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!

Do
I Have Any Control Over Whether My Child Gets a Cavity?

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? The preventable condition is two to three times more common than obesity or childhood asthma. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention to maintain healthy smiles. We are dedicated to working alongside families in Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding communities to help put a stop to childhood cavities.

Do You Have Control Over Whether Your Child Develops a Cavity?

Many adults are unaware that tooth decay and cavities in children are preventable. The battle against cavity-causing bacteria starts before your child’s first tooth erupts, long before your little one begins school. Caring for your little one’s smile right from the start will put your child on a lifelong path of oral health.

Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles

Here are some ways you can lower the risk of childhood cavities and ensure your child maintains a healthy, pain-free smile:

Take Care of Your Oral Health: The first step in ensuring your child maintains a healthy smile is to take care of your own oral health. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and to keep up with your routine dental care. Poor oral hygiene can reflect on your little one because harmful oral bacteria are easily transmitted from a parent to a child.

Establish a Dental Home: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends seeing a pediatric dentist when your little one’s first baby tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. From that point on, most children require twice-a-year dental visits to maintain healthy smiles. Establishing a dental home right from the start will help keep tooth decay and cavities at bay and ensure your child’s development is on track.

Early Oral Hygiene Care: Caring for your child’s smile starts at birth. After feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth. When the first baby tooth comes in, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. From ages 2-5, brush with a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. It is also important to floss as soon as two teeth touch. Help with brushing and flossing until you are confident your child can do so independently.

Limit Sweet Drinks: Early childhood decay is an aggressive form of decay among young children. It often results from prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars, including formula, juices, and sweetened drinks. Make sure your child never falls asleep while sipping on anything other than water to lower the risk of early childhood decay, otherwise known as “baby bottle tooth decay.” We also recommend transitioning your baby from a bottle to a sippy cup by the first birthday.

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet: Ensure your child consumes a healthy, balanced diet, and limit sugary foods and candies. That way, your child has the nutrients needed to keep the teeth and gums healthy without sugary treats wreaking havoc on their smiles.

Seek Prompt Care: Aside from your child’s twice-yearly visits to the dentist, make sure to contact your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry if you have any concerns about your child’s oral health. Early detection and treatment will ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and free of disease.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about the prevention of tooth decay and cavities. We look forward to working alongside you to set the foundation for healthy smiles for life. Call us and schedule your appointment today.

How
Important Are Dental X-Rays for My Child?

Dental x-rays offer an invaluable diagnostic tool to uncover underlying dental problems in their earliest stages, preventing them from progressing and becoming more serious concerns. As the teeth and jaw mature, digital x-rays provide an enhanced view of your little one’s oral health and development, so we can ensure everything is on track. 

Why Are Dental X-Rays Necessary?

Digital dental x-rays uncover more than just cavities. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we take x-rays to diagnose and treat oral health problems inside your child’s teeth or below the gums. The incredibly clear images reveal conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease in their earliest stages, allowing for prompt treatment. 

Digital dental x-rays help us diagnose bone problems, plan orthodontic treatment, evaluate the teeth that have not yet erupted, and assess injuries after trauma. We can also see whether your child’s mouth has enough space to accommodate the incoming permanent teeth and determine whether the baby teeth are loosening the way they should. X-rays provide a wealth of information that is not apparent in a visual exam. 

How Often Will Your Child Need X-Rays?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children typically require diagnostic x-rays once a year, which is also our philosophy at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. If, however, a child has cavities or specific concerns, we may recommend additional x-rays as needed. 

Are Digital Dental X-Rays Safe?

Today’s digital x-ray technology comes with a staggering 99 percent less radiation than the already minimal amounts of radiation exposure of traditional film x-rays equipment. Multiple radiation sources in everyday life, such as plane rides or stepping out in the sun, may expose your little one to higher levels per year than digital dental x-rays. 

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s safety is our topmost priority. We use the most modern, low-radiation, high-speed digital dental x-ray technology and adhere to the recommended precautions to ensure your child’s safety. We only take x-rays when essential and use a lead apron shield for added protection. The incredible amount of diagnostic and preventive information we obtain will help ensure your child maintains optimal dental health during the critical growth and development years. 

How Are Digital Dental X-Rays Taken?

Our youngest patients will sit on a parent’s lap, while older children can sit on their own. Even though our digital x-ray technology comes with minimal scatter radiation, everyone in the room will wear lead aprons for an added layer of protection. Tiny mouths require smaller, more comfortable x-ray equipment to make the process positive. All your little one must do is bite down on a bite stick and hold still for a few seconds. If needed, our x-ray technician or parents can hold the stick in place. 

Digital Dental X-Rays Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our digital x-ray technology and preventive dental care. Our kid-friendly team is committed to providing our young patients with cutting-edge dental services in a calm and happy environment. We look forward to working alongside you to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today. 

How
Can I Prepare for My Baby’s First Dental Exam?

As a parent, you’ll experience so many exciting milestones, and the first dental visit is another one to add to your little one’s baby book. Your Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team looks forward to laying the groundwork for healthy smiles for life. Here’s all you need to know about your baby’s first dental exam and what you can expect.

When Should You Start Taking Your Child to the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist when the first baby tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Establishing a dental home and caring for children’s teeth right from the start will ensure their development is on track and help keep them free of tooth decay and cavities.

How Can You Prepare Your Little One for the First Dental Visit?

It is important to prepare for your child’s first dental visit to ensure it is a happy experience. Talk about the dentist in a positive manner and read a book or two or watch a video about visiting the dentist, even if your child isn’t verbal yet.

Avoid scheduling your child’s appointment during naptime. Choose a time you know your little one is likely to be rested and cooperative. Feed your baby before coming in because the last thing you want is to have a hungry, cranky child on your hands. Come to your child’s appointment prepared. Download the patient forms and fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your first visit.

It’s important to stay calm because your child will pick up on unspoken fears. Think of your little one’s first dental as an exciting milestone. Our team will do everything possible to keep your baby comfortable and happy.

What Happens During the First Dental Visit?

After greeting you and your little one, Dr. Patel will ask you about your child’s medical and dental history and if you have any current concerns. He will perform a dental exam to assess the baby teeth and gums and will evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health.

We strive to make your child’s dental first visit as comfortable and informative as possible, so be sure to ask any questions you have. We will talk to you about proper tooth brushing techniques, nutrition for healthy smiles, what to expect with teething, and when to schedule your child’s next visit.

Just like adults, most kids require twice-a-year dental visits. Dr. Patel will recommend a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment at the appropriate time when your child is ready for and needs it. Maintaining regular pediatric dental care is an important component of preventive dentistry, designed to prevent the onset or progression of dental problems. Our goal is to maintain healthy, happy smiles for life.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services in Phoenix, AZ

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to ensure our young patients are as comfortable as possible. Dr. Patel and his team are committed to providing outstanding, gentle dental services in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Call us and schedule your child’s first dental appointment today!

Choosing
the Right Toothbrush for Your Child

If you’ve ever walked down the dental hygiene products aisle, you’ll realize how choosing the right toothbrush for your child can be an overwhelming task. There are numerous types, sizes, and shapes, depending on your child’s age, needs, and abilities. So how can you choose a toothbrush that’s just right for your little one?

Choosing the Perfect Toothbrush

Children love choosing their toothbrushes, which helps them feel motivated and excited about brushing their teeth. They also love to mimic their parents, so make it a habit to brush your teeth alongside your child. Creating a fun oral hygiene routine will set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What Is the Right Toothbrush for Your Child?

Infants: Start your little one’s oral hygiene routine right from birth. Simply wipe the gums with a clean damp cloth or gauze after feedings. Once the first tooth comes in, choose a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and a tiny head that fits comfortably in your little one’s mouth.

Toddlers: Help your child select a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and a large, soft grip that is easy for those tiny hands to hold. Your tot doesn’t have the motor skills necessary for effective teeth brushing at this age, so you’ll need to take turns cleaning those pearly whites.

Elementary School-Aged Kids: Between ages 5-8, your child is ready for more independence. Toothbrushes for elementary school-aged kids have slimmer handles than toddler ones. Some toothbrushes are designed for kids with a combination of baby and adult teeth. While your child has the skills needed to brush effectively, it’s still important to continue supervising brushing time.

Tweens and Up: Children can brush their teeth without supervision starting at age eight. Their toothbrushes look very much like the adult products at this stage, with the difference being slightly smaller heads and larger handles. Once again, make sure to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.

When Should You Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush?

Replace your child’s toothbrush about every three months or as soon as the bristles become frayed, matted, or curl out at the edges. Also, swap it out after an illness, especially one that involves a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. If someone accidentally uses your child’s toothbrush, it’s time for a new one. Everyone’s mouth harbors different bacteria, so it’s always better to be safe.

Brushing Best Practices

Emphasize to your children that it is not about how hard they brush but how long and how frequently they do so. Ideally, children should brush at least every morning and before they go to bed for a whole two minutes each time. A two-minute favorite song can help encourage your child to stay on track.

Proper tooth brushing techniques are essential to remove plaque and food debris, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease. Demonstrate holding the toothbrush against the teeth at a 45-degree angle. Encourage your child to use a gentle, circular motion to brush a small group of teeth at a time. Brush all surfaces of the teeth, including their outsides, insides, and their chewing surfaces.

Quality Preventive Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about choosing the right dental hygiene products to make the most of your child’s brushing time. We look forward to working alongside you to establish oral hygiene habits for long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

How
Can My Pediatric Dentist Accommodate My Child with Special Needs?

Our valued young patients with special needs often have unique oral health concerns, and we at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. Our team is fully equipped to offer outstanding special needs services and has the training and experience to provide the highest quality of dental care you and your child can trust.

What Are Common Dental Concerns of Children with Special Needs?

All children need routine dental care for long-term healthy smiles. However, children with special needs are often at a higher risk of developing dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and oral trauma. They often need medications and have dietary restrictions that are detrimental to their oral health. Moreover, brushing and flossing may pose a challenge.

Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry encourages you to maintain your child’s regular dental exams and cleanings. We will monitor your child’s oral health and recommend any preventive procedures necessary to lower the risk of developing dental disease. We’ll also identify and treat any conditions as they arise to prevent the need for involved procedures down the road.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Special Child’s Care?

Pediatric dentists receive extensive training beyond dental school. Their specialist education includes a focus on providing outstanding care for children with special needs and also encompasses behavior management.

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to ensure your child is happy and comfortable at our office. Our team is aware of what accommodations are needed to provide your child with the best possible care. Moreover, our office is physically accessible, based on the American Dental Association and OSHA recommendations.

How We Help Children with Special Needs Relax

Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry works closely with our patients with special needs and their families to determine the best options for delivering safe and stress-free dental care. If your child is anxious or finds it challenging to sit still in the dentist’s chair, we may recommend sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to ensure they have a safe and positive experience at our office.

When it comes to children with extreme anxiety or sensory challenges, or those in need of extensive dental treatment, we may recommend general anesthesia to provide the best experience for our young patients and their parents. Our team will work with you to determine the best way to help your child have comfortable and relaxed dental care.

What Should You Expect During Your Child’s Dental Visits?

We will first review your child’s medical history, unique needs, and specific physical or behavioral concerns. We will conduct a thorough evaluation of every aspect of your child’s oral health and may recommend any preventive or restorative treatments required to maintain a healthy smile.

Our Jet Set Smiles team will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques and answer your questions during your visit. Our goal is to minimize the risks of developing dental disease for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Gentle Special Needs Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our gentle special needs dentistry services. Our team is committed to providing our young patients with the highest level of dental care. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

How
Do I Know If My Child Has a True Dental Emergency?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we take dental emergencies seriously. We are proud to offer trusted urgent care services to new and existing patients in north Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas. You can always trust our team for the highest level of care!

Preparing for a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can develop when you least expect, and it always helps to be prepared. We recommend keeping our number on hand: (480) 284-5076. If your child experiences a dental emergency, please contact our office right away.

If your child’s emergency is life-threatening, please call 911 immediately!

Is Your Child Experiencing a True Dental Emergency?

If you’re not sure whether the situation you’re dealing with is a true dental emergency, consider the following symptoms:

• Intense, persistent tooth pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling in the mouth or the facial area
• A fractured, chipped, loose, or knocked-out tooth
• A blow to the mouth or face
• Injury to the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks
• Bulges or bumps on the gums.

The above symptoms may indicate that your child is experiencing a true dental emergency that requires immediate care. When you contact your North Phoenix emergency dentist at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we will offer tips on stabilizing your child’s condition before you get to your emergency appointment.

What are the Most Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies?

Here are some common dental emergencies and things you can do to help:

Severe Tooth Pain: Toothaches may develop due to deep decay, infection, fractures, or trauma. If the pain persists, contact us for an emergency appointment. Meanwhile, cleanse the area with warm water and use floss to gently dislodge any trapped food between the teeth. If there is any swelling, a cold compress will help.

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth: We do not recommend reattaching a knocked-out baby tooth to prevent any damage to the permanent tooth developing behind the scenes. If an adult tooth is knocked out, gently rinse it without touching the roots and insert it into its socket using gentle pressure. If that’s not possible, place it in a container of cold milk and seek immediate emergency care.

Dislodged Tooth: Dislodged baby teeth generally heal on their own. However, permanent teeth require emergency dental care. Place cold compresses on the affected area and contact our office right away.

Dental Intrusion: A tooth is sometimes pushed upward into the jaw due to trauma. That can injure the tooth’s ligament and fracture its socket. Rinse your child’s mouth with cold water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Contact our dental office right away.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth: Apinkish or yellowish shade inside a broken or cracked tooth usually indicates an emergency. Make sure to call us right away. Meanwhile, have your child rinse gently and place a cold compress on the affected area.

Injury to the Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks: Light, firm pressure can help control any bleeding as you head to your emergency appointment. However, you’ll need to take your child to the nearest emergency room if you can’t control the bleeding.

Emergency Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are fully prepared and equipped to provide our young patients with the best possible emergency dental services. You can always trust our highly trained, compassionate team for outstanding, gentle care!

6
Dentist Games for Kids to Ease Their Dental Phobia

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that going to the dentist can be scary for some children. An excellent way to help ease dental phobia is to play some fun dentist games. As a bonus, your little one will learn about the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene practices for long-term healthy smiles.

#1 Role Play

Kids love role play, so it’s a great idea to act out dental visits, especially before a dental appointment. Take turns being the dentist, examining and cleaning a favorite stuffed animal’s teeth. When it’s your turn, model a kind, gentle dentist, and make sure your time is positive and filled with laughter.

#2 Clean the Tooth

Dental cleanings are essential components of dental visits. The hygienist uses a dental instrument called a scaler to remove plaque and grime off your child’s teeth and demonstrates proper dental hygiene practices. So why not prepare ahead? Here’s what you can do. Cut a soda bottle in half and place it upside down to look like a tooth. Cover the tooth with plaque (shaving cream) and hand your child a scaler (popsicle stick) and a toothbrush. Set a minute egg timer and have your child scramble to “clean the tooth” before the time is up. Better yet, have two kids race, and whoever removes all the shaving cream first wins!

#3 Dentist Pictionary

Put a dental spin on Pictionary. You can do that by preparing a one-minute egg timer, a whiteboard, whiteboard markers, and note cards with words such as dentist, cavity, filling, missing tooth, x-ray, dental chair, scaler, mouth mirror, fluoride, floss, tooth bugs, etc. To get started, have your child choose a notecard and draw the word. If you guess it in under a minute, your child earns a point. Take turns trying to draw and guess the words.

#4 Mouth Healthy/Not-So-Healthy Scavenger Hunt

Ahead of a dental visit, collect supermarket fliers to prepare for this activity. Talk to your child about the harms of sugary, sticky, or acidic foods. Label a large construction paper with “Mouth Healthy” on one side and “Not-So-Healthy” on the other. Work together to cut out pictures of foods and tape or glue them under the appropriate headings. Have your child proudly share the masterpiece with our staff during the next dental visit.

#5 Toothless Chit-Chat

Understanding the importance of maintaining healthy teeth will highlight the importance of visiting the dentist. For older kids, challenge them to speak with their lips pursed and not use their teeth. Do it with them and try to have a coherent conversation, which you’ll find is impossible. “Toothless chit-chat” is hilarious and will drive the importance of maintaining healthy teeth to avoid tooth loss.

#6 Going to the Dentist Books

Here are some examples of book titles that will help prepare for the next dental visit and ease your child’s anxiety:

• Dora Goes to the Doctor/Dora Goes to the Dentist by Random House and Robert Roper
• Zane Visiting the Dentist by Christine Reda
• Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Jan Berenstain
• Daniel Goes to the Dentist (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) adapted by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, illustrated by Jason Fruchter

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we are all about providing our young patients with top-notch care in a happy and relaxing environment. Please let us know if your child is fearful of going to the dentist, and we will do everything possible to put these fears to rest. Together, we will establish healthy habits for long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!