Uncategorized

Creating a positive and comfortable environment during dental appointments is crucial for children with sensory issues. Here are several ways Champions Pediatric Dentistry in Spring, TX and Cypress, TX has ensured successful visits for children with sensory sensitivities:

Advance Communication:

• Encourage parents to inform the Champions Pediatric Dentistry team about their child’s sensory sensitivities in advance.
• Share information about the sensory-friendly practices of our pediatric dental practice and ask for specific concerns or preferences.
• Encourage caregivers to plan at home before the visit.
• Here is a great resource for pre-visit planning: https://champions-pd.com/children-with-sensory-sensitivities-tips-for-planning-a-successful-dental-visit/

Sensory-Friendly Waiting Area:

• Avoid loud or distracting elements in the waiting room.

Visual Supports:

• Use visual schedules or charts to help children understand and prepare for each step of the dental appointment.
• Display visual cues that explain the dental procedures using simple and clear images.

Noise Reduction:

• Minimize loud noises, such as drilling sounds, in our pediatric dentistry treatment area.
• Provide noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for children who are sensitive to auditory stimuli.

Use Items that are Familiar and Calming:

• Encourage the child to bring a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to hold during the appointment.

Dimmed Lighting:

• Adjust the lighting in treatment rooms to be softer and less harsh.
• Allow the child to wear sunglasses if they are sensitive to bright lights.

Pre-Appointment Visit:

• Offer pre-appointment visits for children to familiarize themselves with the dental office environment.
• Allow them to meet the Champions Pediatric Dentistry team and explore the dental tools in a non-threatening manner.

Flexible Scheduling:

• Schedule appointments during quieter times to reduce the overall sensory input.
• Be flexible with appointment lengths to accommodate the child’s needs. 

Use of Desensitization:

• Gradually introduce dental tools to the child, allowing them to touch and feel them in a non-threatening manner before the actual appointment.
• Use desensitization techniques to help the child become more comfortable with the dental setting.

Patient-Centered Approach:

• Take breaks during the appointment if needed, allowing the child to regroup.
• Be patient and understanding, adapting the approach based on the child’s responses.

We view every kiddo who comes to see us as unique. It is always our goal to meet them where they are most comfortable. By implementing these strategies, our pediatric dentists and our entire pediatric dental team in Spring and Cypress strive to create a more supportive and comfortable environment for children with sensory issues, promoting positive dental experiences and fostering oral health.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, see a pediatric dentist by AGE ONE. Medicaid follows this AAPD guideline. Early dental visits can help prevent dental problems, establish good oral hygiene habits, and detect any dental issues before they become more serious.

Here’s why your baby’s first dental visit with Champions Pediatric Dentistry in Spring, TX, and Cypress, TX, should be sooner rather than later:

• Early dental visits can help prevent dental problems, establish good oral hygiene habits, and detect any dental issues before they become more serious.
• Cavity-causing bacteria attach to the teeth as soon as they erupt.
• Cavities in baby teeth get very big, very fast.
• It is common for small children to have cavities
• Kids who sip juice & graze on high-carb foods are at greater risk for cavities.
• It only takes one bad habit to cause a lot of problems.
• Cavities are easy to fix when caught early.

Don’t let bacteria take over your little one’s teeth!

Here are very simple rules for drastically reducing cavities:

• Drink water or white milk only.
• Treat yogurt like it’s a dessert and not food.
• Do not let your child sleep with a bottle.
• Do not let your child nurse while sleeping.

 And, of course, don’t forget these SMILE BFFs!

BRUSH

Start with a finger brush whenever the first teeth erupt. Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush.

FLOSS

Teeth that have no space between them need to be flossed daily. Use a flosser with a handle to make it easier.

FLUORIDE

For infants and toddlers, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.  At age three, increase to a pea-sized dollop. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste.

For our youngest patients, we will perform a non-invasive lap visit. We look forward to partnering with you for your baby’s first dental visit at Champions Pediatric Dentistry in Spring and Cypress. Call us at 832-761-7428. We have room on our schedule for your family!

Pediatric dental sealants are a crucial tool in cavity prevention, particularly in children. Tooth sealants can be applied by Champions Pediatric Dentistry on the same day as your visit and are often covered by insurance.

Tooth sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to help prevent tooth decay.

 The Champions Pediatric Dentistry team uses tooth sealants as an essential tool in cavity prevention in children. Here are the key reasons:

1.  Preventing tooth decay: Pediatric dental sealants create a physical barrier that seals off the deep grooves and fissures in the chewing surfaces of teeth, making it more difficult for food particles and bacteria to accumulate and cause decay. This is especially important for children because their developing oral hygiene habits may not effectively remove all debris from these hard-to-reach areas.
2. Early intervention: Children are more susceptible to tooth decay due to their diets, oral hygiene practices, and the fact that their molars have deep grooves that are challenging to clean. Applying tooth sealants at an early age, typically soon after the eruption of permanent molars, can help prevent cavities from forming in the first place.
3. Pain and discomfort prevention: Cavities can be painful, especially for children who may have a lower tolerance for dental pain. Tooth sealants can spare children the discomfort associated with tooth decay, which may require fillings, root canals, or extractions.
4. Cost-effective: Pediatric dental sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure. Applying sealants is less expensive than treating cavities, and it reduces the financial burden on families and healthcare systems.
5. Non-invasive: Pediatric dental sealants are a non-invasive dental procedure. They do not require drilling or removing tooth structure, which can be intimidating for children. The application process is quick and painless.
6. Long-lasting protection: Tooth sealants can provide protection for several years when properly applied and maintained.
7. Encouraging good oral hygiene habits: By preventing cavities, tooth sealants contribute to better overall oral health for children. Children with fewer cavities are less likely to have dental anxiety and may be more motivated to maintain good oral hygiene practices.
8. Reducing the need for dental restorations: Pediatric dental sealants can significantly reduce the need for dental fillings and other restorative procedures, which can be more invasive and uncomfortable for children.

 In summary, pediatric tooth sealants play a crucial role in cavity prevention in children by providing a protective barrier that helps keep their teeth healthy and free from decay. They are a cost-effective, minimally invasive, and long-lasting solution that can contribute to a lifetime of good oral health. During your child’s visit with Champions Pediatric Dentistry, we apply same-day sealants so you do not have to make a follow-up appointment. The protective benefits of tooth sealants will start immediately.

Cavities, those pesky little things, can cause children some serious dental drama. It’s important to know what causes them:

1. Tricky Bacteria: There are tiny bacteria in your child’s mouth, and they love sugar!
2. Sugary Treats: Sweets and sugary drinks are like candy for those troublesome bacteria.
3. Acid Attack: When the bacteria eat the sugar, they make acids that can eat away at your child’s teeth, creating holes called cavities. Did you know “sugar-free” sports drinks (like Gatorade Zero) are a sneaky acid source? These, too, cause cavities. 

Nurturing a Happy Smile

Cavity prevention for your child’s teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be a fun and educational journey. Here’s how you can make it mom-friendly:

1. Brush and Floss Together: Show your little one that dental care is a family affair. Brush together, make it a fun game, and remember to floss those hard-to-reach places!
2. Balanced Diet: Offer a balanced diet with less sugary snacks and whole foods, like fruits and veggies, that make teeth strong.
3. Check-Up Time: Regular check-ups with the dentist are like having a trusted ally in your corner. Schedule biannual appointments with our team, and we’ll help spot any problems early and help keep your child’s teeth strong.
4. Super Toothpaste: Use toothpaste with fluoride to protect your child’s teeth. Be sure to use only a pea-sized amount. 
5. Limit Sugar Ambush: Watch out for too much sugary stuff – it can lead to tooth troubles. Encourage healthy snacks and limit sugary sweets.

Most Magical Tools: Toothbrush & Floss

Regular brushing and flossing are your secret weapons to keep those nasty bacteria at bay.

A child’s smile is precious, and taking care of your family’s teeth is a wonderful journey parents can embark on with their children. With parental guidance and encouragement, their smile will stay bright and healthy. Our Champions Pediatric Dentistry team is your front line for cavity prevention. Schedule your appointment by calling our team today!

Pacifiers can certainly be soothing and comforting to infants. They can help with sleep, provide distraction in stressful situations, and ease the transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. 

 Parents often express concerns to us about pacifier use, including when and how to wean.

 The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents start weaning their child off a pacifier by around 6 to 12 months of age. Prolonged pacifier use can potentially negatively affect the development of a child’s teeth and jaws, so beginning the weaning process at the appropriate time is important.

 Here are some general guidelines provided by the AAPD for weaning a child off of a pacifier:

1.  Timing: The ideal time to start weaning is around 6 to 12 months of age. By this time, the child’s sucking reflex has diminished, and they are better equipped to adjust to the change.
2.  Gradual approach: It’s usually best to wean the child gradually rather than abruptly taking the pacifier away. Gradual weaning allows the child to adapt more easily to the change and reduces the likelihood of significant resistance or emotional distress.
3.  Limit pacifier use: Begin by restricting pacifier use to certain times, such as naptime and bedtime. Encourage the child to rely less on the pacifier during waking hours.
4.  Distraction and substitution: Offer alternative comfort items or distractions to help your child cope with the transition away from the pacifier. This could include a favorite toy or a soft blanket.
5. Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for progress made in reducing pacifier use. Provide encouragement and acknowledgment for their efforts.
6.  Identifying triggers: Observe and identify situations or activities that trigger your child’s pacifier use. Try to address those triggers by offering alternatives or finding ways to comfort your child without the pacifier.

 Remember that every child is unique, and the weaning process may vary. If you have specific concerns or questions about weaning your child off of a pacifier, please reach out to us. We are happy to provide personalized guidance based on your child’s needs.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common concern affecting both children and adults. Grinding can occur during the day or at night, and may sometimes contribute to dental or health issues if left untreated. Today, we’re going to specifically focus on teeth grinding in children. 

Why do kids grind their teeth?
There is no single answer as to why a child may grind his or her teeth, but there are a number of factors which may contribute to this behavior. Some of these include:

• Stress and anxiety: Children who are anxious or stressed may grind their teeth as a way to cope with their emotions.
• Misaligned teeth: If a child’s teeth are misaligned or if they have an abnormal bite (think crossbites or underbites), they may grind their teeth in an effort to try to realign them.
• Sleep disorders: Children who have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, may grind their teeth as a symptom of their condition.
• Medications: Teeth grinding may be a side effect of certain medications.

Keep in mind, it is often difficult to determine the exact cause of teeth grinding in children. On occasion, the behavior may simply be a temporary habit or a side effect of normal growth and development (such as newly erupting teeth).

How can parents help reduce teeth grinding in their children?
If you suspect that your child might be grinding their teeth, talk to their dentist or pediatrician. In the meantime, consider some of the following suggestions:

• Reduce stress and anxiety: Help your child manage their stress and anxiety.
• Maintain a consistent bedtime routine: Establish a regular bedtime routine to help your child relax and unwind before bed.
• Limit caffeine and sugar intake: Avoid giving your child caffeine or sugary foods/drinks (especially before bedtime), as these can contribute to teeth grinding.
• Treat underlying medical conditions: If your child’s teeth grinding is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as sleep apnea, it’s important to treat that condition in order to alleviate the teeth grinding. For example, a child with sleep apnea may benefit from a tonsillectomy. 

In the majority of cases, teeth grinding in children is relatively benign and not a significant concern. However, it is important to still bring your concerns up to their dentist or pediatrician. The benefits of intervening in children with misaligned teeth, airway concerns, or underlying medical conditions are most noticeable.