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(954) 505-7378
17901 Northwest 5th Street, Suite 202
Pembroke Pines, fl 33029 United States
info@upbeatpediatricdentistry.com
We speak Spanish & Portuguese!
(954) 505-7378
17901 Northwest 5th Street, Suite 202
Pembroke Pines, fl 33029 United States
info@upbeatpediatricdentistry.com
We speak Spanish & Portuguese!
(954) 505-7378
17901 Northwest 5th Street, Suite 202
Pembroke Pines, fl 33029 United States
info@upbeatpediatricdentistry.com
We speak Spanish & Portuguese!

Pedro Lacerda

Is it Reasonable to Put a Crown on a Baby Tooth?

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put a crown on a baby tooth

If your child has cavities, you may be wondering what can be done to save their teeth. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we have years of pediatric dentistry experience, and are trained to work with children. Cavities are common in children, and some children are prone to them more than others. If a child has a small cavity, we may just watch it, or recommend a dental filling. In cases where the child has severe decay, a pediatric crown may be recommended in order to save the tooth.

What Are Pediatric Crowns?

Pediatric crowns are caps that are placed over a tooth to protect the tooth from further decay. Crowns are made to match the size and shape of a child’s natural teeth. They are durable, and can save a tooth that has suffered severe decay. Crowns are used only when necessary, or when the tooth cannot support a dental filling. Other reasons crowns are used include restoring teeth that are severely broken or worn out, or if your child has a high risk of developing cavities.

Why Would You Put a Crown on a Primary Tooth?

Primary teeth are very important in the development of a child’s adult teeth. They help with speech and overall growth and development. Primary teeth are needed for many years of a child’s life, and it is important to protect a child’s teeth to maintain their oral health. Primary teeth are placeholders for adult teeth, and if a child does not have their primary teeth, this can cause adult teeth to come in crooked or misaligned. Instead of extracting the primary tooth, a crown can leave the tooth intact, but protect the tooth from further damage.

How Does the Crown Procedure Work?

Crowns can typically be placed in one dental visit making this ideal for children. The tooth will be cleaned and prepared for the crown. Local anesthesia is used along with Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas, to keep your child calm and relaxed during their procedure. Once the tooth is ready the crown is gently affixed on top of the tooth. Recovery is minimal, and we recommend your child wait a few hours to eat until the anesthesia wears off. Your child’s bite may feel off after the crown procedure, but they will adjust and get used to their new crown after a few days.

Dental crowns should last until the primary teeth are lost. We do recommend practicing good oral hygiene habits at home with brushing and flossing each day, to keep your crown and teeth looking and feeling healthy. Regular visits to our office are important, they give our doctors the opportunity to check to make sure there is no additional decay, and the crown looks healthy.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?

At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we care about your child’s oral health, and strive to provide the very best dental care to our patients. Our doctors and staff are trained to work with children, and we always ensure your child will have a positive experience when they visit our office. We provide quality dental care that patients can trust, and we look forward to you joining our dental family.

If you think your child may need a crown, or you would like to schedule their regular dental exam, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary for a 3-year-old Baby?

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Root Canal Treatment for a 3-year-old Baby

If your child has severe decay or an infection, you may think the only solution would be the pull the primary tooth. Instead, your dentist can treat the inside of the baby tooth to save the tooth by performing a root canal. There are many benefits to saving primary teeth, and keeping them in your child’s mouth as long as you can.

Root canals can help save a tooth from an infection in the pulp area or center of a tooth. During a root canal procedure, the inflamed area of the tooth is cleaned out and sealed to prevent bacteria from entering in the future. Today dentists believe saving a baby tooth is just as important as saving an adult tooth.

Reasons for Saving a Baby Tooth

  • Loosing primary teeth too early can affect a child’s speech or development.
  • Keeping the tooth in position helps to make space for adult teeth.
  • If primary teeth are lost this can affect a baby’s ability to chew or eat.
  • Primary teeth help to prevent crowding and adult teeth from coming in crooked.
  • May prevent future orthodontic treatment.

How Do I know if My Child Needs Endodontic Treatment?

If your child is complaining of pain, we recommend making an appointment with our office right away. If there is an infection the issue should be addressed as soon as possible. Our team will examine the tooth and take x-rays to get a clear picture of the problem. Our doctors will create a customized treatment plan, and discuss what treatment options are available. Depending on the severity of the infection will determine what treatment is needed.

How Does a Root Canal Work?

There are two ways a root canal can be done depending on the location and severity of the infection. If the infection is only in the crown area of the tooth, a pulpotomy will be performed. This is when the inflamed pulp chamber is cleaned out and removed. The root is left alive and in perfect condition. A crown may be placed afterwards to restore the tooth until it naturally falls out when the adult teeth erupt beneath it.

If both the crown area and the root area of the tooth are infected, a pulpectomy may be needed. This is when we remove the entire pulp area from the crown and root of the tooth. The pulp chamber is cleaned out and sealed to prevent future bacteria from entering. Crowns are typically used after this procedure to retore the tooth’s functionality, and protect the primary tooth underneath until it is naturally lost.

Interested in Finding Out More About Root Canals for Children?

At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s oral health is our priority, and our team works to ensure each visit to our office is positive. We provide quality dental care you can trust in a comfortable and calm environment. When a child visits a dental office, this can be stressful. Our staff is trained to work with children, and we always make sure your child will feel comfortable during their visit. Our office is accepting new patients, and we welcome you to join our dental family.

If your child is experiencing pain in or around a tooth, or you think they may need root canal treatment, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What Is Early Orthodontics?

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Early Orthodontics

Early orthodontics is also referred to as phase 1 orthodontic treatment, and may be necessary to help children who have growth or alignment issues with their teeth. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a variety of different options for patients who require early orthodontics. Our goal is to address the issues early to prevent more serious issues in the future from developing. Catching any issues with the jaw or teeth in the beginning is important before permanent teeth erupt.

When Should I Consider Early Orthodontic Treatment?

If your dentist has a concern during your regular exam, they may recommend early orthodontic treatment. Common devices used in early orthodontic treatment include braces, palatal expanders, or retainers.

What Are Common Issues That Require Early Orthodontic Treatment?

  • Issues with a child’s bite
  • Malocclusion or misaligned teeth
  • Teeth that protrude
  • Issue with a child’s jaw, or a child who has a very small jaw

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics?

Early orthodontics can correct issues early on before they cause damage, and reduce the need for treatments later in life. Not every child requires early orthodontic treatment. Children that do not have any issues with their jaw or teeth should wait until phase 2 orthodontics.

  • Prevents a narrow jaw
  • Eliminates chances of crowding
  • Lowers risk of damage to protruding teeth
  • Reduces risk of tooth decay
  • Reduces risk of gum disease

Typically, children do not need to visit the orthodontist until at least six or seven years of age. Many children do not need orthodontic treatment until they are older. An early visit to the orthodontist can help detect issues, as well as know what your child may require as they get older. This also gives the opportunity for the parent to ask questions. Our team will discuss if your child requires phase 1 orthodontics to help reduce the need for treatment later in life.

Ready To Schedule Your Child’s Consultation?

If you are interested in finding out if your child requires early orthodontics, we recommend scheduling a consultation with us. Our doctors have years of experience in orthodontics, and our team is trained to work with children. We strive to provide a positive experience each time they visit our office. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we provide quality dentistry you can trust, and we welcome new patients to join our dental family.

To schedule your child’s appointment, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

When Should I Start Brushing my Baby’s Teeth?

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Brushing my Baby's Teeth

Taking care of our teeth from birth is important, and teaching our children good oral hygiene from the beginning can help them later on in life. Many parents wonder when it is a good idea to start brushing their baby’s teeth. Primary teeth are very important, and they help a child with speech and development. If a child loses their baby teeth too early from decay, the development of permanent teeth may be affected or come in crooked.

Why Is It a Good Idea to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth?

At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we help our young patients and parents learn good oral hygiene habits to practice at home. Regular visits to the dentist are recommended when your child turns one year old, or when their teeth begin to erupt. Brushing your baby’s teeth can start right when you see their first tooth pop up through the gums. We recommend using a finger brush, or clean washcloth to wipe their teeth and tongue clean after meals and at bedtime. This helps to keep their teeth and gums clean and free of bacteria or food.

Can I Use Toothpaste?

According to the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), they recommend using a rice size bit of cavity preventing toothpaste when your baby’s first teeth erupt. When they reach the age of 3 parents can increase the toothpaste to be the size of a pea. Gently massage the teeth and gums to remove any bacteria or food that may have lingered in those areas.

Visiting the dentist for your regular exams twice a month can help us get in front of any issues with your child’s teeth or mouth before they become serious. We can monitor their teeth for decay, and make sure their jaw is developing properly. Setting the stage in the beginning with good oral hygiene can really help teach your child how to care for their teeth in the future.

Our doctors and team have years of pediatric dentistry experience, and we welcome new pediatric patients to join our dental family. Our team is trained to work with children, and we always make sure they have a positive experience when they visit our office. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to provide quality dental care you can trust.

Ready To Schedule Your Child’s Appointment?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s regular dental exam with us, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Infection to Spread?

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tooth infection

Infections can be serious, and it is always important for patients to know when to call their dentist. Infections should always be treated right away to avoid complications, or other issues from developing. If you have a toothache and throbbing pain that does not go away, the infection could spread to other places in the body. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and offer flexible hours to accommodate our patients.

What Are Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?

  • Throbbing pain that does not subside
  • Pain in your jaw, neck, or ear
  • Sensitivity when you place pressure on the area
  • Pain that gets worse when you are lying down
  • Swelling around the jaw or mouth
  • Tender lymph nodes
  • Bad breath or odd taste in the mouth
  • Fever

Knowing these signs can help treat an infection before it spreads and becomes more serious. Never hesitate to call your dentist when you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we put our patients’ health first, and provide exceptional care you can trust. Our team is trained to handle any emergency, and we will work to relieve your pain and keep you comfortable.

What Happens If the Infection Spreads?

There is little chance that a tooth infection will spread to other parts of the body. Patients that have any of the below symptoms should call our office right away. Infections that spread can be life threatening and should be taken seriously.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Change in vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Swelling around the face or mouth
  • Pain that does not subside

What Treatment Is Available?

The treatment provided will depend on the severity of the infection. If an abscess is present, we will identify the location of the abscess, and determine how far the infection has spread. Root canal treatment may be necessary to treat an abscess if it is located inside the tooth. If root canal therapy is not enough, our doctor can perform an apicoectomy to open up the gum area near the root, and remove the infected tissue.

Other treatments may involve prescribing antibiotics to treat the infection and stop it from spreading. Our team will monitor your progress on the antibiotics to ensure they are working. If necessary, the type of antibiotics used may need to be changed, and a hospital stay may be required.

Sepsis can occur when an infection spreads, and the immune system overreacts to an infection in your blood. If this is left untreated, sepsis can lead to septic shock which can cause organ failure, or even death. Patients that have sepsis will need to be hospitalized and given special intravenous treatment.

Treating an infection is extremely important to avoid complications like sepsis. We encourage you to contact our office if you experience any sign of an infection. Let our team help relieve your pain, and get you on the road to recovery.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you think you may have an infection, we encourage you to contact our office right away. To schedule your appointment, please contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

What Treatments Do Pediatric Dentists Provide?

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pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentists take an additional two to three years of special training after finishing their dental requirements. These doctors treat infants and children through adolescence. It is important to seek out a pediatric dentist for your child by the age of one, or when their first teeth erupt. Visiting the dentist at a young age sets the stage for the future, and teaches your child how to practice good oral hygiene habits.

At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome all of our pediatric patients to visit our office beforehand and take a tour. We want all of our patients to feel comfortable and relaxed when they visit the dentist for the first time. Our staff is trained to work with children, and we always strive to provide exceptional care.

Pediatric Services

Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry offers many pediatric services to keep your child’s teeth looking great. Visiting our office can help get in front of any issues, and allow us to track their development each time they visit.

Diagnosis and Exams

When your child visits our office, we will complete a thorough exam of their teeth and mouth. We look for things like overbites, underbites, or teeth grinding. Correcting these issues early on is important.

Oral Education

Our team is trained to help teach our pediatric patients how to take care of their teeth, and practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We work with the parents and give them tips on what products to use, as well as diet recommendations to keep their teeth healthy.

Dental Treatments

Preventative treatments are offered such as fluoride or sealants. We watch primary teeth closely, and make sure they do not become misaligned. We offer pulp therapy if your child has had any injury or oral trauma.

Other Services

Other services done in our office include fillings and teeth extraction. Pediatric dentists can fix a chipped or broken tooth, and can treat teeth for sensitivity. As your child grows, we will watch their teeth to see if any orthodontics are needed, and ensure their jaw is developing normally. If necessary, we can refer you to our preferred orthodontist.

What Can I Expect During My Child’s First Visit?

Visiting the dentist for the first time can be stressful, and we want your child’s first appointment to go well. When you contact our office for the first time, we always welcome our new patients, and offer you to tour the office prior to your first appointment. This helps the child feel comfortable when they return that day for their appointment.

During your child’s appointment we examine their teeth and take any x-rays needed. Our doctors will check for any developing cavities and recommend treatment if necessary. Our team provides a thorough exam of their teeth and jaws to check their development and to make sure we do not see any concerns.

Talking with the parents during the visit is important, and we always ask if there are any ongoing health issues with your child. This also gives the parents the ability to ask any questions or discuss any concerns they have about their child’s oral health. Our staff will also review oral hygiene habits at home to ensure your child is taking good care of their teeth. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are important at Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry. When your child is finished with their appointment, our staff will provide a prize at the end of their visit as an incentive for good behavior.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are interested in a pediatric dentist, and are ready to schedule your child’s appointment, please contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will assist you. We look forward to your visit, and are excited to have you join our dental family.

What is the Correct Age to Take Away a Child’s Pacifier?

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Pacifier

Pacifiers offer comfort and help to reduce stress in infants. Many parents wonder when it is appropriate to wean their child off the pacifier. If a pacifier is not taken away at a certain age it can cause serious issues with a child’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we support our patients and parents and know weaning a child from the pacifier is hard. As much as the pacifier is needed in the early stages of life, it is just as important to take it away, so your child does not develop any issues in the future.

What Issues Can a Pacifier Cause?

The pacifier helps to soothe a child, and the sucking reflex is natural when they are born. The ideal time for a child to stop using a pacifier is between the ages of two and four. If a child continues to use their pacifier beyond this age range, they may develop jaw or bite complications.

Children who have used a pacifier tend to develop an over bite, and may have issues with their teeth erupting.  Orthodontics may be needed to correct difficult issues caused by pacifier sucking. As your child gets older, breaking their habit becomes more difficult. Early intervention is important to prevent more serious issues as they grow older.

When Is the Best Time To Wean My Child Off the Pacifier?

Each situation and child are different, and we recommend you do what is best for your child. The method used can be instant or gradual, and we can help by recommending behavior modifications to assist in the process. Timing is key, and parents should consider what the child has going on at the moment while weaning them off the pacifier. Finding new ways to comfort your child through the weaning process is important and giving incentives can help. Positive reinforcement works best and always avoid negative behavior during the process.

Interested in Finding Out More Information?

If you are interested in finding out more about pacifier weaning, or to schedule an appointment for your child, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Can Fruit Juice Cause Tooth Decay?

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Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is thought of as a healthy way to give children the vitamins they need. Juice is packed with sugar and acids that can cause damage to your child’s teeth. Teaching a child good eating and drinking habits is important, so they do not expect to have juice all of the time. Choosing water over juice is best and saving juice for special occasions can help. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we are always giving our patients advice regarding how to take care of their teeth and mouth at a young age. Our staff is trained to give recommendations on diet and what foods to avoid in order to keep your child’s teeth cavity free.

How Does Juice Damage Teeth?

Juice contains high levels of sugar, and when your child drinks the juice the bacteria in the mouth creates an acid. This acid is what attacks the tooth enamel and can cause tooth decay and cavities. Visiting our office regularly with your child is important. Our exam process takes a look at your child’s teeth to ensure we do not see any issues with decay or any developing cavities.

Even though the sugar in juice is natural, it can still cause damage that can lead to tooth decay. In addition to the sugar, juice also contains natural acids that can wear down the enamel on our teeth. Talking to your child about making good food and drink choices can help avoid tooth decay from juice or other sugar filled foods and drinks.

What Juice Is Best?

If you choose to have juice there are differences in the brands and nutritional value. Juice cocktails tend to not be 100% juice, and can contain additional sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup. Mixed juices can contain added sugars, so it is important to read the labels carefully. Many fruit punch type drinks are labeled as juice, but they have no nutritional value and are packed with added sugars.

Finding 100% fruit juice is the best choice, but these can also be unhealthy and contain just as much sugar as a glass of soda. Orange and grapefruit juices tend to have lower amounts of sugar. Choosing whole fruits instead of juice is always the best choice because whole fruit provides additional nutrition such as fiber and other vitamins.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment With Us?

If you are interested in scheduling your child’s appointment, or have a concern about tooth decay, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

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prevent gum disease

Preventing inflammation around your gums starts with your at home oral hygiene routine. Gum disease or periodontitis is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue, and can destroy the bone if not treated promptly. Gum disease is a slow process and can advance in same cases before you notice there is an issue. The advancement process is typically painless, and attending your regular exams in our office is key to making sure your gums and teeth are healthy.

Daily oral hygiene at home helps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and can prevent gum disease from developing. Brushing and flossing daily are ways to keep your mouth looking and feeling great, and also minimizes your risk for developing gum disease.

When patients visit our office we discuss your oral health, and recommend changes to your oral care routine at home if we see a need for improvement. Our highly trained staff can develop a personalized care program for you to follow at home.

At Home Oral Hygiene Recommendations To Prevent Gum Disease

  • Attend regular dental exams to remove plaque buildup and tartar, as well as to detect any signs of gum disease early.
  • Brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gum line.
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from in-between your teeth and places where your toothbrush can not reach.
  • Use a mouth rinse that can help to rinse away and reduce plaque buildup.
  • Avoid any tobacco products which can cause gum disease.
  • Follow a healthy diet and avoid foods and drinks with high levels of sugar.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Make sure to have cavities and any other issues fixed as soon as possible.

Part of our cleaning and exam process is to perform a detailed evaluation of the gums. We will discuss both the health of your teeth and gums, and recommend treatment if necessary. Your oral health is our priority, and our staff is here to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Looking To Make an Appointment?

If you are interested in making an appointment, or notice an issue with the health of your gums such as bleeding or irritation we encourage you to visit our office. Prevention is important, and treating symptoms early can help avoid more serious issues in the future.

To schedule your appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Should I Brush or Floss First?

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brush or floss

Creating an oral hygiene routine at home is important to help maintain your oral health and keep your teeth and gums feeling great. Brushing and flossing each day is extremely important, and the order in which you do these two items is a common question. Many wonder which way gives the most benefit.

Is Brushing First Better?

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing cleans your teeth and removes plaque, as well as prevents cavities from developing. Brushing is not the only thing you need to do to keep your oral hygiene in check. Flossing is another integral part of oral hygiene. The order in which you do these two items is a popular discussion.

Brushing does allow the toothpaste with fluoride to get in-between the teeth and help lift residual plaque when you floss after brushing. Studies show that flossing first is better, and is a more efficient way to keep up with your oral health. Flossing last also leaves particles in your mouth if you do not remember to rinse afterwards.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first before you brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentration between your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particles that are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk of developing gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect your teeth from decay.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first before you brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentration between your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particles that are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk of developing gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect your teeth from decay.

Benefits of Flossing and Brushing

  • Prevents gum disease that is caused by poor dental hygiene or not brushing and flossing properly. Routine dental cleanings in our office are important and we recommend dental cleanings at least twice a year.
  • Removes plaque that is the leading cause of gum disease. If you floss and brush your teeth regularly plaque does not have the chance to harden on your teeth.
  • Prevents decay and costly dental procedures. If you take care of your oral health you can avoid serious complications or dental procedures in the future.

Overall, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Cavities and gum disease are preventable, and remembering to floss and brush each day will help keep your mouth feeling great. Visiting our office regularly for your cleaning and exam is another way to stay on top of your oral health.

During your dental exam our team will discuss any hygiene recommendations, and review how to keep up with your oral hygiene care at home. Taking care of your oral health is important, and your health is our priority.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home, or to schedule your next dental exam, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

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CONTACT

Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry

17901 Northwest 5th Street, Suite 202
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029 United States

(954) 505-7378
Info@upbeatpediatricdentistry.com
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