so you no need to visit another Pediatrician just continue your kid’s dental consultation with existent.

You might have the question - Is Preventive Pediatric Dentistry that is much important for your children?
Yes, it is very important for your children’s dental health as bad oral conditions do interference with eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking, self-esteem, and daily activities. If your child is facing pain due to severe decay then this pain might be unbearable during his/her school days. To avoid such dental situations in early and later ages you have to consult your Pediatric Dentist for Preventive Pediatric Dentistry.

Preventive Pediatric Dentistry Benefits
They make efforts to ensure your kid’s healthy mouth which isn’t only healthy but also looks attractive and increases your children's confidence. Moreover, save them from bad breathing as well. So it is not about Preventive Pediatric Dentistry, it is about your children.
- Results in Less Extensive
- Results in Less Expensive
- Aware parents to educate their children’s oral health

When should preventive dentistry start?
Like dental care, preventive dentistry starts with your first kid tooth. Also regular teeth cleaning begins with the very first tooth eruption and this is the perfect time to visit Pediatric dentists like Dr. Soo Jun in Bellevue, WA. Early dental care and pediatric visits are the foundation of good oral health and healthy smiles.

Preventive Pediatric Dentistry Most Important Tip: The earlier you visit your pediatric dentists with your kids, the better will be the chances of preventing dental disease. Pediatric Dentists do thorough oral examination for risk assessment and design a personalized preventive program and activities for your children which you can adhere to at your home. They can help your children to prevent their teeth from cavities.
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If you want to learn more about Preventive Pediatric Dentistry then you can read from here - https://www.mintkidsdentistry.com/preventive-pediatric-dentistry.html. The blog is dedicated to Home care oral health along with Pediatric Dentistry Programs and procedures. Even you follow Pediatric Dentists like Dr. Soo Jun. If you are in Bellevue, WA then you and your children are luckiest in the world because Dr. Soo Jun and her team is always ready to treat your children. The only thing you have to do – Book an appointment or call at (425) 321 - 0833.
Don’t be sad, if you can’t visit her Dental Clinic then follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/mintkidsdentistry/ for kids dental care tips and programs. It will help you to take care of your children’s dental health at home.
 

Vaccination isn’t only limited to flu. Having HPV vaccine for your teens is important as it helps prevent cancer in mouth and throat.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognized the link between HPV and the development of oral pharyngeal cancer.

What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts. An HPV infection can lead to problems for both boys and girls.

In female, it can lead to cervical cancer, as well as cancer in the vulva, vagina, throat and mouth. In males, it may lead to cancer in the anus, penis, throat and mouth.

HPV has been associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancers – cancers that emerge in the neck, head and in the mouth, affecting the tonsils, base of tongue, back of throat and walls of pharynx. If left untreated, oral cancer can be life-threatening.

How to Detect Oral Cancer
Your dentist will check for signs of oral cancer as part of routine dental exam. Common symptoms to look for include:

• A sore that won’t heal
• Mouth pain that won’t relieve
• A lump in the neck
  
• Difficulty swallowing
• Numbness in the tongue and other parts of the mouth

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, make sure to tell your dentist.

Who should have HPV vaccine?
The American Dental Association supports the administration of HPV vaccine as a preventative measure for oral HPV infection, along with cancers that it could cause. Below are the guidelines on the dosing and age based on the instructions from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Two doses for girls and boys ages 11 to 12, although it can be given as early as 9.
• Three doses for teens and young adults ages 15 to 26.

Is HPV Vaccine Safe?
This vaccine so far has an excellent safety record. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 170 million doses were already given with no reported serious safety concerns.

How about side effects?
Like any type of vaccine, pain, redness and tenderness in the injection site may be experienced after vaccination. After the shot, it will be checked after 15 minutes for adverse reactions.

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, your best resource is your dentist. Ask her questions about diseases of the tongue, throat, mouth and tonsils so you have better understanding about HPV and HPV vaccine.

We know how daily flossing, brushing and regular dental check-ups promote dental health and hygiene, but did you know that one of the most important factors to keep your gums healthy has nothing to do with these habits? One critical factor is your diet.

Other than calcium, Vitamin D and phosphorus, Omega-3 fatty acid has been found to have promising effects on gum health.

What is Omega-3 Fatty Acid?
Polyunsaturated fat is divided into two essential fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), and they’re called Omega-3 and Omega-6 respectively. Both are identified as essential fatty acids since they can’t be manufactured by the body, and thus, should be sourced from diet. LA is quite abundant in most vegetable oils, such as olive and canola oil. ALA can be sourced from nuts, flaxseed and soy products.

When consumed, LA or Omega-6 fat gets converted to Arachidonic acid (AA) while ALA or Omega-3 fat is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Unfortunately, conversion of EPA and DHA is quite low. This is the reason why experts suggest consuming fish, fish oil and seafoods in high amounts to obtain moderate level of EPA and DHA.

How Omega-3 Fatty Acid Works for Oral Health
There are numerous studies that support the positive impact of Omega-3 intake to the teeth, gums and overall dental health.

For instance, a study in 2010 revealed that consumption of fish oil can lower the risk of having gum disease. Nearly 9,200 participants were evaluated during this study and dental exams were performed. Results revealed that those who were in the middle to the upper third on intake of fish oil were 30 percent less likely to have periodontal disease.

In another study, researchers found that DHA supplementation was linked with marked improvement in periodontitis, an inflammatory gum diseases affecting nearly half of US population. This is a serious disease as it destroys the bones and soft tissue that support the teeth. When the infection spreads, the toxins produced by the bacteria cause damage to the teeth.

Based on studies, the oral health benefit of Omega-3 may extend beyond inflammation as it has potent anti-bacterial effects against a wide range of mouth bacteria. DHA, EPA and ALA, including fatty acid esters may inhibit the growth of pathogens inside the mouth, including Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas ginigivalis.

Get Lots of Omega-3 Fats
While plant-based Omega-3 are extremely healthy and beneficial, clearly it is the Omega-3 from fish and seafoods that provide the best gum diseases-preventing benefits. It is DHA and EPA, not ALA that is critical in preventing heart disease, inflammation and many other illnesses, including gum disease.

Eat at least two servings of Omega-3-rich- fish such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, trout and salmon, every week. Each serving is 75grams or about the size of a palm of a hand.

Orthodontic devices such as braces can greatly help fix misaligned teeth. However, during the course of brace treatment, there are several oral health issues that may arise from wearing this device. Below are the top 5 common brace problems you may experience.

1.  Gingivitis. This occurs when the gum tissues become inflamed due to plaque build-up. Braces make it more challenging to reach food debris with the wirings and brackets attached. Usually, when food debris gets stuck in the gums, it can lead to bacterial accumulation, resulting in gum inflammation.

While gingivitis is treatable, never ignore it. It can prolong the time your child has to spend wearing braces. It is important to clean the gum line regularly if you have braces. Make sure to floss once a day and brush after each meal.

2. Demineralization. Food, particularly sugar, triggers acid production by the bacteria. When food gets stuck in the brackets or wirings, the acid produced erodes phosphate and calcium, leading to white scars or decalcification. These ‘white scars’ appear like tiny white specks that mark the spot where the brackets were attached.

Take note that braces do not directly cause the staining, but those who don’t care well their teeth can have it. To minimize demineralization, cut back on soda and other sugary foods and maintain oral hygiene.

3. Plaque. This is a thin film of bacteria that forms on the tooth surface. Along with sugar, plaque forms an acid that attacks the tooth enamels and gums, leading to gum disease, tooth decay and other problems. Anyone can have plaque, but those who wear braces must double their effort in fighting it. Plaque often starts to develop 4 to 12 hours after brushing – the reason why it is important to brush twice a day.

4. Bad Breath. Also called halitosis, this condition is caused by medical problems, smoking and poor dental hygiene. Bad breath that occurs after having braces is most certainly caused by poor dental hygiene. Because mouth bacteria feed on sugar and food debris, they emit unpleasant odor. In addition, small bits of food that are trapped in between the teeth and in brackets will stink.

Wearing braces doubles the rate of trapped food in your mouth so make a habit of cleaning your teeth immediately after snacking or every meal. If you can’t brush your teeth, always bring a mouthwash to rinse your mouth and prevent bad odor.

5. Tartar. Also called calculus, it develops when plaque hardens on the tooth surface. It turns into a resilient deposit that causes tooth discoloration or stain. Tartar begins to develop after 24 hours. It may form under the gums, along the gum line or around the braces. Prevent tartar by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth.
 

Are you giving your children probiotics? It turns out the immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits of these microscopic critters known as good bacteria extend far beyond your gut. Numerous studies have found evidence that they can be a natural, effective means of resolving bad breath, and preventing plaque and gum disease.

A study published in Current Oral Health Reports, has revealed that probiotics seem to help fight cavities and gum disease by maintaining the balance of good bacteria inside the mouth. In another study, it was found that probiotics could help improve dental health by warding off oral pathogens.

How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics are normally taken to boost the immune system, keeping the healthy balance of bad and good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics offer a handful of health benefits. Good bacteria boost the immune system and prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold to your tissues. They can destroy or curb the replication of disease-causing microbes by producing chemicals that make it difficult for them to thrive and survive.

Another evidence proves that probiotics exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent inflammation.

While more research is needed to establish the health-promoting benefits of probiotics on gum and dental health, several probiotic strains have shown to improve mouth health and prevent dental problems. Streptococcus and Lactobacillus strains have shown to reduce plaque, the leading cause of gum disease.

A study published by the European Journal of Dentistry showed that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria could help fight gum disease and cavities. In addition, the bacteria Streptococcus salivarius may help manage bad breath.

Dietary Sources of Probiotics
Consumption of probiotics for dental health is one of the fascinating discoveries that proves how food can help prevent disease.

Fortunately, there are many natural food sources that are rich in probiotics. There are dairy and non-dairy sources to choose from. These include:

Dairy:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Cultured buttermilk
• Cultured cottage cheese

Non-dairy:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha tea
• Coconut milk yogurt
• Tempeh
• Miso
• Natto

Probiotic supplements are available in various forms – capsules, powder, chewable tablets, drinks and gummies. For best result, choose a supplement that contains more than one strain.

You might take a look at prebiotics too – food components that help promote the growth of probiotics in the gut. They are also known to support digestive health and improve calcium absorption. Prebiotics also comes in supplement form but for best result, choose the natural, digestive route and consume lots of plant-based foods such as raw hickory root, raw Jerusalem artichokes, unrefined wheat and barley and raw oats.  

 
Many parents show concern about their child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use. As a parent, you may wonder at what age it must stop or what might happen if he doesn’t stop using it.

Surely, sucking is one of your baby’s natural reflexes. Did you know they start to suck their fingers while still inside the womb? Most infants and little children suck their thumbs or pacifiers to help them feel happy and secure and it helps them discover the world.

Sucking their thumbs provides many kids with a sense of security, particularly during difficult situation like when they get separated from their parents, in an unfamiliar plant or surrounded by strangers. Because sucking is relaxing, it also help induce sleep. This is the reason why they thumb suck or use pacifier during bedtime or when feeling tired.

However, long-term thumb sucking can cause issues with the alignment of their teeth and the proper growth of the mouth. It can also cause problems in the root of their mouth. Kids who simply rest their thumb in their mouths have lesser risk of experiencing these dental problems than children who suck their thumbs vigorously. Active thumbsuckers may experience problems with their baby teeth.

How to Break the Pacifier Habit
Pacifier use can affect the teeth the same way as thumbsucking does. But, compared to thumbsucking, pacifier use is much easier habit to break.

To wean your child from pacifier use, do it gradually. Start by removing the pacifier in relaxed situations such as when the child is playing, happy and at home. Once he get used to not using pacifier at home, start removing its outdoor use.

From this point, limit the use of pacifier in the crib. Convincing your child to do the final break may be difficult. Many parents use Santa or Binky Fairy to smoothen the transition.

Whatever method you use, prepare yourself for 2 to 5 nights of screaming, kicking and crying. Be firm and never give in. Remember that children have endured this phase for hundreds of years. Your child will get rid of it eventually.

Most children stop thumb sucking or pacifier use between 2 to 4 years of age. Such behaviour gradually lessens during this age when spend more hours discovering their surroundings. If your child doesn’t stop on his own, parents must stop the habit after age 4.

Source:
https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_77.pdf?la=en
https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/bye-bye-binky-ending-the-pacifier-habit/

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for children suffering from ear infections, skin abscesses and other bacterial infections. However, there is a growing evidence that certain antibiotics could be linked with tooth enamel defects.

The Study
As part of the Iowa Fluoride Study, researchers followed 357 subjects from birth up to 32 months and surveyed every 3 to 4 months to get information on amoxicillin use and fluoride intake. The antibiotic amoxicillin is among the drug of choice for children suffering from upper respiratory tract infection and middle ear infection (otitis media).

By age one, about 75% of the subjects had taken amoxicillin. As they reached 32 months, 91% had already used amoxicillin. Researchers found that amoxicillin use from 3 to 6 months increased the risk of dental fluorosis by twofold.

Researchers found that amoxicillin use could be a risk factor of developing fluorosis on late-erupting permanent teeth such as both permanent maxillary central incisors and first molars. The signs of fluorosis could range from hardly visible white stains to brown discolorations.

Dr. Liang Hong told that even if the effect on dental enamel is minimal, it can have a huge effect on the overall dental health of the public since the use of amoxicillin is widespread.

What is Fluorosis?
Dental Fluorosis is the appearance of white flecks or lines on the teeth. This only occurs when a child took too much fluoride over long duration when the permanent teeth are still developing beneath the gums. It is believed that exposure to excess amounts of fluoride can disrupt the production of ameloblasts, the cells that produce the teeth’s hard protective coating, blocking the natural maturation of dental enamel.
When the teeth already emerge through the gums, you won’t develop fluorosis.
In the case of amoxicillin use, the effect is clinically similar to fluorosis, but are apparently different from tooth staining due to tetracycline use. The enamel defects seem as diffuse opacities, which could be due to enamel hypomineralization.
Keep in mind that fluorosis is not a disease and won’t affect the health and integrity of the teeth. Oftentimes, the discoloration is barely noticeable that only a dentist could see it during an examination.
Use JudiciouslyTo conclude, 24 percent of the subjects had fluorosis on maxillary central incisors. Such finding suggests that the use of amoxicillin during infancy may bring some undocumented risk to the developing teeth. Although the result of this study don’t permit recommendations to stop amoxicillin use, researchers do emphasize the need to prescribe and use antibiotics judiiciously, most particularly on infants.
 

Your smile has a very huge impact on your physical appearance and stained teeth is one thing you least expect to appear from your smile. Stained teeth can cause embarrassment, affecting your child’s self-esteem and confidence. It can ruin first impressions because of its unsightly appearance.

Understanding the cause of teeth staining can help improve dental hygiene practice and oral care habits.

Two Types of Tooth Stains
1. Extrinsic Stains. This stain appears on the tooth surface. It can be removed through professional polishing or scaling. Stains can be due to food dye, beverages, mouth rinse and the presence of colour-producing bacteria (chromogenic bacteria) and poor dental hygiene. Plaque bacteria (biofilm) on tooth surface absorb these stains and accumulate on teeth.

2. Intrinsic Stains. This type of stain is seen inside the tooth and can’t be removed by professional cleaning. There are several reasons why a stain develops inside the tooth. Antibiotic use, particularly tetracycline; infection, trauma and dental fluorosis or excessive ingestion of fluoride, which can weaken the enamel and cause brown spots on the teeth, are the leading causes of intrinsic stains.

Different Stain Color and Their Sources
The sources of stain can be determined by the color, and the patient’s lifestyle, diet, environmental and dental hygiene. This helps identify the most effective solution to manage and remove staining.

See chart below:

How to Prevent Your Teeth from Turning Yellow
Your pediatric dentist may create personalized treatment plans to prevent and remove stains, which may vary depending on the extent of the stain. Usually, when the plaque is eliminated, most extrinsic stains can’t stick to smooth tooth surface.
Thus, to prevent your teeth from turning yellow, it is important to follow these tips:

• Keep good gum and teeth care by visiting your dentist regularly for scaling to get rid of stains, calculus or hardened plaque.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoridate toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth at least once daily.
• Scrape your tongue every day as harmful bacteria can accumulate on this part.
• Use a mouth rinse suggested by your dentist.
• Decrease intake of sugar and eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
• Avoid beverages that can stain teeth.