Category Archives: Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

The Top 10 of Treating Children

Did you know that February is Children’s Dental Health Month? At Peck Family Dentistry we LOVE treating children. They have a vibrancy, innocence, and excitement that adults just can’t pull off. Here are just some of the reasons we love treating them.

10. It is so much fun seeing their “dress ups” they wear into the office. Not many of our adult patients have the self confidence to dress like Snow White or wear their cowboy hat. We have also yet to meet an adult that will jump up and down just to show us how their new athletic shoes light up.

9. They listen attentively to everything we tell them. Their faces get grossed out when we talk about bacteria “bugs” on their teeth. They get an equal look of determination when we discuss destroying those same bugs.

8. They ask what each implement in our office does and give them funny names.

7.  No one looks as good in our protective eye gear than a child.

6. Their smiles light up the room.

5.  We’ve yet to have an adult giggle when we polish their teeth. Almost every child does though.

4.  They get excited about getting a new toothbrush.

3.  They tell us about their favorite games and toys.

2. They take great pride in drawing us pictures.

1.  They tell us funny stories (sometimes about their parents).

Thanks for letting us take care of your children. Don’t forget to set up their next cleaning. We want to keep those brilliant smiles healthy.

Pediatric Dentistry

Why dental sealants?

My dentist suggests I have dental sealants put on my daughter’s molars. She’s only 7. Do you know why he wants to do this?

Kasie Ann- Baton Rough, LA

Kasie Ann,

Often dentist’s recommend sealants once the child’s molars or pre-molars are erupted. It is important your daughter keep those teeth because her adult molars won’t come in for many years and that space has to be maintained.

It is probable that your daughter has deep pits or grooves in those teeth that a tooth brush will not be able to get to, which will lead to tooth decay.

The sealants are a plastic material that is painted on the chewing surfaces on the teeth and then bonded on. This helps to keep bacteria from penetrating the grooves of the teeth and therefore preventing decay.

You may be interested in reading about dental tips for parents.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

BPA and sealants

My dentist is recommending getting my youngest daughter’s molars sealed. I’ve heard they contain BPA which has been recently thought to accelerate the onset of puberty. Is that accurate?

A concerned mom

There has been recent public concern over Bisphenol A (BPA) causing accelerated puberty and even potential increase in cancer risk. There are studies currently being conducted. BPA is also used in plastics such as water bottles. While the studies are being conducted, most plastic manufacturers are changing what their products are made from in order to keep the public feeling secure.

Dental sealants are made from plastic, but rarely contain BPA alone. Generally they  contain either Bis GMA or Bis DMA monomers. The Bis GMA seems to be more stable,without breaking down. I’d call your dentist’s office to see which his sealants contain.

There is a lot of benefit in using dental sealants on children. Their molar grooves can be pretty deep, making it difficult to get them clean. The sealants cover those grooves to keep them from getting decay.

I hope this helps. You may also be interested in reading about these dental tips for parents.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Children’s Dental Health and Thyroid Problems

My child’s teeth are not developing like they should. My friend who is a nurse said to have my child’s thyroid tested. Can thyroid problems be related to one’s dental health?

Thanks, Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Our thyroid creates two main hormones called thyroxin and lio-thyronine which are critical for energy production. The thyroid affects many systems within the body so it’s vital for it to function properly. If there is a malfunction with the thyroid it can cause the teeth and jaw to under develop compared to a healthy child. Enlarged gum tissue, a lot of tooth decay, and slower tooth development can develop from hypothyroidism which is when there is a deficiency of the hormones needed for proper functioning.

Reasons the thyroid may not be functioning properly:

  • Abnormality of the immune system that results in damage of the thyroid gland
  •  Failure of the pituitary gland to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone
  • A diet is deficient in nutrients, too much sugar, and processed foods
  • A lot of infections, chronic or not
  • Too many environmental toxins like mercury or copper in the body
  • Not enough sleep or too much stress
  • Food allergies

Symptoms of a thyroid problem in younger children:

  • Overweight and shortness in height is a sign that the thyroid is underactive
  • Delayed development of teeth
  • Protruding eyes and a puffy face
  • Hair may be thin
  • Dry skin
  • A protruded abdomen and Umbilical Hernia

Symptoms of a thyroid problem in a older child:

  • Tired all the time
  • Sensitive to cold temperature
  • Difficulty learning and a poor attention span
  • Skin in dry and flaky
  • Over sleeping or not getting enough sleep

Our best advice to you is to have your child’s thyroid tested by their physician, however make sure they perform the proper test which includes testing the free T3 and free T4 hormones because this will show a more conclusive diagnosis if something is wrong.

Post courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.

Pediatric Dentistry

Preventing Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Recently a friend of mine told me that xylitol could prevent tooth decay in children. I have never heard of this product before and was wondering if someone can give me some insight to this and if it is possible to prevent cavities?

Thanks, Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Over the last several years there has been much research completed on this natural occurring sweetener called xylitol. Studies have shown that when toddlers receive 8 grams of xylitol two times a day a 70% reduction in tooth decay is prevented during primary tooth eruption. Even though xylitol is a sweetener is does not break down like sugar and keeps our mouths at a neutral ph level. Remember the more acidic our mouths become the enamel starts to erode causing tooth decay. Xylitol prevents the bacteria that causes cavities from sticking to our teeth therefore less plaque is formed.

Xylitol can be found in such products like chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, syrup, mints, candy, and nasal spray. You can find xylitol products at your local health food stores and even on the internet. Xylitol not only is effective in children but also adults in the prevention of tooth decay as well as keeping our gums healthy. Always remember that good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, as well as visiting your dentist for routine dental cleanings are the major keys in preventing tooth decay.

Post Courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.

Pediatric Dentistry

What Are the Dangers of Benzocaine?

Over-the-counter teething medications for infants like Baby Orajel, Anbesol, and Orabase have been used for many years and are still commonly used today to relieve teething pain in children. Benzocaine is the local anesthetic found in these medications which numbs the gums and eases the pain. Back in 2006, the FDA issued a warning about the use of benzocaine gels and liquids and there use for children under the age of two. It was discovered that a rare serious disease of methemoglobinemia can develop in children two and under which reduces the oxygen carried through the bloodstream from the use of benzocaine products. In very severe cases death is a result.

Methemoglobinemia is difficult for parents to recognize because the symptoms are not always obvious or attributed to the condition. Some of the signs are shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, dizziness, pale or blue colored skin, lips, and nail beds. Instead of using benzocaine products to relive your child’s teething pain we recommend the following as a better alternative.

  • Use a chilled teething ring, not frozen
  • Massage or gently rub your child’s gums with your finger
  • If solid foods are in your babies diet, you may offer something edible for gnawing on like a chilled cucumber or carrot, however watch for pieces that break off to prevent a choking hazard.
  • Tylenol or Advil may help as well

Any questions or concerns you may have about benzocaine products or reducing teething pain in your child’s teeth, consult with your child’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Post Courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.