4 Signs Your Child May Have a Cavity

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As your child’s pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA, we go out of our way to ensure your child’s teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. One way we ensure that is to encourage regular dental checkups, where we can check for cavities, clean teeth and inspect for any other problems. Early cavity treatment is essential for the best outcomes, so here are four signs your child may have a cavity. If you notice any of them, you might want to bring them in for a checkup sooner rather than later.

1. They Wince at Drinking Cold Beverages

When a cavity forms, the nerves in the tooth might be exposed. This can cause increased sensitivity in the tooth, making it very unpleasant when the tooth comes into contact with cold drinks and cold food.

2. Visible Black Spot

Cavities may appear like tiny black spots on the tooth. Usually these appear on the molars. Every so often, it might be helpful to shine a light inside your young child’s mouth so you can be on the lookout for this sign. If you notice one, book an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.

3. Complaints of a Toothache

Cavities often cause toothaches. Don’t dismiss it readily if your child says one of their teeth hurts, because this could be a cavity that’s formed.

4. Earache

If your child has an earache, it’s possible that the pain from a tooth has been referred to the ear. Remember that the jaw bone is connected to the skull right by the ear, so an earache should be like a warning that a cavity might actually be the culprit.

No matter what signs your child is exhibiting, if you think it’s a cavity, give us a call. We can offer advice on the phone, or book an appointment for a dental checkup in Victorville, CA if it sounds like it might be a cavity.

Dental Implants for Pediatric Patients

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Most people associate dental implants in Victorville CA with older people who have had some or all of their original teeth replaced after a lifetime of wear. However, sometimes it is necessary for older children and teenagers to obtain dental implants. Implants are not an option for younger children.

Children’s jaws grow throughout their childhood, which means there is a good possibility that the implant would come loose after a short time. Additionally, most kids do not have all their permanent teeth until around age 13. For this reason, Dr. A. Paul S. Bell prefers waiting to place dental implants for pediatric patients who have lost one or more adult teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants consist of three parts. The first is a titanium post that sits below your child’s gum line. Dr. Bell uses a dental drill to place the implant post, and then your child needs to wait several weeks to months for the jaw to heal before returning to our office to complete the procedure.

The abutment is the second part of a dental implant. This piece sits on top of your child’s gum line and secures the replacement tooth, which is the third part of a dental implant, to the implant post. We take extra care to ensure that your child’s replacement tooth, also called a pontic, matches the shade and contouring of your child’s other teeth as closely as possible.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Your Child

Dental implants look natural, which can increase your child’s confidence. They also restore speaking and chewing abilities while preventing the other teeth from shifting towards the open spot. To learn more about dental implants in Victorville CA, please reach out to the office of Dr. A. Paul S. Bell to request at time to meet with him.

Helping Kids Love Dental Visits

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If you can get your kids to love the dentist, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. Positive experiences with dental health professionals help children to understand that dental health visits are nothing to fear. Here are some helpful tips to help your kids love dental visits.

Choose a Pediatric Dentist

Opt for a specific pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA, where the entire dental office caters to children, teens, and young adults. You’d be amazed at the difference between a pediatric dentist and a “regular” dentist. The entire atmosphere is designed to be kid-friendly, with a lot of little extras, like colorful art, playthings, and—most importantly—a staff that loves helping children with dental health needs.

Start Early

Your child’s first dentist visit should be when the first tooth appears or by age one, whichever comes first. The sooner you bring your child to the dentist, the sooner they will learn that dentist visits are part of a healthy lifestyle. This practice will help your child get accustomed to having their teeth examined in a dentist’s office.

Read Books Together

Many children’s books are available that explain dental visits in fun and friendly ways that your child can relate to. Some of them are so comical that you and your child can laugh together, further alleviating any anxiety around dental visits. Reading these books with your child can help alleviate fears and misconceptions.

Explain the What and the Why

A lot of the fears around dentists are related to the fear of the unknown. Using language, your child can understand and explain what the dentist will do and why it has to be done.

With these tips, you can help your child develop a positive attitude toward dental care and set them on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact your pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA, to book an appointment!

What to Expect When Your Child Needs Oral Surgery

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As a parent, you never want to see your child have to go through oral and maxillofacial surgery in Victorville, CA. However, these types of procedures happen more than you might realize. No matter what type of oral surgery your child needs, Dr. Bell will take good care of them.

Common Pediatric Oral Surgeries

We frequently see children who have knocked out a tooth or sustained injuries to the mouth in some type of accident. Although Dr. Bell always attempts to preserve natural teeth, extraction is sometimes necessary. If he needs to pull a baby tooth, he may put in a space maintainer to allow the permanent tooth to grow later.

Pre-teens and teens may need one or more teeth extracted before starting orthodontic treatment, while older teens may need wisdom teeth pulled. Other standard oral surgery procedures in children include:

  • Frenectomy: Removes excess soft tissue in the tongue, lips, or gums to ensure the child can eat and speak properly. Also known as tongue tie surgery, a frenectomy prevents teeth’ top and bottom rows from becoming misaligned.
  • Pulpotomy: A pediatric root canal is necessary when the pulp of one or more of a child’s teeth becomes infected and causes significant discomfort.

Removal of oral tumors, repairing a cleft palate, and reconstructive surgery are other common surgical procedures for kids, but this is not a complete list.

Helping Your Child Recover at Home

Your son or daughter should consume a soft foods diet for at least a few days after oral surgery. Non-prescription pain relievers and/or ice packs are usually enough to alleviate discomfort. If your child’s pain doesn’t seem to be going away after oral and maxillofacial surgery in Victorville, CA, please let us know as soon as possible.

Common Periodontal Conditions in Children and How We Treat Them

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Both adults and children can develop periodontal disease due to a serious bacterial infection. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, erodes gum tissue and bone that support the teeth.

The main cause of gum disease in children is a buildup of plaque. When plaque remains on the teeth for a long period of time, it develops into tartar. Teaching your children to follow a consistent oral health routine from a young age is critical to avoiding gum disease later.

Signs of Gum Disease in Children

Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease, is the most common in children. The most obvious signs of gum disease are swollen, sore, or reddened gums. However, some kids experience no discomfort at all. Other typical signs of gingivitis in children include:

  • Bite or jaw alignment changes
  • Bleeding after brushing or flossing teeth
  • Loose teeth or larger than normal gaps between teeth
  • Persistent bad breath despite brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash
  • Pus forms between the gums and teeth
  • Receding gums, which are gums that separate from the teeth

Be sure to schedule an appointment for periodontic care in Victorville, CA, right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Periodontal Disease

Dr. Paul S. Bell will complete a visual inspection of your child’s teeth and gums and may also order an X-ray. Once he has diagnosed gum disease, he will recommend the best way to treat it. Typical treatments for periodontal disease in pediatric patients include scaling, root planing, or a gum graft. Dr. Bell will explain how each procedure works during your child’s initial appointment to diagnose gum disease. Treatment for gum diseases requires only a local anesthetic.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with additional questions about periodontic treatment for children or to schedule an appointment.

Sources

Periodontal Disease in Children (stanfordchildrens.org)

Does Your Child Need Endodontic Services?  

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As a parent, making decisions about your child’s dental health can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to specialized treatments such as endodontics. This blog post explains endodontics and whether your child might need endodontic services.

The professional team at A. Paul S. Bell, D.D.S. of Victorville, CA, is proud to serve the local community with premium dental care services, helping prevent and repair your teeth from decay and other issues surrounding your oral care habits.

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on treating the inside of the tooth, specifically the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the tooth’s root. Endodontic treatments are often needed to treat tooth decay, trauma, and other dental issues that affect the tooth’s internal structure.

Benefits of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment can be crucial in saving a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. By treating the damaged or infected pulp, an endodontist can remove the source of pain and prevent further decay or damage to the tooth. Endodontic treatment can also prevent the spread of infection to other teeth or parts of the body.

Signs Your Child Might Need Endodontic Services

Some signs that your child might need endodontic services include tooth sensitivity or pain, swelling or tenderness around the gums, or tooth discoloration. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, you must make an appointment with an endodontist as soon as possible.

Your Partner in Quality Dental Care

While endodontic treatment might seem daunting, it is often the best option for saving a damaged or decayed tooth. If you are concerned about your child’s dental health, it is always best to consult with a dental professional to determine the best course of treatment.

During your next appointment with the qualified team at A. Paul S. Bell, D.D.S. of Victorville, CA, you can be sure you receive the proper care and guidance you and your family deserve.

 

What Is the Difference between a Pediatric Dentist and an Adult Dentist?

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Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA? If so, you’ve probably found other types of dentists in Victorville as well. The next question that probably came to mind was what is the difference between a pediatric dentist and an adult dentist?

Let’s talk about the differences. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best possible dentist for your child.

What Is the Difference between a Pediatric Dentist and an Adult Dentist?

All dentists have had schooling on the same general dentistry focus. But other dentists will continue their education when they decide to offer specialty dentistry services in addition to general dentistry.

  • General Dentistry Requirements

General dentistry requires an undergraduate degree and four years of dental schooling.

  • Pediatric Dentistry Requirements

Pediatric dentistry requires a dentist to complete an additional 2-3 years of additional schooling beyond their general dentistry degree. That schooling includes additional training that focuses on the dental needs of infants, children, and child development topics.

Specialty Training for a Pediatric Dentist in Victorville, CA

A pediatric dentist will have specific training and knowledge in the following areas of dentistry for children.

  • Oral developmental and growth issues (related to the jaw, mouth, face, and head).
  • Preventive and invasive oral care (tongue ties, thrust, enamel hypoplasia, baby bottle tooth decay, and more).
  • Pediatric dental sedation (treating children using sedation and anesthesia).
  • Dealing with special needs and medically compromised children (child psychology and how to work with special needs and medically compromised children).

What’s Next?

If you need a pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA, please Contact A. Paul S. Bell, D.D.S. Inc. today. We were voted the “Best in the Desert” by the Daily Press Newspaper for five years in a row. Come and see why. Your child will love the dentist and the staff, as well as the environment that feels more like a play date than a trip to the dentist.

Five Tips to Help Your Child Avoid a Root Canal

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If you are like most people, you want to help prevent your child from needing a root canal. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help prevent a root canal in Victorville, CA.

Five Tips for Avoiding a Root Canal

1. Brush and Floss Every Day

If you want to help prevent your child from needing a root canal, have them brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Always have your child brush their teeth for at least two minutes and don’t forget to teach them to also brush their gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.

2. Have Your Child’s Cavities Filled

If your child has a cavity and you don’t have it filled, your child’s tooth will continue to deteriorate. This is because the tooth is damaged, which allows food and bacteria to breach the exterior, leading to further disease.

3. Avoid Hard Foods and Candies

Avoid giving your child hard foods, such as candies and suckers. Eating these types of foods can lead to cracks and chips in the teeth that allow bacteria to enter the tooth’s root, causing decay.

4. Teach Your Child Not to Bite on Hard Objects

Always teach your child not to bite on pencils or attempt to open hard packaging with their teeth. Eating ice and biting on fingernails should also be avoided.

5. Routine Dental Visits

Be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Victorville, CA for your child every six months or if your child experiences any type of sports injury. This will help detect dental issues that could lead to the need for a root canal if not addressed.

What’s Next?

If your child is having dental issues, please Contact Paul S. Bell, a dentist in Victorville, CA, today. We provide an inviting and comfortable environment for your child. This ensures your child has great dental

Infant Dental Care: What Parents Need to Know  

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Did you know that infants need dental care just like older children? Babies go see the dentist just like their older siblings! In addition, there are many things you can do as a parent to help your baby develop good oral hygiene early in life. Taking your baby to a good pediatric dentist in Victorville CA can help get your child off to the right start from an early age.

When to Bring Your Child to the Dentist

Bring your baby to the dentist when the first tooth erupts from the gums, or by the time your child turns one year old. Your child’s dentist will set the exam schedule following the first examination. This schedule will be based on your child’s oral health and any risk factors your child may have.

Clean Baby Gums and Teeth

You can take care of your baby’s teeth at home. Use a clean, damp cloth to wash your baby’s gums even before the first tooth comes in. When your child’s first teeth appear, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and unfluoridated toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth. Your dentist can give you more information about how to care for your baby’s teeth.

Know the Signs of Teething and What to Do

Your child’s first tooth should grow in when they are around one year old. Signs of teething include:

  • Fretful or cranky behavior
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Chewing on things a lot
  • Having difficulty sleeping

Bring your child to the dentist as soon as that first tooth appears!

If you haven’t yet identified a professional that provides pediatric dental care in Victorville CA, contact the professionals at A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc. We’re happy to answer your questions about infant dental care! Call today to make an appointment.

 

What Should I Do if My Child Knocks Out a Baby Tooth?  

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Knocking a tooth out can be a traumatic experience for your child and unsettling for you as a parent. The best thing you can do to help your child stay as calm as possible is to remain calm yourself. You should also understand that even knocking out a baby tooth requires a visit to an emergency dentist in Victorville, CA.

What to Do Immediately After Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

If you can spot the tooth, pick it up by the crown and not the roots to avoid contaminating or bending them. You also want to avoid running the tooth under water if you notice dirt on it. However, you can gather a dish of lukewarm tap water and clean it that way.

If you think it’s possible to put the tooth back in its socket, gently place it there along with a gauze pad and have your child bite down until you reach our office. When it’s obvious that the tooth will not go easily back into the socket, place it in a small container of milk and bring it to your child’s appointment at A. Paul S. Bell, D.D.S., Inc.

Why a Knocked Out Baby Tooth Requires Immediate Attention

Parents sometimes make the mistake of thinking that their child can go without the knocked out baby tooth until a permanent tooth grows in. However, premature loss of primary teeth can lead to eating problems, crooked teeth, and overcrowding as the permanent teeth erupt. Dr. Bell will insert a space maintainer to prevent nearby teeth from shifting to the spot on the gums where your child lost the baby tooth.

Please contact our pediatric dental practice at 760-274-3897 when you require the services of our emergency dentist in Victorville, CA. Your call will go to an answering service that will page us if the emergency occurs after hours.

 

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