Wisdom Teeth and Your Teen 

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The teenage years can be a pain. This is especially true for teens who have impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt near the back of the mouth. They’re the last in a long line of permanent teeth, and they occur on both the upper and lower jaw. Sadly, they can make you feel anything but wise. When it’s time for your teen to begin feeling their wisdom teeth, yourdentist in Bellbrook, OH, can help.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt?

Wisdom teeth usually put in an appearance during the late teenage years, but they can stow away up until your mid-twenties. Sometimes, they grow in normally, without causing unnecessary pain or chaos. More likely, however, they need to be extracted. This is because there’s simply not enough room left for them to erupt without crowding your other teeth.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that’s hovering below the surface of the gum and can’t break through for some reason. With wisdom teeth, it’s usually because there just isn’t enough room. Or sometimes, the wisdom tooth is situated at an angle below the gum, and it’s bumping into the tooth in front of it. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, and even if they manage to grow in, they’re usually too closely situated to other teeth. This makes them hard to clean, which can lead to decay.

What Can Your Dentist Do About Wisdom Teeth?

With regular dental checkups, your teen’s dentist can spot problematic wisdom teeth before they begin to erupt. These teeth are diagnosed through X-rays of your child’s mouth that show the exact position of the teeth and whether they have enough space to erupt normally. If not, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon who can remove the teeth while they’re still beneath the gums. In this way, they never have the opportunity to crowd other teeth.

If your teen is experiencingwisdom teeth problems in Bellbrook, OH, call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today. Our friendly and experienced team can put your worries to rest by diagnosing and treating problematic wisdom teeth before they have the chance to become painful. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Do Babies Need to Go to the Dentist? An FAQ

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Babies have no teeth for the first many months of their life. Once the teeth start to grow in, parents need to make the decision of when to take their child to the dentist. Taking your child to regular dental appointments helps set them up for a life of good oral hygiene. If you’re a new parent or just have questions about your child’s dental cleaning routine, answers to these frequently asked questions can help.

Do babies need to go to the dentist?

According to the American Dental Association, babies need to go to the dentist when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Seeing the dentist this early is beneficial for a number of reasons.

It gives the pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH a chance to determine whether something is going wrong with your child’s dental health. It also helps your child get used to seeing the dentist at an early age. Doing this can affect your child’s attitudes about the dentist for years into the future.

What happens during a dental appointment for a toddler?

During your child’s first visit to the dentist, your child will be seated in a dental chair – either alone, or on your lap, depending on what your child needs. The dentist will gently examine the appearance of your child’s teeth, looking for injuries or potential problems.

Your child’s dentist will show you how to clean and care for your child’s teeth. Your child’s dentist will recommend an approximate date for the next appointment, and ask you if you have any questions. Once this is done, the pediatric dental checkup in Bellbrook, OH will be finished.

Why should I bring my child to the dentist if they don’t have most of their teeth?

Children who start seeing the dentist from an early age have a longer period of time to adjust to seeing the dentist. This can help your child understand how important dental hygiene is, and that seeing the dentist is a regular part of their dental hygiene routine.

Make Your Child’s Next Appointment with the Dentist

If your child is one year old or has their first teeth, it’s time for their first appointment. Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist for a Child with Special Needs: Tips for Parents

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Children with special needs can be much more likely to have issues with their oral health. Whether it is due to deformities of the teeth and gums or the inability to properly handle oral care, any issue is something to be mindful of as a parent to prevent future problems. With that in mind, finding the best pediatric dentist for your child with special needs or certain disabilities is imperative. Here are a few tips to help you find the best dentist for your child.

1. Does the dentist have experience with children with special needs?

Not all dentists have experience treating children with special needs. And, even if a dentist does have experience with special needs children, they may not have experience with children that have the same issues as your child. Pediatric dentists never mind discussing with parents their prior experience to make sure they are the best provider for dental treatment.

2. Does your child need a specific type of service offering for adequate dental care?

Children with special needs often need highly specific types of treatment when it comes to dental care. For example, some children may need regular cleanings done under light anesthesia. Discuss any specific needs your child may have with the dental staff to make sure the practice can cater to your child’s needs.

3. Does the office atmosphere suit your child and their needs?

All dental offices can have a different atmosphere to offer. Some practices offer more practical designs while others have more child-friendly features. However, a child with special needs may have specific needs where the environment is concerned. For example, an autistic child with sensory problems may be extremely uncomfortable in a noisy environment. Check with any dentist you are considering and perhaps even plan to stop by for a visit to check out the atmosphere.

Find the Best Bellbrook Pediatric Dentist to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy

Children with special needs bring so much joy to our lives with their unique personalities and gifts. Make sure you keep your child’s smile as healthy as possible with regular oral health care. Reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Bellbrook, OH to schedule an appointment or discuss the needs of your child.