Silvia Salles, Author at Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry

What is Safe to Eat After a Frenectomy?

May 16, 2023October 15, 2021 by Silvia Salles

If your child has a short or thick frenulum that restricts the tongue’s movement, they may have a tongue tie, and have been recommended for a frenectomy procedure. Many babies are born with tongue-ties, and parents notice the child has issues when they eat, speak, or breastfeed.

A frenectomy is a simple procedure that helps to restore movement of the tongue. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and is done in our office. During the procedure the lingual frenulum, or skin underneath the tongue is gently cut and released to restore movement. After the procedure healing is minimal, and parents must help to stretch the tissue that has been cut or lasered away. This prevents the skin from growing back too tightly.

After the procedure, patients should follow a soft foods diet and avoid very hot foods. Soft foods include jello, applesauce, or pudding. We recommend to avoid any salty or acidic foods, or any foods that are extremely cold or hot. As the area heals and any numbing wears off, the patient can move to solid foods. While eating parents should try and help them keep the food away from the surgical area.

Following these guidelines will ensure your child’s recovery goes smoothly, and helps to avoid any complications. Our staff is available to answer any questions or concerns throughout the process. If your child experiences any prolonged pain, or has symptoms you are concerned about, we encourage you to call our office right away.

Interested in Finding Out More About a Frenectomy?

If you have a concern about your child’s speech, and want to find out more about the frenectomy procedure, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry. Our doctors have years of experience in treating pediatric tongue-ties, and we always provide gentle and compassionate care to all of our patients. Our staff is trained to work with children, and we always ensure they have a positive experience when they visit our office. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry we use state of the art technology, and provide a comfortable environment for all of our patients.

To schedule a consultation with us, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

What Should I Look for In a Dentist That Treats Autistic Children?

May 16, 2023October 1, 2021 by Silvia Salles

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is very important. Parents want to know that their child will receive the care they need if the child requires special needs. For patients that require special needs, parents must find a dentist they feel comfortable with. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we provide exceptional dental care for our pediatric patients. We welcome both autistic patients, and patients that have special needs.

Pediatric dentists attend two to three additional years of training after they complete dental school. This is so they can understand all of the unique requirements needed to treat pediatric patients. This training includes treating children with autism. Medical appointments can be a challenge for both the parent and child that is autistic, and finding the right dentist that can ensure the appointment goes well is critical.

Tips for Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

Look for a pediatric dentist that has worked with autistic children or special needs., and ask what their procedures are. Many pediatric dentists and staff have been trained to handle children with special needs. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we work with together with the parents to ensure the patient always has a positive experience. We are sensitive to each child’s needs, and work to provide the highest level of care.
Make sure your dentist offers a pre-visit to give you the opportunity to meet the doctor and staff prior to any appointments. This gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns about your child’s care, and see both the office and exam room. Pre-visits can help you prepare your child, and can give the staff the ability to speak with the parent about how the appointment will go. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, our staff is highly trained to work with children that have special needs, and we will discuss the details of the appointment, and work with the parents to ensure your child has a positive experience.
Talk to your dentist and ask them how they handle sensitivity to light or sound. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we take note of a child’s sensitivity level, and we have the ability to turn down lights or sound to ensure the appointment will go smoothly.
If needed we offer “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide, as well as conscious sedation to help our patients get through a dental procedure. These options are safe, and allow our doctors to treat patients easily if they require a complicated procedure. These methods are only used when necessary, and we take these options very seriously. Before any sedation is recommended, we look at medical history, and a medical exam is required before any sedation can be done.
Communication is very important when you take your child to the dentist. Our staff is trained to communicate with you before, during, and after any treatment. This helps to make sure the parent and patient are comfortable, and are aware of what is required each step of the way.
When you enter into a pediatric office, the waiting room should be full of kid friendly colors and have games or entertainment for the kids. At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we have created an updated and welcoming environment for our patients where they can play a game or watch a movie while they are waiting for their appointment.
As an incentive for a good appointment, we provide all of our patients with a small toy after their visit. This gives the child something to look forward to when they visit our office.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist That Treats Autistic Children?

If you are looking for a pediatric or special needs Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, our team is here to help. We strive to provide the highest level of care for all of our patients, and ensure when they visit our office, they have a positive experience. We know choosing a pediatric dentist can be hard, and during our consultation process we really try and get to know each patient, and learn about what their needs are. This helps our team understand how to customize their visit, and make their experience positive.

If you are looking to schedule a dental exam for your child, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Children?

May 16, 2023September 15, 2021 by Silvia Salles

little girl patient teeth on white at the dentist's office

As children grow older and their permanent teeth erupt, their teeth can look dull or yellow in color. Many parents inquire about teeth whitening for their children. In some cases, the yellow color is due to what your child eats or drinks, poor dental hygiene, or decay. The good news is teeth whitening can be safe for children if they meet certain criteria.

What Is Required for Children To Begin To Whiten Their Teeth?

Teeth whitening for children is generally safe, but there is some risk involved. Typically, we recommend having your dentist provide teeth whitening treatment, and avoid using over the counter products that can cause sensitivity. Children must meet certain criteria in order to begin whitening their teeth.

On average teeth whitening can begin between the ages of 14-16. We require the child to have all of their permanent teeth. It is best to not begin whitening treatment until all the adult teeth are present, and there are no baby teeth left. We also examine your child to ensure their enamel has fully calcified. If you child requires orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth, this must also be completed before any teeth whitening treatment begins.

Our team at Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry can help your child achieve that perfect white smile. Our detailed exam can determine if your child qualifies to begin treatment. If we recommend waiting to start whitening treatment, we may recommend using whitening toothpaste to help your child with staining or discoloration.

To determine if your child is ready to begin treatment to whiten their teeth, scheduling a consultation with us is the first step. Our skilled doctors can determine the best treatment options, and help your child achieve that perfect smile.

Ready To Find Out More About Teeth Whitening?

If you are interested in finding out more about teeth whitening for your child, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your appointment. Your child’s oral health is our priority, and we provide quality dental care you can trust in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

To schedule your consultation, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Is it Normal to Defer to a Pediatric Dentist for Fillings?

May 16, 2023September 1, 2021 by Silvia Salles

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.

What Are the Recommendations if My Child Has a Cavity?

In many cases children do not even notice they have a cavity until the cavity has progressed and become very large. If the cavity is large a silver crown may be recommended because primary teeth cannot handle large fillings. If the cavity is smaller and only on the surface of the tooth, we may recommend just watching the area. Depending on the size of the cavity and the type of tooth, our team will recommend the best treatment, and determine if a filling is needed.

At Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, we always choose the least invasive option and have your child’s best interest at hand. Our team will look at the child’s dental history, and consider the child’s risk for future cavities. We will provide a customized treatment plan, and discuss this plan with the parents to help decide what option is best for the child.

What Can I Expect During My Child’s Filling Appointment?

Talking to your child before their visit is important. Explain to them that the appointment will be easy, and that they will feel better after their appointment. When you come in for the appointment, we will bring you to the treatment room, and discuss the treatment plan to confirm everyone knows what is required. We may allow the parent to be present during the procedure if the child has anxiety, and seems to need parental support. We can discuss what is best for your child, and work with each patient to ensure both the parent and patient are comfortable.

Once your child is comfortable in the treatment room our doctor will explain the procedure in terms that are easily understood, and show them some of the tools that will be used. We offer TV as a distraction, and this helps the child to stay calm during the procedure. If anesthetic is needed, we will first numb the area with a topical numbing cream to help the process go smoothly.

Our goal is to keep your child calm and comfortable during their procedure. Once the procedure is complete, we will allow the child to pick out a special prize for completing their appointment. If we have any post treatment recommendations, we will discuss them with the parent after the procedure is complete. Our goal at Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry, is to ensure your child has the very best experience when they visit our office.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment With Us?

If you think your child may have a cavity, or you have been referred to our practice for treatment, contact Upbeat Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your appointment. Our doctors have years of experience in pediatric dentistry, and we provide the highest level of service. We look forward to you joining our dental family.

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

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

May 16, 2023August 15, 2021 by Silvia Salles

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?

May 16, 2023August 1, 2021 by Silvia Salles

Root Canal Treatment for a 3-year-old Baby

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?

July 15, 2021 by Silvia Salles

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?

July 12, 2021July 1, 2021 by Silvia Salles

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?

July 6, 2021June 15, 2021 by Silvia Salles

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?

July 6, 2021June 1, 2021 by Silvia Salles

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.