How
to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy During the Holidays 

The holidays are just around the corner, with family fun, delicious meals, and plenty of cheer. The holiday festivities can be hard on your little one’s teeth with the abundance of sugary treats, but it doesn’t have to be. Our team at Jet Set Smile Pediatric Dentistry is happy to offer tips to maintain healthy smiles this holiday season and all year long. 

Make Good Oral Hygiene Practices a Top Priority

The holiday season comes along once a year, but your child’s smile needs good care every day. Encourage your child to brush thoroughly for at least two minutes, at least twice daily, and floss daily. Be sure to use an age-appropriate amount of toothpaste, help your little one until around age six, and continue supervising until you’re confident your child is brushing and flossing properly. 

Avoid brushing your child’s teeth right after a sugary or acidic treat, which can soften the tooth enamel. Instead, rinse with water and brush after 30 minutes to allow the tooth enamel to remineralize and build itself up. However tired your child is after a long day or night of celebrations, avoid the temptation of going straight to bed. Try your best to stick to a healthy oral hygiene routine. 

Allow Your Child to Indulge in Moderation

It’s hard to be a Grinch and keep your child from indulging in holiday treats, but moderation is key. Keep your home stocked with healthy options, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean protein, and save the splurges for when you’re celebrating with family or friends. If there’s a particular event coming up that you know will be heavy on treats, try to limit junk food before and after to maintain a healthy balance.

Choose Mouth-Healthy Holiday Treats

You can still serve your grandma’s favorite recipes with a few healthy tweaks. For example, use whole flour instead of regular white flour and use sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or fruits rather than sugar to add sweetness to your treats. Give baked apples with cinnamon a try rather than an apple pie – your child’s smile will thank you!

Keep Your Child from Snacking or Grazing

Avoid snacking or grazing on holiday treats all day long. The longer your child’s teeth are exposed to sugar, the worse the damage is to their smile. The best time to indulge in sugary snacks is with or after a meal. That’s because your little one’s salivary glands are most active during mealtimes, producing saliva that washes away food particles and neutralizes acids. Limiting snacking or grazing can minimize damage to your child’s smile. 

Encourage Your Child to Drink Plenty of Water

One of the best things you can do for your child’s teeth is to encourage drinking plenty of water. That helps promote saliva flow, neutralizes plaque acids, and helps wash away bacteria and food debris. An occasional festive drink won’t damage your child’s teeth, but lead by example and encourage your child to drink water all day.  

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Remember to schedule dental checkups for your little one this festive season. Routine dental exams and cleanings lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, leaving your child’s smile healthy and bright. They also allow our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to uncover dental issues as they develop, preventing them from getting worse and requiring extensive treatments down the road. 

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for tips on caring for your child’s smile. If you haven’t already had your little one’s smile checked, make sure to schedule a dental exam and cleaning. Dr. Patel and his kid-friendly team look forward to working alongside you to help your child enjoy a healthy smile this holiday season and all year long! We invite you to call our office at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today!

Digital
Dental X-Rays: Safe, Gentle, and Precise

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s safety and comfort are always our top priorities. We are pleased to offer low-radiation digital dental x-rays to track your little one’s oral health and development and uncover hidden concerns in between and inside the teeth and below the gum line. You can always count on our kid-friendly team for safe, gentle, and precise care!

How Often Will Your Child Need Digital Dental X-Rays?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends taking x-rays once a year for kids with healthy smiles or every six months for kids at a higher risk of tooth decay. If, however, your child has a painful tooth or has any specific concerns, we may recommend additional diagnostic x-rays. 

What Are the Benefits of Digital Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays have been used for decades to diagnose dental problems not visible during routine dental exams. Today’s digital dental x-rays capture high-resolution images using digital sensors rather than traditional x-ray film. The images are produced in seconds without having to bite down on uncomfortable plates, ensuring your child is comfortable and spends less time in the dentist’s chair. 

Digital dental x-rays offer invaluable information about your child’s dental health. The incredibly clear and detailed images reveal early tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring prompt treatment. That prevents a minor problem from progressing and becoming a more significant concern down the road. 

Digital radiography also helps us evaluate injuries, uncover bone problems, plan orthodontic treatments, assess the health of the teeth that have not yet erupted, and determine whether there’s enough space for the incoming permanent teeth. They provide information that helps us create targeted treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes. 

Are Digital Dental X-Rays Safe? 

Digital dental x-rays are much safer than in the past. They produce 80 to 90 percent less radiation than the already low radiation exposure of traditional dental x-ray equipment. In fact, stepping out in the sun or getting a plane ride can expose your child to higher radiation levels per year than digital x-rays! 

What Is the Digital Dental X-Ray Experience?

Dr. Patel and our compassionate team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are committed to ensuring our young patients are comfortable and free of stress during their time with us. When it comes to taking x-rays, our tiniest patients will sit on a parent or guardian’s lap, while older children are welcome to sit on their own. 

Even though digital dental x-rays are considered safe and come with minimal scatter radiation, we take every recommended safety precaution, including everyone in the room wearing lead aprons for protection. Your little one will bite down on a tiny bite stick and hold still for a few seconds. If needed, you or one of our x-ray technicians can hold the bite stick in place. The entire process takes a few short minutes to complete. 

Digital X-Rays Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you’d like to learn more about our modern digital x-ray technology and our commitment to providing safe, gentle, and precise care, contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Patel and his kid-friendly team strive to provide our young patients with the highest quality care to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We invite you to call our office at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today!

What
You Should Know About Space Maintainers?

Maintaining healthy baby teeth is critical to your child’s oral health and development. But what happens if one falls out before its permanent replacement is ready to come in? Dr. Patel and his team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry may recommend placing a space maintainer to safeguard your child’s oral health. We are all about setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

What Happens When a Baby Tooth Falls Out Too Soon?

Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, it’s essential to keep them strong and healthy because that will reflect on your child’s adult teeth and overall health. Baby teeth help with speech development and allow your little one to bite and chew with ease, ensuring proper nutrition. They support the healthy development of the facial muscles and the jawbone and maintain the space the permanent teeth need to come in correctly. 

If an upper front baby tooth is lost prematurely, the remaining teeth typically maintain healthy spacing. However, losing any other tooth early, especially a back one, can result in your little one’s adjacent teeth drifting toward the gap. That means the adult teeth will not have the space they need to come in correctly, putting your child at risk for crooked, crowded, or impacted teeth or problems with the bite. That usually translates to orthodontic treatments down the road. 

What Are Space Maintainers?

Dental space maintainers are custom-fitted stainless steel appliances we use to maintain the space left by a missing baby tooth. They help prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap, preserving the space the adult teeth need to come in correctly. Space maintainers offer a simple preventive measure to reduce or even eliminate the need for future orthodontic procedures. 

How Long Are Space Maintainers Worn?

The length of time your child will need to wear a space maintainer will depend on the location of the missing tooth and when it was lost. In general, space maintainers stay in place until the adult teeth are about to erupt. 

How Should You Care for Your Child’s Space Maintainers?

Encourage your little one to brush and floss regularly around the space maintainer to remove any food particles or debris stuck around it. Make sure to avoid sticky, hard, or tough foods to prevent damage to the space maintainers. We also recommend rinsing with salt water or a gentle mouthwash to flush away any food left behind. Most importantly, visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor the space maintainer and ensure your little one’s smile stays in tip-top shape.

Space Maintainers Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If your child loses a baby tooth prematurely due to deep decay or trauma, contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Patel may recommend a space maintainer to safeguard your child’s smile. Our goal is to ensure our young patients enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and happy smiles. We invite you to call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

Is
Charcoal Toothpaste Safe for My Child?

Charcoal toothpaste continues to grow in popularity as an alternative, all-natural teeth whitening solution. However, concerns arise about its safety for children and even adults. Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry does not recommend charcoal toothpaste for our young patients, and here’s a look at why.

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal in charcoal toothpaste is different from what you use for barbecues. It is actually activated charcoal, a fine-grain powder made of wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances. Emergency rooms often use activated charcoal to treat poisoning or drug overdoses. That’s because its porous, sponge-like nature helps remove certain toxins from the gut, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. 

Many believe charcoal toothpaste’s highly absorbent properties and sponge-like action lift tooth enamel stains. However, no scientific evidence has established any benefits of charcoal toothpaste for you or your little one’s smile. In fact, it has been found to do more harm than good. 

How Does Charcoal Toothpaste Harm Your Child’s Teeth?

Activated charcoal has an abrasive texture, which, over time, can wear down your child’s tooth enamel. In the short run, your little one’s teeth may appear whiter and brighter. However, as the tooth enamel wears, it exposes the underlying dentin, which is yellowish in color. That results in teeth that are permanently dull and yellow in appearance! 

Aside from their appearance, teeth with worn, weak enamel aren’t well protected, often leading to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay. The charcoal particles can get trapped in the gums, irritating them and causing inflammation. Charcoal-based toothpaste can cause long-term damage to perfectly healthy teeth and gums. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) does not approve of the use of any activated charcoal toothpaste. Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry also advises against using charcoal toothpaste or any toothpaste containing abrasives. 

Are There Any Safe Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Options?

There are some ADA-approved whitening toothpastes available for purchase at your local drugstore. However, we highly recommend waiting until your child’s permanent teeth have emerged, around age 14, before starting any whitening treatments. Make sure to consult with your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry before choosing a whiting method to prevent damage to your child’s tooth enamel.

The best way to keep your child’s teeth whiter is to maintain good oral hygiene. A healthy, cavity-free mouth translates to bright smiles. Encourage your child to brush and floss daily to remove plaque and food debris. Don’t forget to visit Jet Set Smiles for your little one’s twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your child’s oral health and treat any problems as they develop. Our professional cleanings will remove surface stains, leaving your child with a bright and healthy smile. 

Quality Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is happy to answer any questions about teeth whitening options for kids. Dr. Patel and his kid-friendly team are committed to helping your child develop healthy habits that lead to a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. We invite you to call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

Why
Would My Child Need a Dental Crown?

Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is pleased to offer a range of restorative services, including dental crowns, to repair damaged teeth and maintain healthy smiles. Our skilled and experienced pediatric dentist will help you determine whether a dental crown is right for your child. Visit our Phoenix office to get your child’s oral health back on track. 

What Are Dental Crowns and Why Would Your Child Need One?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps we place on weak or damaged teeth for protection. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer stainless steel and tooth-colored resin crowns. Stainless steel crowns are strong and durable, providing an excellent choice for restoring the back teeth. Tooth-colored resin crowns, on the other hand, offer an aesthetic solution to repair the front teeth that show when your child smiles. 

Your child may need a dental crown for the following reasons: 

• To save a tooth with deep decay or extensive damage
• To support a tooth with a large filling
• To protect a tooth after undergoing a nerve treatment known as a baby root canal
• To strengthen and preserve weak, worn, cracked, or fractured tooth

Is a Dental Crown Really Necessary?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy baby teeth, even though they will eventually fall out. Not only do baby teeth enhance your child’s smile, but they also play a critical role in speech, cognitive, social, and emotional development. They also help your little one chew and eat without pain, providing the nutrients needed for healthy teeth and growing bodies. 

Baby teeth are like placeholders, ensuring the adult teeth have the space they need to come in their proper alignment without crowding. They also promote healthy jaw development. If your child loses a tooth too early, the neighboring teeth may shift toward the gap, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite. If that happens, your child may need extensive orthodontic treatment down the road. Healthy baby teeth contribute to the health of the adult teeth developing behind the scenes. They also foster positive self-esteem and help little ones become more confident and self-assured. 

How Can You Prevent the Need for a Dental Crown?

There are things you can do to safeguard your child’s smile and lower the risk of damage requiring a dental crown. Make sure your little brushes and flosses regularly to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay. Encourage your child to limit sugary, sticky, or acidic foods or drinks. Instead, offer smile-healthy options, including fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, nuts, water, and milk.

It’s important to visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for your child’s twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. We will ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and sound. If needed, we may recommend preventive procedures like fluoride treatments or dental sealants. 

If your child has a painful tooth or if you have any concerns between visits, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment right away. Addressing any problems as they develop will help prevent the need for extensive treatments down the road. 

Pediatric Dental Crowns Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about restoring your child’s smile with a dental crown. Dr. Patel and his kid-friendly team are all about maintaining strong and healthy smiles for life. We invite you to call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

5
Ways to Have a Cavity-Free Summer!

As the days get longer and summer excitement fills the air, it’s important to help your child make healthy choices to maintain a cavity-free smile. Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is a proponent of prevention to keep dental disease at bay. We are happy to share five tips to safeguard your child’s smile this summer and all year long.

Tip #1  Maintain a Regular Oral Hygiene Routine

It’s easy to forget to care for those pearly whites during summer vacation. However, oral bacteria don’t take a break, so it’s important to keep up with daily brushing and flossing routines. Remind your little one to brush twice daily for at least two minutes and floss even those hard-to-reach teeth in the back of the mouth. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will help prevent tooth decay.

Tip #2  Choose Smile-Friendly Treats

Summer brings along lazy days and an array of sugary foods and drinks, including ice cream, sodas, and juice. While it’s tempting to indulge in these goodies, too much sugar provides harmful bacteria an abundant food source. As they feast, the bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Instead of food high in sugar content, encourage your child to reach out for teeth-healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, string cheese, and yogurt.

Tip #3  Stay Hydrated

As summer temperatures soar, encourage your child to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Water helps rinse the mouth, neutralizes acids, and prevents dry mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Make it fun by choosing a reusable water bottle your child loves and challenging your little one to drink water all day long. Staying hydrated boosts your child’s overall health and helps maintain a fresh, cavity-free smile.

Tip #4  Plan for Days Away

If you have travel plans, summer camps, or sleepovers, make sure you prepare anoral care kit. Take your little one shopping and choose travel-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. It’s important to ensure your child maintains good oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing, even when on vacation away from home.

Tip #5  Visit Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist

It’s essential to keep up with your child’s regular, twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Our pediatric dental team will clean those pearly whites, provide guidance on oral hygiene practices, and may recommend fluoride treatment to keep tooth decay at bay.

During your child’s visit, we will also perform a comprehensive examination to identify and treat any problems early on, preventing them from progressing and needing extensive treatments down the road. Summer appointments are an excellent opportunity to complete any needed dental work and start the school year with a healthy, pain-free smile.

Preventive Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for more tips about maintaining healthy summer smiles. Dr. Patel and his dedicated team are happy to work alongside you to establish healthy habits for long-term oral health. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

Will
Thumb Sucking or Using a Pacifier Hurt My Child’s Teeth?

Thumb sucking and pacifier use can be comforting and soothing to infants and toddlers, but they can also have long-term effects on your little one’s teeth. While most children outgrow these habits, it’s important to be aware of potential oral health risks. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to provide you with information and support to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

Understanding Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common among young children. They provide a sense of comfort and a means to self-soothe. Most children naturally stop these oral habits between the ages of two and four with no permanent harm to their teeth and jaws. 

If thumb sucking and pacifier use continue for an extended period, they may result in a host of oral health problems. We highly recommend tapering off these habits at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends reducing thumb sucking and pacifier use by 18 months of age.

What Are the Oral Health Risks of Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use?

Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can interfere with your child’s oral health development. The extent of harm will depend on how aggressively your child sucks on the thumb or pacifier. The pressure from sucking can cause changes to the roof of the mouth. It can also push the teeth out of position and cause changes in your child’s bite and the shape of the mouth, often leading to misaligned teeth, an overbite, or an open bite. These problems can lead to speech, eating, and sometimes even breathing difficulties. 

Breaking Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habits

While most kids give up thumb and pacifier sucking on their own, some may need a little help. The most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude and keep in mind that encouragement goes a long way. Take the time to celebrate every milestone and moment of success. Never resort to punishment or scolding, which may backfire. 

Weaning your child off a pacifier or thumb sucking starts from a young age. Keep the pacifier away when you feel your baby does not need self-soothing. Offer other distractions, such as teething rings, mobiles, or rattles. When your child is a toddler, choose a day to celebrate being a “big kid” and pack away all the pacifiers. Offer another comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or lovey in their place. When it comes to thumb sucking, parents may find it helpful to place a bandaid on the thumb during the day and mittens over the hands during sleep. 

Keep in mind that children suck on their thumbs or pacifiers when they are anxious, insecure, or in need of comfort. Focus on the causes of anxiety and help your child find other ways to self-soothe when tired or stressed. Remember, rewards go a long way. Give your child a sticker, a small toy, or a favorite treat to celebrate every success!

Compassionate Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you need more tips, talk to your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We may recommend an oral appliance or behavioral therapy. We will help you find solutions to break unwanted oral habits to prevent long-term dental complications. We are all about keeping your child’s smile healthy and sound. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

What
Are the Benefits of Fluoride for My Child?

Did you know that over 35 percent of children aged 2-8 and almost 60 percent of teenagers have had at least one cavity? At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to help our young patients maintain healthy, cavity-free smiles. One of the ways we do that is by offering fluoride treatments. Touted as “nature’s cavity fighter,” the powerful mineral can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, enhancing your child’s oral health and quality of life.

Cavities Are on the Rise

Cavities have been on the decline in recent years due to improved oral hygiene, better awareness, and community drinking water fluoridation. However, many people are turning away from fluoridated tap water and opting for private wells or bottled water, leaving many young smiles at risk.

Unfortunately, the promising trend of lower cavity rates seems to be reversing. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay in young children is once again on the rise, with as many as a third of children developing cavities by ages 3-5. Early tooth decay can be a serious matter with long-term oral health implications.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a vital component of the ongoing battle against tooth decay. The naturally occurring mineral is found in certain foods and water sources. It is also added to community drinking water supplies, toothpaste, and mouthwash to lower the risk of cavities. While fluoride offers benefits to both adults and children, it is especially important in the younger years when the teeth are still developing.

What Are the Benefits of Fluoride Treatments?

Your child’s tooth enamel is under constant attack from bacteria, acids, and sugars, leading to a process called demineralization, which occurs when the tooth enamel is stripped of its minerals. Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss and replaces lost minerals or remineralizes your child’s tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay and cavities.

Fluoride can help reduce the harmful bacteria’s ability to produce acid. It also helps strengthen developing teeth. Fluoride can even reverse early tooth decay, safeguarding your child’s smile. Ensuring your child has adequate fluoride is one of the safest and most effective ways to maintain a cavity-free smile.

In-Office Fluoride Treatment

At Jet Set Smiles, we offer the latest and safest pediatric fluoride treatments to keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free. Our quick and pain-free treatments significantly lower the risk of tooth decay and cavities, keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Caringfor your child’s teeth starts before they even erupt. Start by cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth. Once the first baby tooth comes in, brush with a soft baby toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice. Around age three, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to monitor brushing time and teach your child how to spit out the toothpaste.

It’s important to limit your little one’s sugar and snack intake. We also recommend not allowing your baby to sleep with a bottle and filling your toddler’s sippy cup with only water.

Fluoride Treatments Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about maintaining healthy, cavity-free smiles. We strive to help our young patients establish healthy habits for long-term oral health. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

Should
My Teen Still See a Pediatric Dentist?

Our team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has extensive training and experience providing children of all ages with exceptional dental care. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge smile solutions for long-term healthy smiles. The question many parents have is, should their teen still be seeing a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

Pediatric and general dentists are dedicated to prevention to help their patients ward off dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. However, there are some differences between the two. Pediatric dentists are specialists with at least two additional years of rigorous training after dental school, focused on caring for young smiles. They have a deep understanding of what it takes to maintain the health of developing teeth and are experts at behavior management and caring for children with special needs.

Given the additional training and expertise, it’s best to choose a pediatric dentist to care for your child, especially if your little one has special healthcare needs or is anxious about visiting the dentist. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our practice is kid-centered, and our staff understands how to calm down our most fearful patients. Our happy environment and warm and friendly team will ensure your child is comfortable and stress-free while receiving exceptional dental care.

Should Teens See Pediatric Dentists?

While teenagers may seem too “grown-up” to see pediatric dentists, it’s important to note that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids continue seeing a pediatric dentist until they are at least 18 years old. That is because teens still have developing teeth and jaws that require specialized care.

Here are some reasons your teen should continue to see a pediatric dentist:

Teens are still growing and developing: Even though all the baby teeth are gone and replaced with permanent ones, the mouth, face, and jaws are still growing and changing. Pediatric dentists are the best-equipped dental professionals to care for your child’s dental needs during these critical years of change and development.

Teens often need orthodontic treatment: The teenage years are usually when orthodontic treatments begin. The jaw may not keep up with the developing adult teeth, leading to a host of complications, including crowding and impaction. Your teen’s pediatric dentist will monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure everything is on track.

The wisdom teeth come in: The wisdom teeth, known as the first set of molars, typically come between the ages of 17 to 21. They are notorious for causing problems, including pain, crowding, infection, and decay. Moreover, they are sometimes impacted or stuck in the jaw, leading to complications, including damage to the surrounding teeth. Pediatric dentists have the specialized training to care for your child’s smile and detect problems that may develop with the appearance of wisdom teeth.

Building healthy habits: Teens often face an increased risk of decay due to poor food choices and oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dentists are skilled in communicating with children and can help adolescents develop healthy dental habits to set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our quality preventive and restorative services designed to keep young smiles healthy and bright. Our dedicated team is here to support your teen’s oral health every step of the way. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

What
Happens if My Child Needs a Tooth Pulled?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we never spare any effort to repair a damaged tooth. However, there are times when pulling out a tooth is the only viable option. If we determine that extracting a tooth is your child’s best option, our kid-friendly team will ensure your child’s experience is comfortable and free of stress before, during, and after the procedure.

Why Would Your Child Require a Tooth Extraction?

Baby teeth may require simple extraction due to many reasons, the most common of which is extensive decay or damage. If not treated, the decay can spread to the nerve and cause severe pain or a serious infection. If the damage is beyond repair, we may have no choice but to remove the affected tooth.

Other reasons your child may need to have a tooth pulled out include irreparable damage due to trauma, an abscessed or severely infected tooth, or a baby tooth interfering with the eruption of its permanent replacement. We sometimes need to extract one or more baby teeth as a component of an orthodontic treatment plan to make room for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment.

What Should You Expect?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we utilize modern dentistry techniques to provide quick and simple tooth extractions. We start by administering local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. If your little one is anxious, let us know. We are happy to provide nitrous oxide sedation to help your child relax during treatment. Your little one will remain awake and responsive to directions.

Once your child is comfortable, we will gently remove the affected tooth, and your child will not feel a thing. Children typically resume their normal activities after 24 hours.

Promoting Healing After a Baby Tooth Extraction

For about two to three days post-extraction, make sure your child avoids carbonated beverages and sucking through a straw. Offer soft foods like gelatin, yogurt, or mashed potatoes while steering away from hard or crunchy foods, including pretzels, crackers, or popcorn.

If your child complains of any discomfort, use your pediatrician-approved pain medication for relief. If, however, swelling develops, place a cold compress on the area and contact our office immediately for guidance.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

Leaving a gap in your child’s smile can be a serious matter. The neighboring teeth may shift and drift toward the space, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite. Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, we may recommend placing a space maintainer. The dental appliance will help hold the adjacent teeth and jaw in position until the permanent tooth comes in. Space maintainers help reduce or even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatments down the road.

Teeth Extractions Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If your child has a damaged or painful tooth, visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation. We will do everything possible to save your little one’s tooth. If, however, removing the affected tooth is our only viable option, you can count on our team for gentle, compassionate care. Call us today!