Navigating dental procedures for your children doesn’t have to be difficult. At Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS, Inc., we will help you schedule and complete your children’s oral examination, teeth cleanings, bacterial measurements, oral disease screening, and oral hygiene care. Keep reading to learn how pediatric dental care differs from adult dentistry, common oral health issues children face, and how our services can help your children avoid future dental issues.
Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Cleveland, OH, or its surrounding neighborhoods? Our expert dentists and hygiene experts are ready to help you keep your children’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. Don’t hesitate to call our friendly receptionists to book your appointment today, at (440) 510-3468.
How is Pediatric Dentistry Different From an Adult Dentist?
Adult dentists focus on adult teeth that have fully developed, while pediatric dentistry focuses on toddler and children’s baby and transitional teeth. In addition to addressing teeth at their varying levels of development, the distinction between pediatric and adult dental care is useful to best diagnose and treat tooth and gum issues, habits, or illnesses that are related to age.
Children’s Oral Health Problems
Children may experience oral health problems as they grow and lose their teeth. These issues include dental concerns like cavities, tooth and gum pain, thumb sucking, chipped teeth, orthodontic problems, or Gingivitis and Gum Disease. It is also common for young children to experience a fear of going to the dentist. With pediatric dental care, these concerns are addressed with careful attention and concern for your children’s teeth, gums, and well-being.
Cavities
Cavities are common as young children become introduced to candy, sodas, and other sugary treats. Plaque build-up creates cavities by harming enamel and producing holes in the affected teeth. Kids may notice a cavity when their teeth become painful or sensitive to temperature shifts in their drinks or food.
Tooth and Gum Pain
Tooth and gum pain are common symptoms that send children to the dentist. While these symptoms typically indicate an existing issue, it’s best to visit the dentist more regularly to catch any developing issues before they become more serious and painful. After all, most dental problems are progressive in nature and can be halted before causing major damage. Some pain is also normal from teeth becoming loose, falling out, and new teeth growing in and will reduce.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is an occurrence common in toddlers that can sometimes carry out into early childhood. While it may seem like an innocent task that all babies do, thumb sucking that persists into childhood can become an issue once your child begins to develop permanent teeth. After all, thumb sucking can harm the roof of the mouth and the new teeth’s alignment.
Chipped Teeth
With kids consistently running and playing around the house or outside, pediatric dentists see chipped teeth and other dental emergencies frequently. Pediatric dentists pay special attention to emotions that come along with unexpected dental mishaps and work to make the procedure space comfortable and inviting, so it reduces your child’s fear and pain.
Orthodontic Problems
During childhood and adolescence, orthodontic problems may develop, requiring spacers or braces to correct crowded or crooked teeth. Pediatric dentists often refer these cases to orthodontists who can help further. Orthodontic procedures can also help to improve the appearance and function of an underbite or overbite.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
While Gingivitis and Gum Disease are frequently deemed adult issues, they can also develop in kids. Gingivitis occurs from a build-up of plaque on the gum line. While plaque can be brushed away, if neglected, it turns into tartar and is best removed professionally. Gingivitis can cause red and sore gums that bleed when brushed. While Gingivitis is generally reversible with better oral hygiene, it can lead to Gum Disease, gum recession, and tooth loss if ignored.
Dental Care For Kids
Many dental issues kids face are caused by diet and poor care habits. Along with more frequent brushing and flossing at home, professional preventative dental care for kids helps to protect their teeth and gums from developing cavities or diseases.
We can help complete an oral exam to highlight areas that could benefit from improvements, schedule services, perform teeth cleanings and an annual oral disease screening, conduct computerized bacterial measurements, and provide expert methods to improve oral hygiene.
Oral Examination
Our services typically begin with an oral examination that handles X-rays and a deep diagnosis of the teeth and their surrounding tissues. This allows our professional pediatric dentists to pinpoint problems and develop the best procedural plan to solve them.
Teeth Cleanings
After our preventative exam, we will complete a professional teeth cleaning service to best prevent plaque and tartar build-up. It is recommended that both children and adults receive teeth cleanings at least twice a year to promote ideal dental health.
Scheduling Procedures or Surgeries
During an oral examination, our dentists may find issues in your child’s mouth that require a following procedure or surgery. We can help you schedule an appointment to control cavities with fillings, perform any necessary extractions, and fight early tooth and gum diseases.
Oral Disease Screening
During an oral disease screening, our pediatric dentists will examine your child’s mouth for any white or red patches that are scaly or raised, check for cavities, and use special lighting to highlight any areas of concern. We will also take bacterial measurements to get more exact data on any damaged teeth or gums your child may have.
Bacterial Measurements
Our bacterial measurements are taken with computerized software that can read how much bacteria is present in the mouth. This is useful in distinguishing between late-stage Gingivitis and early Gum Disease and determining its stages.
Oral Hygiene Care
In addition to our in-house preventative pediatric dental care services, our experts will also suggest methods to employ for at-home dental care. Our goal is to help your children learn how to best care for their teeth and get excited about maintaining their health.
Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS, Inc. Provides Experienced Pediatric Dentists and Reliable Dental Care For Kids
Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS, Inc. is the trusted children’s dentist, available in Cleveland, West Cleveland, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Avon, and Avon Lake. We provide comprehensive dental diagnostic services and preventative pediatric dental care to keep your children healthy and to help them avoid future dental issues or diseases. We look forward to helping your family next!Are you located in the West Cleveland area and looking for a trusted Cleveland children’s dentist? The expert team at Cynthia J. Mikula, DDS, Inc. has helped numerous families care for their teeth and gums and instill healthier habits. Our professional dental staff can help schedule pediatric dental appointments for your children, contact us online or call us at (440) 510-3468.
