The Calming Truth About Sedation

For some, the idea is frightening: You are going to sedate my child? While this inherent fear comes from deep parental instincts, it often results from miscommunication, misunderstanding and confusion. Dr. Jared and our clinical team employ a variety of techniques to make your child’s dental care less painful. The decision about which technique to use should take into account the type of procedure being performed and what works best for your child.

Whenever possible, we opt for a nonpharmacological approach, choosing noninvasive techniques rooted in psychology. One method is “Tell, Show, Do.” Simply put, it is a step-by-step explanation of the procedure and instruments used so that the child understands what is going on and does not fearfully anticipate the unknown.

If that approach will not succeed in your child’s particular situation, we may employ a conscious sedation method, such as nitrous oxide—more commonly known as laughing gas. Administered through a flavored nosepiece, nitrous oxide allows the child to remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure while all but eliminating the nervousness and pain associated with dental procedures. Nitrous oxide use is considered safe by dental and medical professionals alike. We may also employ a relaxant, administered through a pill, injection or intravenously. Regardless of the type of sedation, we will remain vigilant throughout the procedure to ensure that no ill effects occur.

Occasionally, we may recommend general anesthesia. In this instance, an anesthesiologist administers a sedating drug, rendering the child totally unconscious. This method is often used in cases where an extended procedure is to be performed, the child is simply incapable of relaxing or the procedure is one the child would not be able to tolerate otherwise. This method does come with the possibility of certain risks and associated side effects. General anesthesia can, in some cases, cause vomiting, confusion or memory loss, as well as more serious complications such as difficulty breathing.

Ultimately, we use sedation for your child’s benefit. Our goal is to make sure that the work necessary to maintain your child’s dental health is completed correctly and safely. Current sedation methods are meant to calm your child, and lessen or eliminate pain. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Jared questions about sedation or any other health concerns. If you understand the process, you can keep calm—that may be the best way to help calm your child’s nerves, too.

Give us a call at 509-891-7070 to schedule today!

The Asthma–Tooth Decay Connection

The dental health of a child with asthma who is taking anti-asthmatic medication needs careful attention. According to a recent study, asthma and tooth decay are the two major reasons children and adolescents are absent from school. What’s more, there may be a connection between the two.

Experts say that children who use anti-asthmatic medications may have a higher rate of cavities in both primary and permanent teeth, as well as more severe decay. A 2007 study compared the dental condition of a group of children aged 6 to 14 years taking anti-asthmatic medication with that of a similar group of children without asthma. The results showed that children taking these medications, whether in inhaler or tablet form, had more cavities in their primary teeth and increased periodontal disease.

In addition, children with asthma tend to breathe through the mouth―that reduces saliva flow, causing dry mouth. Anti-asthmatic medications, such as corticosteroids, also affect the level of saliva. Because saliva has a cleansing effect, a reduction in saliva flow can lead to bad breath and increase the risk for cavities.

Be vigilant regarding your child’s oral health by adopting precautionary hygiene practices. Be sure your child brushes and flosses, ideally after every meal. Regular use of a suitable mouth rinse can also help prevent decay. Both the rinse and toothpaste should contain fluoride for added protection. And encourage your child to rinse his or her mouth with either water or an oral rinse after every inhaler use.

Relaxation techniques, such as focused breathing, can keep your child calm and anxiety-free, possibly preventing an asthma attack that might require medication. A balanced diet with plenty of protein can also have a calming effect. Limit the amount of sugary or sticky foods your child eats. Sweets can lead to cavities and leave him or her feeling overstimulated. A relaxed and well-nourished child is less likely to experience the anxiety that can trigger an asthma attack.

Finally, be sure to bring your child to see Dr. Jared for regular dental checkups, so any signs of decay can be treated before serious damage occurs. Everyone will breathe easier.

Call us to schedule an appointment today!  509-891-7070. We’d love to meet you and your family!

The Baby-tooth Truth: They’re Important!

When your child’s primary (or “baby”) teeth fall out naturally, beginning on average around age 6, you know the side effects are temporary: slight difficulty chewing, perhaps, or a little lisp. You might assume that if a baby tooth is lost prematurely—due to decay or injury, for instance—it would just mean that those temporary side effects last a bit longer and are somewhat more inconvenient.

Actually, when a child loses baby teeth too early, the impact—if left untreated—can be lifelong. It’s important to let Dr, Jared know if your child has lost a tooth through “unnatural” means.

Under normal circumstances, when a primary tooth falls out on its own, the space left behind doesn’t have time to change significantly before the permanent tooth starts emerging into the void. However, if that space is open for a lengthy period—say, two years—it can begin to close on its own. When the permanent tooth is ready to come in, the space may no longer be large enough to accommodate it.

To prevent this, we can create a custom “space maintainer” for the child to wear until it’s time for permanent teeth to emerge.

Another problem: When one or more baby teeth are missing for months or years, a child’s overall bite can change for the worse. The other teeth may shift to fill in the space. In extreme cases, the skeletal structure of the jaw can be affected. Missing teeth can also affect a child’s developing language skills, not to mention chewing ability and appearance.

What’s more, if a baby tooth was lost due to decay, it’s possible that the “bud” of the growing permanent tooth below it was also affected by the decay. That possibility needs to be evaluated and, if necessary, treated.

Our custom-made, child-sized mouthguards for young athletes can help prevent some injuries that might otherwise knock out primary teeth. But many more baby teeth are lost through decay than through injury. Good basic dental hygiene—brush twice a day, floss once and ask us about fluoride sealants—is the ideal preventative.

Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

Sore Mouth Can Distress a Person

A sore or inflamed mouth can occur for many reasons, including canker or cold sores, mild burns, wearing braces, or irritation from biting the tongue or teeth; but no matter what causes mouth soreness and inflammation (also called stomatitis), the effects are the same: Discomfort that can affect your child’s ability to eat, speak and even sleep.

Canker Sores

Pale, often yellowish, sores that usually have an outer red ring, these sores occur most commonly on the cheeks, tongue or inside of the lip and may occur in clusters. Most sores last five to 10 days and are not associated with fever.

Although the cause of these sores is unknown, several factors may be related to their development, including stress, bacteria or viruses. They may also be triggered by a cold or flu, by certain foods such as chocolate or citrus fruits, by biting the inside of the cheek, or by chewing sharp or abrasive foods. Canker sores aren’t contagious, and they occur in about one-fifth of the U.S. population.

Cold Sores

Also commonly called fever blisters, these fluid-filled sores usually occur around the lips. In many cases, the area where the sore appears may tingle, burn or feel tender before the sore appears and form a crusty scab in their later stages. These sores are usually associated with a cold or flu and typically disappear within 10 days. There is no cure for cold sores, but applying ice may help reduce discomfort, and your child’s pediatrician might prescribe an antiviral medication to reduce symptoms.

Caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, cold sores are contagious. Infection with the virus sometimes occurs during childhood or adolescence, and the virus remains in the body, becoming reactivated by stress, fever, hormonal changes or trauma.

Mouth Irritation

Many factors can cause irritation, including wearing braces or retainers, burns from hot foods or drinks, broken teeth or hypersensitivity to specific foods or medications.

Treatment

Most mouth sores resolve within two weeks; sores that persist beyond that time should be evaluated by a doctor. In the meantime, to minimize your child’s discomfort

*have them avoid hot, spicy, salty and citrus-based foods while the sore is active

*rinse with salt water, for canker sores

*use over-the-counter children’s pain medications and ice

Call us to schedule an appointment today at KiDDS Dental!  509-891-7070. We’d love to meet you and your family!