Pediatric Dentistry: Thumbsucking Dental Concerns

September 29, 2014

174994145 Thumbsucking is a natural reflex in children. Some babies even discover thumbsucking in the womb. Thumbsucking can make them feel secure and soothe them as they to fall asleep. Older children may continue to suck their thumbs or fingers because of exhaustion, boredom or to relieve stress and anxiety. After a child’s permanent teeth erupt, thumbsucking can cause problems with the alignment crowding, crookedness and bite problems. However, the intensity and duration of the thumbsucking determines the potential for damage. To prevent permanent damage, thumbsucking should be addressed by the time that permanent teeth arrive, which is around age six. Make an appointment for your child to see the family dentists at Smile Fitness Dental Center. Smile Fitness Dental Center serves patients of all ages throughout Glendale, AZ, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun City, Peoria and Paradise Valley.

Addressing Thumbsucking in Children

The damage of thumbsucking could include abnormal alignment of teeth, known as a malocclusion, as well as damage to the structure of the roof of the mouth. If they passively rest their thumb in the mouth, it doesn’t do as much damage as aggressively sucking the thumb. To get your child to stop sucking their thumb you can try the following:

Give child praise for not sucking their thumb
Focus on relieving anxiety and providing comfort
For an older child, involve them in choosing the method for stopping
Try putting a bandage on the thumb or a sock over that hand to break the habit
Use positive reinforcement to reward children for not sucking their thumbs as opposed to negative comments when they do engage in the behavior, which may only increase the stress and sucking
It can take about 30 to 60 days for children to let go of the urge to suck their thumbs
Involve your dentist

Pediatric Dentistry and Thumbsucking Help in Glendale, AZ

It’s important to start bringing your child to the dentist when their baby teeth arrive around age one. The dentists can help you address any dental concerns you may have for your children including thumbsucking, cavities and dental hygiene. Make an appointment to visit Smile Fitness Dental for your child’s pediatric dental needs. Smile Fitness Dental Center serves families throughout Glendale, AZ, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun City, Peoria and Paradise Valley.

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Do You Need Cosmetic Contouring?

September 17, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry glendale, cosmetic dentistry phoenix, dr. bernard florento, dr. douglas gordon, dr. joseph santoro, dr. richard flottmann, dr. stephen kim, dr. steven green, glendale, glendale dentist, peoria, peoria dentist, phoenix, smile fitness dental center, west phoenix — smile_fitness @ 1:15 pm

483317827 Cosmetic contouring, or reshaping, is a process by which chipped, cracked, misshapen or oddly sized teeth can be reshaped to perfect alignment and continuity with surrounding teeth. Tooth contouring is a quick, painless and inexpensive procedure that can be completed in one visit in as little as 30 minutes. It is usually focused upon the front teeth including the upper central, lateral, and canine teeth since they are the most visible. Removing a small amount of enamel doesn’t hurt the tooth or touch any nerves. There is no healing time required and you can eat immediately after the procedure. To get your perfect smile, make an appointment today with the experienced dentists at Smile Fitness Dental Center in Glendale, AZ. Smile Fitness Dental Center proudly serves patients in Glendale, AZ, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun City, Peoria and Paradise Valley.

The Cosmetic Contouring Procedure

The process starts with a thorough examination and bite analysis to ensure that you are a good candidate for cosmetic contouring, and that the procedure will improve your bite and not make it worse. The dentist will also x-ray the teeth to make sure that they are healthy enough to undergo removal of a small amount of the surface enamel. The dentist will first remove a portion of the enamel and then reshape and polish the tooth. There is no pain, so anesthesia and sedation are not typically needed. Dentists must make sure that the inner gum tissue above the contoured tooth is healthy. Sometimes the root surfaces must also be reshaped to make sure that the procedure doesn’t eventually lead to gum disease.

Cosmetic Contouring in Glendale, AZ

Before a cosmetic contouring procedure can be performed, the dentist will determine whether the defects that are present in your smile are minor enough to be corrected using contouring and reshaping. Imperfections like small chips, minor unevenness, slight overlaps, shallowly pitted surfaces, or worn biting areas qualify. However, the reshaping of the front teeth cannot be allowed to disturb the bite or alignment. If you have thin enamel, previous extensive restorations of the tooth or surrounding teeth, recently erupted teeth, gum structure that would be disturbed by the procedure, or teeth that are still shifting, contouring may not be possible. To discuss your contouring options and get started fixing those small imperfections in your smile, make an appointment with the gentle and caring dentists at Smile Fitness Dental Center. Smile Fitness Dental Center is conveniently located to serve patients in Glendale, AZ, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sun City, Peoria and Paradise Valley.

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