The pediatric dentist has an extra two to three years of
specialized training after dental school, and is dedicated to the oral
health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very
young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in
dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and
development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The
pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
Why Are The Primary Teeth Important?
It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth.
Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect
developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth are important
for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the
permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3)
permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary
teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive
appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the
back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.
Eruption Of Your Child's Teeth
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.
Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. At the age of 8, you can generally expect the bottom 4 primary teeth (lower central and lateral incisors) and the top 4 primary teeth (upper central and lateral incisors) to be gone and permanent teeth to have taken their place. There is about a one to two year break from ages 8-10 and then the rest of the permanent teeth will start to come in. This process continues until approximately age 21.
Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).
Dental
Emergencies
Toothache:
Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with
warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be
impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child's dentist. Do
not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the
face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist
immediately.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas
to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle
pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by
simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth.
Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with
water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth
unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to
reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by
biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth,
transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk,
NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried
in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a
dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist.
Unlike with a permanent tooth, the baby tooth should not be replanted
due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In
most cases, no treatment is necessary.
Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth: Time is a critical factor,
contact your pediatric dentist immediately so as to reduce the chance
for infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the
future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce
swelling. If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with
you to the dentist.
Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist.
Severe Blow to the Head: Call 911 immediately or ake your child
to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and
take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Read more about how to prevent dental emergencies during
recreational activities and sports with
mouth guards.
Dental
Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s
dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can
and will be missed.
Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example,
radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone
diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic
treatment. Radiographs allow dentists to diagnose and treat health
conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If
dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more
comfortable for your child and more affordable for you.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs
and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of
tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs
approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years, it is a good
idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and
bitewings or periapicals and bitewings.
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the
exposure of their patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards,
the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is
extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact, the dental
radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and
untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields will protect
your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary x-rays and
restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film and
proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of
radiation exposure.
In-Hospital Sedation Dentist
In some cases, it’s easier for your child if we use general anesthesia. We are affiliated with Franciscan Hospital, where we will treat your child in a highly controlled setting. General anesthesia can be used with a young child who requires multiple procedures. With general anesthesia, your child will go into a deep sleep. This will keep them comfortable and prevent them from moving around so that your dentist can work most efficiently.
What's The Best Toothpaste For My Child?
Tooth
brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many
toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles.
They contain harsh abrasives, which can wear away young tooth enamel.
When looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure to pick one
that is recommended by the American Dental Association as shown on the
box and tube. These toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they
are safe to use.
Use only a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) to brush
the teeth of a child less than 3 years of age. For children 3 to 6
years old, use a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or assist
your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have
the ability to brush their teeth effectively on their own. Children
should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing
Does
Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth
(bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the
child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice
wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. One theory as to the
cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a new
environment, divorce, changes at school; etc. can influence a child to
grind their teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear
at night. If there are pressure changes (like in an airplane during
take-off and landing, when people are chewing gum, etc. to equalize
pressure) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve this
pressure.
The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any
treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, then
a mouth guard (night guard) may be indicated. The negatives to a mouth
guard are the possibility of choking if the appliance becomes
dislodged during sleep and it may interfere with growth of the jaws.
The positive is obvious by preventing wear to the primary dentition.
The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding
decreases between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding
between ages 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your
pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Thumb Sucking
Sucking
is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs,
fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make
them feel secure and happy, or provide a sense of security at
difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce
sleep.
Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of the permanent
teeth can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth
alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will
determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest
their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have
difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.
Children should cease thumb sucking by the time their permanent
front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the
ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children
to stop.
Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the
teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However,
use of the pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than
the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or
use of a pacifier, consult your pediatric dentist.
A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:
Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus
on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking.
Children who are sucking for comfort will feel less of a need
when their parents provide comfort.
Reward children when they refrain from sucking during
difficult periods, such as when being separated from their
parents.
Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking
and explain what could happen if they continue.
If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their
habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at
night. Your pediatric dentist may recommend the use of a mouth
appliance.
What Is Pulp Therapy?
The pulp of a tooth is the inner, central core of the tooth. The
pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative
cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry is to
maintain the vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is not
lost).
Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons
for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to
as a "nerve treatment", "children's root canal", "pulpectomy" or
"pulpotomy". The two common forms of pulp therapy in children's teeth
are the pulpotomy and pulpectomy.
A pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown
portion of the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial
growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a
final restoration (usually a stainless steel crown).
A pulpectomy is required when the entire pulp is involved (into the
root canal(s) of the tooth). During this treatment, the diseased pulp
tissue is completely removed from both the crown and root. The canals
are cleansed, disinfected and, in the case of primary teeth, filled
with a resorbable material. Then, a final restoration is placed. A
permanent tooth would be filled with a non-resorbing material.
What Is The Best Time For Orthodontic Treatment?
Developing
malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years
of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major
orthodontic treatment at a later age.
Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment
encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned
with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary
teeth, and harmful habits such as finger or thumb sucking. Treatment
initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and
many times, though not always, can eliminate the need for future
orthodontic/orthopedic treatment.
Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of 6
to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth
and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships
and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage to start
treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are
usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic forces.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This stage deals with the
permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.
Adult
Teeth Coming in Behind Baby Teeth
This is a very common occurrence with children, usually the
result of a lower, primary (baby) tooth not falling out when the
permanent tooth is coming in. In most cases if the child starts
wiggling the baby tooth, it will usually fall out on its own within
two months. If it doesn't, then contact your pediatric dentist, where
they can easily remove the tooth. The permanent tooth should
then slide into the proper place.
Tongue & Lip Ties
This is a very common occurrence with children, usually the
result of a lower, primary (baby) tooth not falling out when the
permanent tooth is coming in. In most cases if the child starts
wiggling the baby tooth, it will usually fall out on its own within
two months. If it doesn't, then contact your pediatric dentist, where
they can easily remove the tooth. The permanent tooth should
then slide into the proper place.
Early
Infant Oral Care
Perinatal & Infant Oral Health
The
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all
pregnant women receive oral healthcare and counseling during
pregnancy. Research has shown evidence that periodontal disease can
increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Talk to your
doctor or dentist about ways you can prevent periodontal disease
during pregnancy.
Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at a greater
risk of passing the bacteria which causes cavities to their young
children. Mother's should follow these simple steps to decrease the
risk of spreading cavity-causing bacteria:
Visit your dentist regularly.
Brush and floss on a daily basis to reduce bacterial plaque.
Proper diet, with the reduction of beverages and foods high in
sugar & starch.
Use a fluoridated toothpaste recommended by the ADA and rinse
every night with an alocohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse
with .05 % sodium fluoride in order to reduce plaque levels.
Don't share utensils, cups or food which can cause the
transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to your children.
Use of xylitol chewing gum (4 pieces per day by the mother)
can decrease a child’s caries rate.
Your Child's First Dental Visit-Establishing A "Dental Home"
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental
Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
(AAPD) all recommend establishing a "Dental Home" for your child by
one year of age. Children who have a dental home are more likely to
receive appropriate preventive and routine oral health care.
The Dental Home is intended to provide
a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.
You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive.
If old enough, your child should be informed of the visit and told
that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and
answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that
might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt.
Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey
the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
When
Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the
gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies
get their teeth early and some get them late. In general, the first
baby teeth to appear are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and
they usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. See
"Eruption of Your Child’s Teeth" for more details.
Baby
Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries)
One
serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay.
This condition is caused by frequent and long exposures of an infant’s
teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk
(including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened
drinks.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle other
than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet liquid pools
around the child’s teeth giving plaque bacteria an opportunity to
produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give the baby a
bottle as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If
your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual
beverage, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a
period of two to three weeks.
After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums and teeth with a damp
washcloth or gauze pad to remove plaque. The easiest way to do this is
to sit down, place the child’s head in your lap or lay the child on a
dressing table or the floor. Whatever position you use, be sure you
can see into the child’s mouth easily.
Sippy Cups
Sippy cups should be used as a training tool from the bottle to a
cup and should be discontinued by the first birthday. If your child
uses a sippy cup throughout the day, fill the sippy cup with water
only (except at mealtimes). By filling the sippy cup with liquids that
contain sugar (including milk, fruit juice, sports drinks, etc.) and
allowing a child to drink from it throughout the day, it soaks the
child’s teeth in cavity causing bacteria.
Prevention
Care Of Your Child's Teeth
Brushing Tips:
Starting at birth, clean your child's gums with a soft cloth and water.
As soon as your child's teeth erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If they are under the age of 2, use a small "smear" of toothpaste.
If they're 2-5 years old, use a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste.
Be sure and use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child does not swallow it.
When brushing, the parent should brush the child's teeth until they are old enough to do a good job on their own.
Flossing Tips:
Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach.
Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch.
Be sure and floss your child's teeth daily until he or she can do it alone.
Good
Diet = Healthy Teeth
Healthy
eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the
teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced
diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food
groups. Most snacks that children eat can lead to cavity formation.
The more frequently a child snacks, the greater the chance for tooth
decay. How long food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For
example, hard candy and breath mints stay in the mouth a long time,
which cause longer acid attacks on tooth enamel. If your child must
snack, choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and
low-fat cheese, which are healthier and better for children’s teeth.
How Do I Prevent Cavities?
Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles
that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean
washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your
child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. See
"Baby
Bottle Tooth Decay" for more information.
For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day.
Also, watch the number of snacks containing sugar that you give your
children.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends visits every
six months to the pediatric dentist, beginning at your child’s first
birthday. Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good
dental health.
Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or
home fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to
your child’s molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
Seal Out Decay
A sealant is a protective coating that is applied to the chewing
surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where
four out of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as
a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone
areas of the teeth.
Before
Sealant Applied
After Sealant
Applied
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element, which has shown to
prevent tooth decay by as much as 50-70%, Despite the advantages, too
little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. With
little or no fluoride, the teeth aren’t strengthened to help them
resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion by young children can
lead to dental fluorosis, which is typically a chalky white
discoloration (brown in advanced cases) of the permanent teeth. Be
sure to follow your pediatric dentist’s instructions on suggested
fluoride use and possible supplements, if needed.
You can help by using a fluoride toothpaste and only a smear of
toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) to brush the teeth of a child
less than 3 years of age. For children 3 to 6 years old, use a
"pea-size" amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s
toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to
brush their teeth effectively on their own. Children should spit
out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing, in order to
avoid fluorosis.
Mouth Guards
When
a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized
sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth
protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help
protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity
that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.
Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth, and injuries to the lips,
tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place
while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and
breathe.
Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth
protectors.
Xylitol - Reducing Cavities
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the
benefits of xylitol on the oral health of infants, children,
adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.
The use of XYLITOL GUM by mothers (2-3 times per day) starting 3
months after delivery and until the child was 2 years old, has proven
to reduce cavities up to 70% by the time the child was 5 years old.
Studies using xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small
dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth
decay, along with some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol
provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention
methods. This xylitol effect is long-lasting and possibly permanent.
Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been
completed.
Xylitol is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts.
Some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce,
hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains less than
one gram of xylitol.
Studies suggest xylitol intake that consistently produces positive
results ranged from 4-20 grams per day, divided into 3-7 consumption
periods. Higher results did not result in greater reduction and may
lead to diminishing results. Similarly, consumption frequency of less
than 3 times per day showed no effect.
To find gum or other products containing xylitol, try visiting your
local health food store or search the Internet to find products
containing 100% xylitol.
Beware of Sports Drinks
Due
to the high sugar content and acids in sports drinks, they have
erosive potential and the ability to dissolve even fluoride-rich
enamel, which can lead to cavities.
To minimize dental problems, children should avoid sports drinks
and hydrate with water before, during and after sports. Be sure
to talk to your pediatric dentist before using sports drinks.
If sports drinks are consumed:
reduce the frequency and contact time
swallow immediately and do not swish them around the mouth
neutralize the effect of sports drinks by alternating sips of
water with the drink
rinse mouthguards only in water
seek out dentally friendly sports drinks
Adolescent
Dentistry
Tongue Piercing - Is
It Really Cool?
You might not be surprised anymore to see people with pierced
tongues, lips or cheeks, but you might be surprised to know just how
dangerous these piercings can be.
There are many risks involved with oral piercings, including
chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, blood poisoning, heart
infections, brain abscess, nerve disorders (trigeminal neuralgia),
receding gums or scar tissue. Your mouth contains millions of
bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing.
Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your airway!
Common symptoms after piercing include pain, swelling, infection,
an increased flow of saliva and injuries to gum tissue.
Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood
vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle.
So follow the advice of the American Dental Association and give
your mouth a break – skip the mouth jewelry.
Tobacco - Bad News In Any Form
Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause
incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used
by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking
cigarettes. This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that
spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be
more difficult to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know
that one can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60
cigarettes. In as little as three to four months, smokeless tobacco
use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions
called leukoplakias.
If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following
that could be early signs of oral cancer:
A sore that won’t heal.
White or red leathery patches on the lips, and on or under the
tongue.
Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or
tongue; or a change in the way the teeth fit together.
Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not painful,
people often ignore them. If it’s not caught in the early stages, oral
cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even
worse, it can kill.
Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. By doing so, they will
avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with their
tongue, gums and cheek.
Tongue & Lip Ties
What’s a Tongue Tie?
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition in which a child’s tongue is attached too tightly at its base. The lower frenum (attachment) is too thick, too short, or malformed. This makes it difficult for the child to move his or her tongue freely and often causes issues with feeding and speaking.
What’s a Lip Tie?
Lip-tie is a condition where the upper lip cannot be curled or moved normally. The upper frenulum may be attached too closely to one side of the upper gum. A lip tie can limit movement and make feeding difficult.
What to look for with Infants
Both of these conditions require a diagnosis by your pediatrician or your pediatric dentist at Awesome Kids Teeth.
Below is a list of areas to look for in infants:
Difficulty breastfeeding
Difficulty breathing while feeding
A noticeable clicking noise while nursing
Colic
Pain during breastfeeding
Mastitis
While these signs and symptoms may not guarantee a lip or tongue tie, it’s always best to have your baby checked.
What to look for in Toddlers, Children & Adults
You cannot easily swipe your finger beneath the child’s tongue
Difficulty breathing while feeding
Unable to fully brush top front teeth due to the thick frenum getting in the way.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing solid foods (comes across as a fussy eater)
Speech difficulties
Sleep apnea
Snoring
Mouth Breathing
Possible link of ADD/ADHD due to privacy obstruction
Posture Problems
Gum Recession
Headaches / nack and shoulder aches
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your child evaluated for tongue or lip-tie. The sooner the tongue is released the better the child is able to adapt to the new mobility of the tongue and the upper lip. A 1-week old baby will do better than a 3-week or a 12-week old baby. A 4-year-old with speech issues will do better than a 7-year-old, etc.
What to look for with Infants
Besides having trouble during feeding times, a lip tie or tongue tie can affect babies in different ways and can even have some long-term effects as they get older. Untreated lip or tongue ties can result in speech problems, sleep apnea, and problems chewing and swallowing food. Additionally, children with a lip tie or tongue tie may have a gap between the front teeth or can have gum recession.
How to Treat Lip and Tongue Ties
Our pediatric dentists at Revere Pediatric Dentistry can fix a lip and or tongue tie right in our office. The procedure is called a frenectomy and it can be performed on infants up to late teens.
We use a state-of- the -art CO2 laser for the procedures. The CO2 laser is a type of gas laser, which pushes an electric current through a gas (in this case, CO2) to produce a highly concentrated beam of light which removes small sections of the frenum to release the tension. The laser is more accurate than traditional surgery methods involving scissors.
The CO2 laser is beneficial in aiding with little to no pain after the procedure, almost no bleeding, minimal scarring and no need for stitches. The procedure takes a matter of seconds. Immediately afterward, a child is able to eat and start enjoying life to a fuller extent.
