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26224 North Tatum Blvd. Suite 12  | Phoenix, AZ 85050

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Do
Cavities in Baby Teeth Really Need Fillings?

Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to offer quality preventive services for long-term healthy smiles. If, however, your child develops a cavity, we may recommend a dental filling. Some parents wonder if cavities in baby teeth really need treatment. After all, those tiny chompers will eventually fall out!

How Do Cavities Develop?

Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which results from the erosion and breakdown of the tooth’s hard, protective surface known as the enamel. It all starts with dental plaque, a clear and sticky film that coats your little one’s teeth. It forms when your sugars and starches are left sitting in your child’s mouth, which provides an abundant food source for bacteria to feast on and form plaque. The acids in plaque attack the outer enamel, eroding it and causing tiny holes, which is the first stage of cavities. Soon after, the bacteria and acids reach the next layer called the dentin, which is softer than tooth enamel and less resistant to acid attacks. If left untreated, the decay will continue to progress deep into the tooth and eventually reach the pulp containing the nerves and blood vessels. That can cause a considerable amount of pain and discomfort.

Why Are Dental Fillings Necessary?

As your child’s baby teeth grow and develop, it’s important to keep them healthy while waiting for the permanent ones to come in. Primary teeth play a significant role in speech development. They also help your child chew properly, which contributes to the healthy development of the tongue and jaw muscles.

Losing a tooth prematurely is detrimental to your child’s oral health. The surrounding teeth may start shifting into the gap, which results in crooked permanent teeth or a crowded mouth that will likely require orthodontic treatment down the road. Moreover, those pearly whites help maintain the needed space for the adult teeth that will eventually come in. Restoring a child’s decayed tooth using dental fillings prevents complications, infections, and a host of oral health problems down the road.

Does My Child Need a Tooth Filling?

Your child will need a dental filling to repair a cavity. Some cavities are visible and may cause a toothache, while others are less easily detectable. That is why we recommend visiting Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry twice a year for your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings. That allows us to diagnose tooth decay early on, where it is most easy to treat.

Types of Dental Fillings for Children

The most common types of restorations used to repair cavities are amalgam (silver) and tooth-colored fillings. Tooth-colored fillings, made of a resin material, offer an aesthetic solution when addressing cavities in the front teeth because they look natural and blend in seamlessly with your child’s smile.

What Is the Dental Filling Procedure?

The procedure involves administering a local anesthetic to numb the area and dental sedation, if needed, before removing the decayed parts of the tooth and filling the cavity with the filling material. We, at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, are committed to providing our young patients with a positive, stress-free experience.

Dental Fillings in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy and sound. We are proud to offer quality preventive and restorative services to prevent or promptly address tooth decay. You can always trust our team for outstanding, gentle care at our kid-friendly facility. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

Should
My Child Use a Mouthguard During Sports?

Have you been wondering how to protect your young athlete’s teeth? We, at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, recommend that all children wear mouthguards if they are engaged in any sports activity that involves contact with other players or hard surfaces. With more than five million Americans losing their teeth every year due to sports-related injury, taking this necessary precaution will prevent potential damage to your child’s smile.

Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries

The most common sports-related injuries include knocked out, dislodged, cracked teeth, or fractured roots. A blow to the face can, at times, result in tooth intrusion, which refers to a tooth driven back into the jawbone. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children without mouthguards during sports activities are approximately 60 times more likely to sustain injuries, potentially causing long-term dental problems. 

What Are Sports Mouthguards?

Sports mouthguards are oral appliances young athletes use to protect their teeth from injury due to blows to the face by absorbing the force of sudden impact. They can also prevent accidental biting of the tongue or soft tissues. A blow can cause significant damage to braces and other orthodontic appliances, so it’s essential to use a mouthguard. When worn correctly, these appliances can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the teeth and gums.

What Are the Types of Mouthguards?

There are different types of sports mouthguards available for purchase at sporting goods or department stores, including “stock” and “boil and bite.” However, these appliances rarely fit well, and most do not provide adequate protection. The best mouthguards are those we custom create for your child. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer quality sports mouthguards, designed by our outstanding team for a perfect fit and the most reliable protection.

What Is the Process of Fitting Your Child with a Custom Mouthguard?

Preparing a sports mouthguard involves taking impressions of your child’s teeth and mouth, from which we will create the appliance. We will ensure a snug and comfortable fit to provide the best protection for your child’s teeth, jaws, and gums.

Caring for Mouthguards

Have your child rinse the sports mouthguard before and after each use. Regularly clean it with fresh, soapy water, then rinse it thoroughly before storing it or placing it back in the mouth. When not in use, keep the mouthguard in a hard perforated container to keep it safe, dry, and prevent bacteria growth.

Avoid exposing the mouthguard to high temperatures to prevent any distortion or damage. Check its fit frequently and be on the lookout for wear and tear, which would mean the appliance may need replacement. Bring the mouthguard with you during routine exams and cleanings for an evaluation, to ensure it continues to provide your child with the best protection.

Quality Sports Mouthguards in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about protecting your young athlete’s oral health with custom-made sports mouthguards. We are all about prevention for healthy, happy smiles. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

Why
Choose Dental Sealants?

Encouraging your child to brush and floss daily is the best way to prevent cavities. However, it’s not always possible to reach every groove or crevice, especially on the teeth at the back of the mouth. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer quality preventative services, including dental sealants, to protect your child’s pearly whites and to prevent tooth decay. We are all about maintaining beautiful, healthy smiles!

How Do Cavities Form?

The chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars and premolars have grooves on them, known as pits and fissures. These depressions often trap food particles and plaque, allowing bacteria to attack and erode the tooth enamel, which can cause tooth decay and cavities.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, clear plastic resin protective coatings that we place onto the chewing surfaces of your child’s premolars and molars to smooth them out and make them more resistant to decay. When applied, the material bonds to the grooves and crevices, forming a protective shield that prevents plaque and acid from eroding the tooth enamel. Teeth treated with sealants are less likely to develop cavities, which, if left untreated, can cause pain and may require involved dental procedures down the road.

When Should Your Child Have Dental Sealants Applied?

We usually recommend having dental sealants applied around age six when your child’s permanent molars start coming in. Sealing and protecting these teeth right from the start keeps them healthy and helps reduce the chances of tooth decay as well as many future dental problems.

What Is the Procedure?

The procedure is safe and painless and can be completed in one short visit. No need for anesthesia and no drilling! After cleaning and drying your child’s teeth, we will prepare the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars by roughening them up using an etching solution to allow the sealant to bond. Next, we will apply the sealant, which will flow into the grooves and crevices of the prepared teeth and will use a curing light to harden the material. The resulting coating will protect your child’s teeth from plaque and bacteria exposure, allowing for long-term healthy smiles.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can potentially last from 5 to 10 years but will need to be evaluated during your child’s routine dental exams for chipping or wear. Having teeth treated with sealants doesn’t mean your child should neglect to brush and floss regularly. Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices will help ensure those little chompers stay in tip-top shape. 

Dental Sealants in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our preventative procedures designed to keep your child’s teeth healthy and sound. Our outstanding team is committed to delivering exceptional, gentle care in our kid-friendly environment. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

How
Can I Keep My Child from Wanting to Eat Toothpaste?

While brushing with toothpaste is essential for keeping your child’s teeth clean and free from cavities, it is important to avoid swallowing it. Ingesting fluoride toothpaste in a small amount is generally considered to be safe. However, large amounts can damage your child’s permanent teeth, as well as causing stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other health problems.

Here are some tips to help you keep your child from eating toothpaste:

Apply the Right Amount of Toothpaste

The best way you can prevent your child from ingesting too much toothpaste is by applying the right amount to the toothbrush yourself. The CDC recommends not using fluoride toothpaste for children under the age of 2. Children between the ages of 2 and 3 should use a smear of toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice, while children ages 3 to 6 should use a pea-sized amount. Make sure you keep the toothpaste container out of reach of your child at all times.

Practice Spitting

Children need to learn how to spit out their toothpaste, and you need to teach your little one. You can start by going outside and practicing spitting out water. Demonstrate how to do it and offer praise when your child does it right. Turning brushing time into target practice is also a fun way to encourage spitting out the toothpaste. You can use the middle of the drain as the target, or you can place a colorful plastic ring at the bottom of the sink. If your child continues to need encouragement, you may want to offer incentives or tangible rewards when your child spits out the toothpaste.

Switch Your Child’s Toothpaste

If your child continues to struggle with spitting, make sure to use toothpaste without fluoride. You may want to switch to a stronger, mint-flavored toothpaste, rather than one with bubble gum or fruity flavor to discourage eating toothpaste. Be careful, though, because you don’t want to turn your child off brushing altogether.

Model Good Brushing Habits

Children love mimicking their parents, so modeling the desired behavior is an excellent way to reinforce proper brushing. Brush your teeth alongside your child, and encourage brushing for at least two minutes, holding the brush correctly, brushing the tongue, and spitting out the toothpaste when done.

Monitor Your Child When Tooth Brushing

Children, especially those who eat toothpaste when brushing, need constant monitoring. Turning away for a moment provides an opportunity for your child to experiment with and swallow the toothpaste, so make sure not to leave your child unattended while brushing.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Should your child ingest a large amount of toothpaste, call poison control immediately. To prevent emergencies altogether, be there with your child while brushing and keep the toothpaste tube out of reach.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about caring for your child’s teeth to ensure healthy, happy smiles. Our exceptional team is committed to delivering quality, gentle care in a kid-friendly, relaxing environment. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

How
Do You Treat Dry Mouth in Children?

Dry mouth is a condition that typically affects adults, especially the elderly. However, even children can develop this condition. Dry mouth can jeopardize your child’s oral health, nutrition, and development, and may, at times, require intervention from your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We are all about keeping your child’s smile healthy and sound.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is characterized by low saliva production. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause a host of dental problems. The most apparent symptom of dry mouth is constant thirst. Symptoms also include painful skin chaps and cracks along the mouth and dry and irritated gums. Saliva prevents acids and bacteria from destroying tooth enamel, so when there is not enough of it, your child may experience increased tooth decay, plaque deposits, and gum disease. You may also notice problems with eating, drinking, swallowing, and talking.

Most of the above symptoms can occur from time to time, and should not be cause for alarm. However, if the symptoms persist, contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for evaluation.

Common Causes Of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth may be as simple as the result of dehydration or from a long night’s sleep, which can be resolved by drinking some water. In some cases, it can result from normal growth and development. Children may experience temporary bouts of dry mouth but tend to grow out of it quickly.

Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications your child takes. It can also be caused by radiation therapy, or from medical conditions such as an autoimmune disorder known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which can attack the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth.

Treating Dry Mouth in Children

Whether temporary or long-term, some practices and treatments help alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth in children. The most important thing you can do is to ensure your child stays hydrated by drinking more water. The more hydrated one is, the easier it is to create saliva. Better yet, water helps moisten the mouth, which eases discomfort and makes it easier to eat, drink, and talk. If your child has trouble swallowing, using a straw can help ensure adequate fluid intake.

Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies encourage saliva production, providing relief from dry mouth. Avoid sugary drinks, sodas, or caffeine, which all dry out your child’s mouth further. Moreover, sodas, even diet ones, contain high levels of acid, which can damage your child’s already dry and vulnerable teeth. Make sure your child maintains good oral hygiene practices. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash helps remove harmful bacteria and debris left sitting due to the lack of saliva.

Professional Dry Mouth Care

One of the most effective ways to find the right dry mouth treatments is to schedule a visit at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ. We will determine the underlying causes of your child’s condition and will recommend treatment options to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. By addressing symptoms right away, you’ll be giving your child the best chance to prevent long-term oral health complications. If your kid’s dry mouth has been a persistent issue, make sure to contact us immediately.

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

How
Milk May Help Reduce Tooth Decay Caused by Sugary Foods

We all know that drinking milk is excellent for growing bones and teeth, but did you know that drinking milk after consuming sugary foods can reduce the damage sugar can do to teeth? While it’s always a good idea to limit children’s sugar intake, you can always count on milk and dairy products to help keep their teeth in tip-top shape!

How Does Sugar Cause Decay?

Sugar itself isn’t the reason kids develop tooth decay. What it does is create an environment that allows bacteria to flourish. When your child consumes sugary foods or beverages, harmful bacteria in the plaque on the teeth break down the sugars and produce acids. These acids attack the outer surfaces of the teeth called the enamel, which results in tooth decay and cavities. If left untreated, the damage can progress deeper into the tooth, all the way to the nerves, causing pain and potentially resulting in tooth loss.

How Dairy Helps Fight Decay

Drinking milk and consuming dairy products may be beneficial due to containing high levels of calcium, as well as phosphorus and proteins called caseins. When combined, these elements strengthen and form a protective film on the tooth enamel, which helps prevent decay caused by bacterial acid erosion. Calcium and phosphorus can also help reverse some of the damage already done to tooth enamel.

A study examined whether drinking water, apple juice, or milk or doing nothing after eating sugary cereal would affect the acidity of the dental plaque. Drinking milk was found to be the most beneficial in helping lower acidity, followed by water, eating cereal only, and lastly by drinking apple juice.

The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes that the order in which foods and milk products are consumed can also make a difference to one’s dental health. That is because drinking milk after consuming sugary foods can lower the acidic levels in the mouth. So it’s best not have milk with dessert, but to wash it down with milk when done. It is also better to consume sugary treats as part of the main meal rather than as a stand-alone snack. The reason is that the frequency of exposure of teeth to acids is just as critical as the quantity of sugar consumed.

Diet and Oral Health

It’s tough to eliminate sugary treats and beverages altogether when you have kids at home. Consider stocking up on more milk and less juice and sodas. Even chocolate milk is a healthy snack, so if kids have to have something sugary, make sure they still get oral and overall health benefits.

Oral Hygiene for Healthy Teeth

While milk and dairy products help make your kid’s teeth more resistant to decay, incorporating a proper oral hygiene routine is key to preventing dental disease. Make sure they brush at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to clean where the toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t forget to schedule dental checkups and professional cleanings twice a year.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care in Phoenix Arizona

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s teeth healthy and sound. Our exceptional, child-friendly team is committed to delivering quality, gentle care in a relaxing environment. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Call us today!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

How
Teething Fits into Infant Development

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! So much is going on through your mind as you hold your little one in your arms. Before you know it, your child will begin teething, which is a normal part of infant development. Most babies teeth between six and ten months of age, and most children have all their primary teeth by the time they are 30 months old.

Teething Symptoms

Your baby’s two bottom front teeth should erupt first, followed by the two upper front teeth. You will notice bumps on your little one’s gums when the time comes. Some infants experience mild symptoms with slight irritation of the gum tissue, while others may become cranky, and may even have a mild fever. Your baby may have red and swollen gums, may be fussier than usual, may refuse to eat, or may drool more than usual. A teething baby will want to bite and chew on objects more, and may not sleep as well. Symptoms of teething may occur over a few days or even weeks before the tooth finally emerges through the gumline.

Keep in mind that teething will not cause high fever, diarrhea, runny nose, cough, or rashes on the body. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, something else is likely going on, so make sure to schedule a visit to your child’s pediatrician.

How Can You Help?

If your teething baby seems uncomfortable, there are some ways to help. Rub your baby’s gums using a clean finger or a moistened gauze pad. The pressure can help ease your baby’s discomfort. You can also use a cold washcloth or a chilled teething ring to help soothe your child’s gums.

Excessive drooling can cause skin irritation, so make sure you dry your baby’s chin using a clean cloth. If your child is especially cranky, you may want to consider using over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your child’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Caring for Your Child’s Teeth

Even before the first pearly white erupts, you should start cleaning your baby’s gums at least twice a day using a soft, clean washcloth or a soft infant toothbrush. The cleansing can help prevent bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth.

When the first pearly white emerges, brush using a small, soft-bristled brush. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice until your child learns to spit at around age 3. From that point on, you can switch to a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste. Make sure to supervise your child’s brushing time.

It’s also important to begin taking your child to your pediatric dentist for routine dental checkups. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit after the first tooth erupts and no later than the first birthday. Establishing dental care early on in life can help set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care in Phoenix Arizona

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about teething, and how it fits into your infant’s development. Our exceptional, child-friendly staff is committed to delivering quality, gentle care in a happy and comfortable environment. We strive to develop a partnership with you aimed at ensuring your newcomer’s smile is off to a great start!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix

Is
Thumb Sucking Hurting My Child’s Teeth?

Parents want what’s best for their kids, and caring for their teeth is one way to do this. A question parents often have is whether thumb sucking is hurting their child’s teeth. While most children outgrow this behavior before any damage is done, it’s important to acknowledge that thumb sucking can pose an oral health threat. Staying informed will help ensure your child enjoys healthy smiles into adulthood.

Why Do Children Suck Their Thumbs?

Thumb sucking is a soothing, natural reflex for children. It is often seen in infants before birth, while still in the womb. Babies may continue this practice after birth, which helps them feel happy and secure, and may help them fall asleep. Some children continue thumb sucking into their toddler years to help cope with anxiety or stressful situations.

When Do Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?

Most children stop thumb-sucking between the ages of two and four, or by the time their permanent front teeth are ready to come in. If your child continues this habit past the age of four, it’s best to consult with your pediatric dentist.

How Can Thumb Sucking Affect Your Child’s Teeth?

After the permanent teeth come in, thumb sucking may affect your child’s oral health. The intensity of sucking is a significant factor in determining whether or not dental problems may result. Unlike passively resting a thumb in the mouth, active, consistent, or vigorous sucking may cause significant problems. This behavior can have long-term effects due to the constant pressure placed on the teeth, jawbone, and the roof of the mouth.

Vigorous thumb sucking often affects the alignment of a child’s permanent front teeth and the shape of the jaw and the roof of the mouth. Your child can potentially develop problems with the bite, meaning the likely need for orthodontic treatments down the road. Other long-term effects include changes to the mouth that may interfere with speech patterns, potentially causing a lisp.

How Can You Help Your Child Stop Thumbsucking?

There are a few things you can do to help. You may want to consider setting up a “big kid” reward system. Positive reinforcement is much more effective in dealing with this type of behavior than scolding. Be consistent in calmly redirecting and offer plenty of praise when your child is not engaging in thumb sucking.

Children suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or when in need of comfort. Focus on the causes of anxiety and find different ways to comfort your child. Try to determine your child’s thumb sucking triggers and address them. For example, engaging your child in an activity such as drawing or playing catch can deflect the attention off thumb sucking. It may also help to place barriers during sleep such as thumb shields, a sock on the hand, or using a mouth appliance prescribed by your child’s pediatric dentist.

Safeguard Your Child’s Smile By Talking to the Experts

For more tips on helping your child stop thumb sucking, your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ, is here to help. We will work with you to find solutions to safeguard your child’s smile. Call us today!

Girl | Jet Set Smiles, Pediatric Dentist in Phoenix