Think Your Child Might Need Braces? What to Know

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Many kids need braces to have straight, healthy teeth. If you’ve noticed signs that your child needs braces, or if your child’s dentist in Bellbrook, OH is recommending braces, you may have questions about braces and how your child can benefit. At Bellbrook Family Dentistry, we provide help to patients who need braces. We can answer your questions and give you more information to help you decide if braces are right for your child. Here’s what you need to know about braces for your child.

Braces Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

Braces fix more than cosmetic problems! Straight teeth are easier to clean and easier to maintain. When teeth are crowded or crooked, it’s harder to floss and keep them clean. If you get your child braces, you can help them avoid problems like cavities, tooth decay, dental infection, and gum disease.

Signs Your Child Needs Braces

You may be able to tell if your child needs braces by watching for the signs. Here’s some important signs to watch for:

  • Your child’s jaw clicks when they chew
  • Your child’s teeth are crowded or crooked
  • Your child frequently bites the inside of their mouth
  • Your child’s jaw doesn’t fit together quite right

Early Treatment Can Save Money and Time

The older your child gets, the more likely it is that their problems will get worse. Getting your child early treatment for their crowded or crooked teeth can help save your child treatment time, and can help save you money. That’s a good reason to see the dentist as soon as possible!

Braces Can Help Improve Your Child’s Smile and Confidence

A lot of kids who have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw grow up feeling self-conscious about the way they look. As a parent, this can be heartbreaking. You can help your child feel more confidence in their personal appearance by getting them braces. Braces can help make your child’s teeth straight and even, and that can give them confidence in their own smile.

Do you want to know more about braces in Bellbrook, OH? If so, the professionals at Bellbrook Family Dentistry can help. Call today!

Are Your Child’s Baby Teeth at Risk? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

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As you know, baby teeth naturally fall out and are replaced with adult teeth. They’re an important part of development, allowing your child to start on solid foods, develop speech and more. They also act as placeholders for the permanent teeth that are yet to come. But they aren’t to be taken lightly. Some people mistakenly believe that baby teeth don’t matter, since they’ll be falling out eventually. That leads many parents to delay visits to a pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH until the first permanent tooth comes in. However, baby teeth need to be seen by a dentist, as well, since problems with baby teeth can lead to long-term oral health issues, including misalignment and difficulty chewing. Here are signs that your child’s baby teeth are at risk of tooth decay:

Swelling or Redness Around the Gums

If you see swelling, redness or bleeding gums, your child may have a gum disease or some kind of infection. Even if you think that gum issues at this early stage in life is a minor concern, the things is that they can affect the health of the baby teeth and even make a less inviting environment for the permanent teeth that will come in the future.

Early Tooth Loss

Baby teeth are meant to fall out naturally when it’s time for permanent teeth to come in. That’s how nature designed it. However, if your child loses a tooth too early due to decay or injury, it can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to alignment problems. This shifting can also make it harder for permanent teeth to grow in correctly. Early tooth loss is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.

Persistent Bad Breath

If your child has persistent bad breath, it could be a sign of an oral infection. This is especially concerning if regular brushing and flossing don’t seem to help. An unpleasant odor in your child’s mouth could be a symptom of tooth decay, gum disease, or even an underlying infection, all of which require prompt dental care.

Your child’s first dentist appointment should be no later than their first birthday or when their first tooth makes an appearance. From there, your family dentist in Bellbrook, OH will be able to monitor your child’s oral health through regular dental visits. Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry to learn more.

Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?

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Sleep apnea is a condition that many people associate with adults. Did you know that kids can get sleep apnea as well? It’s true. It’s believed only a small percentage of children have sleep apnea, but those who do may be very affected by this condition. Knowing the signs of sleep apnea and taking your child to a dentist in Bellbrook, OH can help.

At Bellbrook Family Dentistry, we provide treatment for sleep apnea. Our safe oral appliances can help your child breathe easily while sleeping, which can improve symptoms and help your child sleep normally. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is when the muscles in the throat relax so thoroughly while sleeping that the airway closes. This causes breathing to stop temporarily. When this happens, your child wakes up slightly to resume breathing.

People who have sleep apnea often get poor sleep. This can affect their attention span, ability to focus, and their mood.

What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children?

Some signs of pediatric sleep apnea include:

  • Heavy breathing while sleeping
  • Snoring
  • Snorting or gasping while sleeping
  • Tiredness
  • Inability to focus
  • Hyperactivity
  • Behavioral problems
  • Bedwetting

Is There Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Children?

Sleep apnea can be treated in many ways. Some children have enlarged adenoids and tonsils removed, while others may use a CPAP machine. In some cases, a mouthguard can be used to prevent the airway from closing. Mouthguards often make an excellent alternative to a CPAP machine and may help your child breathe normally while sleeping.

What Should You Do If You Think Your Child Has Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that can affect your child in many ways. Children with sleep apnea may have difficulty focusing in school or controlling their behavior. This can lead to a lot of frustration for you and your child. If you think your child has sleep apnea, get them treatment.

The professionals at Bellbrook Family Dentistry can help. We provide sleep apnea treatment in Bellbrook, OH. We’d love to help your little one sleep more comfortably throughout the night. Call today to make an appointment.

Sedation Dentistry For Children

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It’s understandable that children are a little bit hesitant about trips to the dentist. After all, children often fear the unknown, and they may not visit the dentist very often. But it’s important to establish a trust relationship between your child and their pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH.

How Sedation Helps Children During Dentist Visits

Sedation is a way to help children relax during visits to the dentist. It’s especially helpful if the child is overly anxious or upset about being at the dentist’s office to begin with. A pleasant memory of being at the dentist may help to overcome future anxiety about dental visits. This is where sedation dentistry excels. The child is able to relax while treatments are being done and the whole experience ends up being pleasant and relaxed, rather than tearful and anxiety-ridden.

The Experience For Children and Parents

At Bellbrook Family Dentistry, we understand very well how a child may not want to be separated from their parent during their dental treatment. That’s why we allow parents to accompany their child as they are treated. You can even hold your child’s hand if it makes the child feel better! As for sedation, we encourage parents to ask as many questions as they want. We advocate for education with parents and patients so that everyone knows what to expect.

How Sedation Works For Children

The sedative used for children is extremely mild. It can be compared with how a child may feel after being settled down with their favorite book or activity. Your child will feel relaxed and safe. Depending upon the child, they may even fall into a light sleep, although the sedative does not have specific sleep-inducing ingredients. If you’re holding your child’s hand, you may feel their grip loosen slightly as they become more relaxed. Afterward, your child will gradually return to their natural state as the sedative wears off, and they can resume the rest of their day as planned!

If you have any questions about sedation dentistry for children in Bellbrook, OH, please let us know. In the meantime, take a moment to schedule your next child’s dentist appointment at Bellbrook Family Dentistry. We look forward to seeing you soon!

5 Ways to Set Up Your Child for Good Oral Health

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One of the things that children learn from their parents is the importance of maintaining good oral health. Taking your child regularly to the dentist in Bellbrook, OH, brushing their teeth, and limiting their intake of sugar are all things that you can do to set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. Below, we’ve covered the things you can do to help your child enjoy good oral health during childhood and into adulthood.

1. Take Them To The Dentist From An Early Age

Taking your child to the dentist from an early age shows them you’re serious about helping them take care of their teeth. Many dentists recommend parents start taking their children for dental cleanings from age one.

Most children have at least one tooth when they’re one year old (and many have more than one). Even if your child doesn’t have any teeth when they’re this age, it’s still important to bring your child to the dentist to ensure their dental development is on track.

2. Brush Their Teeth – Even When They Don’t Have Many

Your child should maintain clean teeth even when they don’t have many teeth yet. Buy your child their first toothbrush as soon as they have a tooth that needs brushing. Buy a toothbrush that’s made for babies.

3. Limit Their Intake of Sugar

Sugar can cause painful cavities. Limiting your child’s sugar intake can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Buy sugarless candies and snacks when you can, and steer your child toward snacks with limited sugar. Crunchy vegetables and cheese are a good example of a healthy snack that’s good for your child’s teeth.

4. Help Them Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Help your child develop good oral hygiene habits. Some examples of things you can do include:

  • Show your child the proper way to brush and floss (when they’re ready to brush their teeth on their own)
  • Take your child to the dentist regularly
  • Have your child floss once daily

5. Take Them To a Good Family Dentist

Taking your child to a good family dentist for regular dental exams in Bellbrook, OH can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to make your child’s dental appointment.

general-pediatric-dentistry

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist For Your Child

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Your child’s dentist is your partner in helping your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. The dentist you choose makes all the difference. When you’re looking for adentist in Bellbrook, OH, there are many things to consider.

1. Experience

How often does this dentist work with children? Who is the youngest patient that this dentist will work with? How long has this dentist been practicing? Where did this dentist go to school? This information can help you determine the dentist’s skill in working with children.

2. Insurance

If you have dental insurance, working with a dentist who accepts your insurance is important. You can find out if the dentist you’re considering will accept your insurance by calling their office or by calling your dental insurer. If the dentist doesn’t accept your insurance, your insurer may have a list of providers in your area.

3. Strategies for Pediatric Patients

Some pediatric patients have difficulty sitting still in the dental chair, while others can feel anxiety at the dentist. The dentist’s strategies to help children overcome these challenges are important.

Find a dentist who knows how to help kids feel relaxed and calm while in the dental chair. You can check this out by calling the dentist in advance and asking about their strategies for helping their patients. The dentist you pick should be able to speak clearly about this issue.

4. Clean, Comfortable Dental Office

Is the dentist’s office clean and comfortable, with state-of-the-art equipment? Some dental offices offer tours to patients who need to see what the office looks like before they make an appointment.

You can find out what the facilities are like by contacting the office in advance, asking questions about them, and making arrangements to see the office in person.

5. Communication

What communication tools does the dentist use? Do they communicate clearly with patients? You can find out by scheduling a conversation with the dentist. Notice their tone, whether they listen to you, and how they answer your questions.

Are you making an appointment for your child’s firstdental exam in Bellbrook, OH? The dentists at Bellbrook Family Dentistry are here to help. Call today to make an appointment.

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/finding-dentist

Happy cute little girl enjoying her beautiful toothy smile looking at mirror

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Dental Appointment

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Your child’s first dental appointment can be an exciting milestone. Knowing what to expect can help you feel relaxed and can help you get the most out of the visit. When you take your child to their first visit with the dentist in Bellbrook, OH, here’s what you can expect.

When to Bring Your Child

Bring your child to their first dental appointment within six months of growing their first tooth, or by the time they turn one year old (which ever comes first). If your child is older than one year old and has never been to the dentist, then it’s time to make them an appointment as soon as possible.

it’s important for your child to see the dentist as soon as they are able. Some benefits of seeing the dentist from an early age include:

  • Your child will become comfortable with the dentist. Getting adjusted to seeing the dentist early will help your child be comfortable seeing the dentist when they’re older. This helps set your child up for a life of good oral hygiene.
  • You will learn more about taking care of your child’s oral hygiene. The more you know about cleaning your child’s teeth and taking care of their oral hygiene, the easier it will be for you to protect your child from problems like cavities.

What Will Happen During the Visit

Examination

During the visit, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums. They’ll look inside your child’s mouth and may ask you questions about your child’s routines.

Getting to Know the Dentist

During your time at the dental office, you’ll be able to get to know the dentist, and your child will too. This will make future visits easier and more pleasant.

Answering Questions

You probably have questions about your child’s dental hygiene. Now is the time to ask the dentist questions you might have about taking care of your child’s teeth.

Is it time to bring your child to the pediatric dentist in Bellbrook. OH? Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to get you on the calendar for a time that’s convenient for you.

When Should Your Baby Come In For their First Dental Appointment?

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Your baby’s first dental appointment can be a time of excitement. After all, your little one is growing! The eruption of the first teeth means that your baby is getting bigger and turning into a toddler. If you have a little one at home, it’s natural to wonder when you should bring your baby in for their first dental appointment.

Knowing when to schedule the appointment can help you take care of your child’s teeth, and can help set your child up for good oral hygiene into their later childhood and adulthood. Here’s what you need to know about your child’s first dental cleaning in Bellbrook, Centerville and Beavercreek OH.

When should my baby come in for their first dental appointment?

Bring your baby in for their first dental appointment when they turn one year old, or when their teeth first erupt from the gums – whichever comes first. Your baby doesn’t need to have a lot of teeth to see the dentist. In fact, it’s best to bring your baby to the dentist before their teeth have had a chance to develop cavities, plaque or tartar.

What can I expect during my baby’s first dental appointment?

During your baby’s first dental appointment, the dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums. They’ll show you how to brush your child’s teeth, and answer any questions you might have about your child’s dental hygiene. Your child’s dentist may also recommend some products (infant-safe toothpaste, for example) that you can find at your local pharmacy that will help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What’s the benefit of dental care if my child only has a few teeth?

Even babies can develop cavities. Taking your child to the dentist as soon as they start showing teeth will help your baby avoid dental hygiene problems. In addition, seeing the dentist early can help your dentist catch problems with your child’s tooth alignment in their early stages.

Contact us to make an appointment.

Want to make an appointment with the dentist in Bellbrook, Centerville and Beavercreek, OH? Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today. We’d love to meet your baby and help them on the path to good oral hygiene!

Which Foods Are Good for Strengthening My Child’s Teeth?  

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Since diet and teeth go hand in hand, a child’s oral health is directly affected by the foods and beverages that he or she consumes. Sugary foods and beverages feed the bacteria in the mouth that wreak havoc on the teeth and gums, while acidic foods and beverages weaken tooth enamel. Although, at some point, a child will consume these foods and beverages, in addition to biannual dental cleanings in Bellbrook, OH, parents can use other foods to help strengthen their child’s teeth.

5 Foods That Can Strengthen a Child’s Teeth

One of the best ways parents can help strengthen their child’s teeth is by incorporating foods beneficial to oral health into his or her diet.

1. Firm Raw Vegetables

Eating firm raw vegetables (e.g., celery, carrots) can help remove food debris and reduce the number of bacteria on the teeth. In addition, carrots cause an increase in saliva production, which reduces a child’s risk of developing cavities. Celery provides a substantial amount of the antioxidant vitamins C and A, both of which can improve gum health.

2. Apples

Although apples have a relatively high sugar content, apples also consist of water and fiber. While a child eats an apple, his or her mouth begins producing saliva, which helps rinse away the bacteria responsible for the development of cavities. In addition, the apple’s texture stimulates the child’s gums.

3. Avocados

The flesh of the avocado is loaded with prebiotic fiber, which feeds the probiotic bacteria in the mouth. The probiotic bacteria help oral health by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

4. Chicken Legs, Thighs and Wings

While many people think a skinless chicken breast is the healthiest piece of chicken, when it comes to the teeth, drumsticks, wings and thighs come out on top. These parts of the chicken are most beneficial because they contain high amounts of collagen, which is crucial for gum health. The benefits of collagen can also be obtained by making a stock or bone broth using drumsticks, wings and thighs.

5. Spinach

This vegetable is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that can improve a child’s dental health. Since most children are not in any rush to eat a bowl of Popeye’s favorite food, consider incorporating spinach into a child’s diet by adding it to pasta sauces and smoothies.

While these foods do strengthen the teeth, to ensure good oral health, daily brushing and flossing is still necessary. Furthermore, biannual cleanings remain a vital aspect of maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist, and you reside in the Bellbrook, Ohio, area, contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. John Harmeyer or one of his experienced, caring and dedicated dental professionals. To book an appointment, please call (937) 848-7741 or request an appointment using our online form.

Bellbrook Family Dentistry’s address is 4291 Sugarcreek Drive in Bellbrook, Ohio.

 

What is Restorative Dentistry For Kids?

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Does your child have missing or damaged teeth? Like many children with missing or damaged teeth, your child probably feels self-conscious about smiling. During school and sports activities, some children may even make fun of your child’s smile. As a result, your child may also suffer from low self-esteem. The good news is that restorative dentistry in Bellbrook, OH can drastically improve your child’s dental heath and smile. Check out these common restorative treatments for children.

Tooth Fillings

One of the most common types of restorative treatments for kids are tooth fillings. Since tooth fillings are a minimally invasive treatment, they are a great way to fix children’s cavities. Silver and white tooth fillings are usually available.

Dental Crowns

If your child has a permanent tooth with excessive decay or a fracture, there’s a chance that your Bellbrook, OH dentist may recommend a dental crown. Dental crowns are an effective and relatively quick restorative treatment because they can protect a decaying tooth from further damage. A dental crown can also retain the healthy structure of your child’s tooth and prevent it from having to be completely removed.

Dental Bonding

Children are unpredictable, and most of them will chip or crack a tooth at some point. Many dentists will use dental bonding to restore a child’s cracked tooth. Even if your child’s front tooth is chipped or broken, dental bonding can restore the tooth to its natural shape.

Pulpotomy

If your child has a baby tooth with severe decay, a dentist may suggest a pulpotomy procedure. The procedure can save your child’s decaying tooth by removing the damaged pulp. Keep in mind that whenever a decaying tooth is left untreated, severe infection can occur. In extreme cases, your child may even lose the tooth if it isn’t treated promptly.

Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction may be necessary if your child has a permanent tooth with a big cavity or severe infection. A dentist may also remove a tooth due to overcrowding. A tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward procedure. After that, a permanent faux tooth will be installed to replace the missing tooth.

Ready to improve your child’s confidence with a beautiful, healthy smile? Contact our dental office soon to learn all about our excellent restorative treatments. We are always happy to answer any of your questions.