In our offices, Utah Pediatric Dentists, we take the trust of your child, and you as their parent in selecting our professionals to take care of your child’s dental needs very seriously. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment, and our staff is selected specifically because they care about our mission and our vision for our practice and our community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide comprehensive dental services to children of all ages from infant to adolescence, of all needs including special needs – in a compassionate and caring manner. Our pediatric dental professionals are educated, experienced, and specially trained to provide dental hygiene education and dental services in a fun and inviting environment that will ensure your child has a positive experience in our offices.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see happy and healthy smiles in all the children of our communities. That no child be prevented from receiving dental care due to fear, anxiety, cost, accessibility, or convenience.
We know that dental anxiety (also referred to as Odontophobia when the fear is severe) is a legitimate struggle for some. For many that anxiety is rooted in a prior negative experience, fear of pain, fear of the strange-looking instruments, or simply passed on from a parent with dental anxiety down to their children. Our emotions and perspectives about the world surrounding us do impact our children, even if unconsciously done. So, if it’s time for your child to have a dental checkup yet they are expressing discomfort, anxiety, or actively rebelling against the idea, this article is for you.
7 Tips to Address Your Child’s Fears of the Dentist Office
1. Communicate: talk about it. It is possible that their fears can be lessened simply by sharing their thoughts with a loving parent. Furthermore, if you as an adult struggle with dental anxiety, it is also possible they are picking up on your discomfort. Exercise patience for this conversation, and remain calm. Understanding what their fear is will allow you to soothe their fears and address them. Keep what you say positive, and try not to speculate to them about potential procedures or pain.
2. Schedule the visit with a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists have special training to work with children; usually three to four years’ additional courses and training on top of what a general family dentist completes. This extra training allows us the knowledge and skills to better communicate with children, and respond to their curiosity, their anxieties, and their varying developmental levels. Moreover, pediatric dental offices typically have an atmosphere specifically suited for children. For example, our office locations are equipped with waiting rooms that not only are comfortable but have play areas, games, and books to entertain your child as you wait for the appointment. Pediatric dentists also utilize instruments specifically designed for their comfort and size. We further discuss the differences between pediatric and general dentists in-depth, here.
3. Notify the pediatric dentist of your child’s anxieties. We love our jobs, and we care about dental health in children. Our commitment to our work extends to a focus of ensuring that your child has a positive experience. Let us know that your child is experiencing some anxiety. We take the time to discuss with our patients (and their parents) what exactly we plan to do for the visit. We can show them the tools that we use, and explain their purpose.
4. Select a pediatric dentist that offers in-office sedation services. Not all dental practices perform in-office sedation. Our offices are fully equipped and trained in the use of sedation for dentistry. We offer oral sedation options, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and can perform intravenous sedation for procedures when necessary. Nitrous oxide sedation is typically used when our patients need to relax, furthermore, it helps relieve anxieties and tension.
5. Play going to the dentist at home. Roleplay may seem silly and uncomfortable when it’s with your coworkers in the office, but kids love it. Practice being the dentist with your child, clean their teeth and look for cavities. Keep it positive and fun.
6. Arrive at the appointment early. If you have to rush out the door and across town to arrive at the appointment on time, that will elevate your stress and your child’s. Additionally, an early arrival will allow your children time to familiarize themselves with the environment and absorb the friendly atmosphere.
7. Encourage questions. Once your child has expressed their anxiety or fear to you, encourage them to ask questions of the dentist! You can be present to support them, but an important part of overcoming a fear is to learn about it and take ownership of it. When your child asks questions instead of deferring fully to you, they take some control for themselves which can help them feel more secure.
Don’t Let Anxieties Get in the Way of Dental Health
A cruel irony is that when people allow their anxiety of the dentist to prevent them from biannual cleanings and checkups, it can allow dental concerns to grow unchecked which in turn requires more dental work when you finally do go in. These tips to overcome dental anxieties in kids, can and should apply to adults with dental anxiety as well.
At home, focus on excellent dental hygiene, brushing for two minutes twice a day, and flossing daily. Take your kids to the dentist when that very first tooth pops through, or by the age of one. Create a culture in your home that dental care is important and routine. If you haven’t done that up to this point, don’t guilt yourself over it. You can always start now!
Utah Pediatric Dentists has three convenient locations, all staffed with compassionate, qualified people who are part of this community. Give us a call at 801-948-8880 and start prioritizing your child’s dental health today!
Did you know that tooth development actually begins before your baby is born? That’s a surprising fact, isn’t it? Generally, their primary teeth begin to form during the first trimester. At full gestation, most babies have a complete set of primary teeth inside their gums: ten on top, and ten on the bottom.
Primary teeth are also commonly referred to as baby teeth, milk teeth, or deciduous teeth (that last one is decidedly un-common among civilians as it’s also the term that refers to the baby teeth of any mammal).
If your baby hasn’t had their first tooth erupt yet, all the while you see other babies with toothy little gurgling grins, don’t worry! Odds are, you are just experiencing selective perception. You’re keyed into the subject of teething babies and so your brain is honing in on every baby with a tooth in your radius while simultaneously ignoring all the gummy grins.
Let’s first put you at ease: just because your baby hasn’t had a tooth erupt yet doesn’t mean it’s delayed.
Teeth Eruption Timeline
There is a truth about your baby that is important for you to get behind: all babies are different. Differences in skin color, eye color, hair color, and so on are all determined by genetics, and our genetics influence our teeth as well. This tooth eruption timeline is a general guide, taken directly from the American Dental Association. You’ll note that the timeline includes ranges, but even if your baby’s situation falls outside a timeline, it’s no immediate cause for worry.
Typically, the bottom central incisors are the first to erupt, followed by the upper central incisors. The chart clearly states a timeline range of six to ten months, but sometimes a first tooth can erupt earlier or later. The lateral incisors generally are the next to erupt between nine to 16 months, followed by the canines at 16 to 23 months and then the first and second molars between 13 and 33 months. As you can see, there’s even some overlap on the timeline between teeth. It’s entirely possible a molar could erupt before or simultaneously with a canine. Just because your neighbor’s baby is happily sprouting its incisors while your baby is all gums doesn’t mean anything is wrong. Let’s review possible causes for delayed eruption now.
Causes for Delayed Eruption
The phrase “delayed eruption” is not a disorder, it is merely a term referring to when a baby’s tooth or teeth don’t come in when expected. So, what is the most frequent cause for delayed tooth eruption? Family genetics.
Check with your family members on both sides to see if any of your nieces or nephews had a delayed tooth eruption. Perhaps you or your partner had delayed tooth eruption as a baby? Unless it’s a significant delay, odds are high you’ll find a family member or even a pattern among the family of this.
A significant delay can be categorized as the first teeth erupting between twelve and 24 months of age, and the others erupting after four years. When it’s a significant delay, other causes may be in play such as:
Premature birth – Remember, the primary teeth begin forming before the baby is born and at full gestation are usually fully formed. If your baby was born early, it makes sense that the eruption would be delayed because the teeth likely weren’t fully formed at birth.
Low birth weight – Studies have shown a correlation between low birth weight and delayed tooth eruption in babies.
Malnutrition – Vitamin D-resistant Rickets and nutritional deficiencies can cause delayed tooth eruption.
Furthermore, some developmental delays and syndromes have been associated with delayed eruption of primary teeth. These include:
Down Syndrome
Apert Syndrome
Regional Odontodysplasia
Hypopituitarism
When to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist
We recommend to all parents that they schedule the first dental appointment for their baby upon the first tooth’s eruption. Nevertheless, as we’ve just discussed, sometimes babies turn one year old before their first primary tooth makes an appearance. If your baby is 12 months old, whether they have a tooth or any teeth at all, you should schedule a dental appointment with your pediatric dentist.
Are There Risks Associated with Delayed Eruption?
Ultimately, this is the question of which is likely weighing most on your mind. What are the consequences associated with a delayed primary teeth eruption?
Consider for a moment the reasons we strongly advocate (on repeat!) that parents encourage proper dental hygiene in their children, even prior to their permanent teeth eruption:
Tooth decay and cavities hurt whether it’s in permanent teeth or primary teeth.
Form habits early in life for long-term success. There’s no do-over with permanent teeth!
Primary teeth are important for our children’s speech (ever spoken to a kid who just lost their front tooth?), for their nutrition (learning to chew foods starts early!), as placeholders for the permanent teeth, and for the bone and muscle development in their jaw as they grow that allow them to express themselves with their face (smiling or frowning for example).
Number three is a long one, but do you see where we’re headed with it? The primary teeth serve important roles in your baby’s development, and when they are delayed it can have an impact on those things.
How to Treat Delayed Tooth Eruption?
The only circumstance in which there is a treatment for a delayed eruption of the primary teeth is if it is an indicator of malnutrition. If you are concerned that your child has delayed eruption of their primary teeth schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists. Alternatively, if your little one is turning one soon and hasn’t yet had their first dental checkup, the time is right! Call us today to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.
We frequently, and with great passion, discuss the necessity of routine dental hygiene. Do it twice per day. Brush for two full minutes. Use fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day. Drink more water and less soda and juices. Sound familiar? Of course it does; hopefully most of those directives are embedded in your brain!
Be that as it may, we don’t discuss as often how to take care of your toothbrush. Care for your toothbrush? You don’t have to love it (but when your kids love theirs, it can make life a bit easier). Still, think about it: all the bacteria, plaque, and germs in your mouth are scrubbed away with those bristles, but is it enough to do a quick rinse and shake of your toothbrush when you finish?
Let’s dig in!
Proper Storage of Toothbrush
The fact that we clean our teeth in the same room as we urinate and defecate seems normal, and while it is normal by our standards, it’s not necessarily clean. When you flush the toilet, the action sends an aerosol of microscopic particles of whatever was in the toilet, into the air. This is referred to as toilet plume, and has actually been the study of a number of research studies.
A knee-jerk reaction may be to move your toothbrushes to a cabinet or drawer, this is understandable and logical. Unfortunately, while that may protect them from toilet plume, it isn’t terribly sanitary either because an enclosed space will make it difficult for the bristles to dry out, thereby allowing bacteria and germs to propagate. If you’ve read up on the topic already, you may see some recommendations to store your toothbrush with a cap. Again, a storage cap creates an enclosed space that will prevent your bristles from drying out and can cause bacteria to actually grow with the moisture. So, what are you supposed to do?
Toothbrushes should be stored vertically, and without touching each other. Place the toothbrush stand on the opposite side of the sink from the toilet (or further away if space allows). When you are finished brushing your teeth, rub the bristles under water to wash away visible physical matter and remaining toothpaste. Shake to remove excess water and stand to air dry.
Cleaning Your Toothbrush
Despite your new awareness of toilet plume (or perhaps due to it), and therefore your better storage arrangement for said toothbrushes, you might want to consider cleaning your toothbrush. Some google results will suggest that you put it with the silverware in your dishwasher or giving it a few minutes in the microwave, but the American Dentists Association actually recommend against those methods of cleaning. Instead, research shows that soaking your toothbrush in either three percent hydrogen peroxide or Listerine Antiseptic mouthwash reduces up to 85% of bacteria.
Do You Need a Toothbrush Sanitizer?
In the last several years, toothbrush sanitizers have become a popular item that can be found in most drugstores, Walmarts, Targets etc. Although, just because these items are readily available, do you need one?
That depends mostly on how concerned you are about the aerosol of germs in your bathroom. Despite the fact that toilet plume does exist, which is gross, unless someone in your family has acute gastroenteritis (and even then) it is unlikely to actually harm you.
Nevertheless, toothbrush sanitizers are relatively affordable. When selecting a toothbrush sanitizer, be sure to buy one that has FDA approval. Many sanitizers use UV lights and/or heat, therefore purchasing one that has met the FDA standards will ensure it’s safe to have in your home.
Moreover, it is important to take note of the distinction in meaning between to sterilize and to sanitize. To sterilize something, that means to completely eliminate all bacteria. That’s not what these devices do. We’re talking about sanitizers, which means they will reduce the presence of bacteria not remove it altogether.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
How long have your kids been using the same toothbrush? Are the bristles worn looking and wonky? General advice is that you should be replacing toothbrushes in the house every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles look worn. It’s also a smart idea to replace a toothbrush when someone’s been sick.
Re-use Old Toothbrushes
Hold onto those old toothbrushes before you throw them in the trash. There’s actually a number of things you can use them for, once they’ve been cleaned.
Toothbrushes are excellent for cleaning grout lines in bathroom tile, cleaning the metal sliding tracks of shower doors, and other corners around the house that are a challenge to scrub. Don’t forget your jewelry box, those bristles will reach well into the grooves of brooches, rings, earrings, and bracelets.
How about art projects? Toothbrushes are surprising substitutes for craft ideas around the house or as paint brushes in several different DIY projects at home with the kids. Here are a few to jump start your brain!
It’s Time for a Checkup!
When was the last time your kids had a dental cleaning? With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the holiday events, sports activities, and school final projects are picking up the pace. Bring your kids in before the end of the month to capitalize on your yearly dental benefits, and head into the sweet season with sparkling, healthy smiles. Give us a call today, to learn which of our three locations is nearest you.
How many of you have kids with a wide toothless gap in their smiles? It’s such a fun rite of passage for kids as they discover a loose tooth and wiggly wiggle it until it falls out. Taking bites can become a bit of a challenge again, particularly if they’ve lost more than one front tooth at a time. Apples, pizza, corn on the cob; all fun foods that they’ve mastered by this age and yet once again you’re likely having to cut things for them again.
Good news though, that once the teeth start falling out, that means the body is getting ready for the permanent teeth to erupt. So, what does it mean when your child’s adult teeth are coming in discolored or yellow?
They’re New – Why Aren’t They White?
The quick answer here is: biology. The fact is, permanent teeth simply aren’t the same color as the milk teeth. This is all about the wondrous complexity of our human bodies at work here, folks. The outer shell of the tooth, the enamel, directly covers what is called the dentin of the tooth. The color of dentin is a darker, somewhat yellowish color. When these brand new permanent teeth erupt, the enamel coating is somewhat transparent thereby allowing the darker color of the dentin to show through. Furthermore, permanent teeth have more dentin and nerve canals that are larger in comparison to their baby teeth.
The juxtaposition of pearly white baby teeth next to newly erupted permanent teeth may also enhance the yellowed appearance. As more milk teeth fall out, and more permanent teeth erupt, the uniformity of color in their smile will return. Additionally, over time the permanent teeth will calcify which will also lighten their color.
This is the number one reason for darker looking permanent teeth in kids for the overwhelming majority. There are however, a few other potential causes which we’ll review:
Exposure to certain antibiotics
Thin enamel
stains or buildup
Injury or trauma
Other Potential Causes for Yellow Permanent Teeth
Tetracycline Side Effect
Every time you see or hear an advertisement for a medicine there’s a spiel at the end warning of potential side effects. Well, you can add teeth discoloration as a potential side effect to some antibiotics, specifically tetracycline.
Tetracycline will actually bond to the teeth (yes, even teeth that have not yet erupted). When these tetracycline-bonded teeth erupt, the component will oxidize thereby discoloring the teeth a yellowish color that can further darken to brown.
The good news for you here, is that this side effect is widely recognized among doctors. It is uncommon for a doctor to prescribe a pregnant woman or young child these types of antibiotics for this very reason. If you are concerned, there is no harm in asking your doctor about the potential side effects of a prescribed antibiotic.
Thin or Weak Enamel
Enamel is the body builder, the body guard, the security team, the shield of the teeth. It is by its very nature, solid. In fact, enamel is stronger than bone, stronger than any other part of our bodies. As is the case with human genetics however, some of us inherit a trait for thinner (weaker) enamel. If your dentist has told you that your tooth enamel is a bit thin or weak, it’s possible you’ve passed that trait on to your child. Thinner enamel means the darker color of dentin will better show through.
Stains or Buildup
Yellow teeth can also be a result of poor dental hygiene. Poor dental hygiene means plaque and tartar buildup which is often yellow and sometimes even brown. Moreover, certain drinks and foods can stain teeth. Soda, coffee, dark tea, energy drinks, sports drinks, and even tomato sauces, soy sauces, raspberries and blueberries.
You don’t have to avoid those foods or drinks completely (although soda really is terrible for your kids’ teeth) however try to consume in moderation, or be sure to follow consumption with drinking water.
Injury or Trauma
A fall or a blow to the jaw doesn’t always mean a cracked or knocked out tooth. Sometimes the tooth can be damaged but remain. If the blood vessels within the tooth or the nerve break or are damaged it can cause tooth discoloration as well.
Dental injuries are unfortunately common, and we strongly urge that all kids utilize mouth guards for any sports. For more information about mouth guards, check out our in-depth post, “April Awareness for Facial Protection and Oral Cancer”.
How Do I Treat My Child’s Discolored Teeth?
If after reading this article, you remain concerned about your child’s teeth discoloration, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Tartar and plaque buildup need to be addressed by a thorough cleaning because they will lead to tooth decay. Furthermore, if you believe your child has thin or weak enamel because you know someone in your family has it, it’s important to let us know so that we can discuss risk, and a plan for preventative care.
As always, brushing for two minutes twice a day is the most important routine you can establish for your child’s dental health. Wearing a mouth guard for sports, even sports that aren’t considered contact sports, will help protect from dental trauma injuries. Whitening or bleaching products for children may be available in your local drugstore, but we are reluctant to encourage their use.
The truth is, your permanent teeth were likely yellow when they erupted as well, but look at your smile now! Keep up with the brushing routines and don’t forget to get your kids in for their biannual checkup and cleaning before the year runs out. We have appointment times available now and are always accepting new patients.
We write regularly about parent tips for encouraging dental hygiene, healthy eating habits, and our pediatric dental services, and yet the sheer breadth of information on the topic of children’s teeth can seem rather overwhelming. Our staff answers individual questions from parents (and kids!) regularly, and you might be surprised to know that many of the questions bouncing around in your head, are frequently asked by others as well. With this in mind, we’ve put together a master list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
When should I bring my child in for their first dental checkup?
We typically suggest you bring in your little one when their first tooth has erupted. This is generally between six to 12 months of age. If your baby is turning one year old and has yet to have their first tooth poke through, it’s time for a dental checkup, yes even without a tooth. For more in-depth information about this topic, check out our article.
How should I clean my baby’s teeth?
You can purchase a special infant toothbrush at most drugstores. The bristles should be soft and the head of the brush especially small to better fit their mouth. Brush twice a day, using a tiny amount of toothpaste (such as a grain of rice).
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a regular dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialized training after dental school. This additional training focuses on the techniques and tools specifically designed for children’s comfort as well as training to encounter, understand, and address the developmental and emotional needs for infants to adolescents, including children with special needs. For more information, read this article.
Are pacifiers bad for my baby’s teeth?
Pacifiers and thumb sucking are natural soothing habits for babies and toddlers. They can become harmful if they persist beyond three years of age. Chat with your pediatric dentist if you have concerns.
How often should my kid visit the dentist?
Everyone, adults included, should have two dental checkups per year. Most insurances have transitioned to including coverage for two per year, as companies analyze the cost benefits of preventative care. Be sure you’re maximizing your dental insurance benefits before the year is out, for more information about this, read our in-depth article.
How do I prevent tooth decay from nursing or bottle rot?
Research shows that breast milk while containing sugar, does not cause tooth decay, however once your baby begins eating foods the potential for tooth decay will arise. Bottle rot is a common term that refers to tooth decay that is caused due to improper bottle feeding habits. Keep your baby’s access to their bottle limited, and never put juice in it. Even before your baby erupts their first tooth, you should gently wash their gums with a clean washcloth and water to scrub away any lingering bacteria. For more detailed information about how to avoid bottle rot, read our article, here.
Should my child get dental sealants?
Dental sealants are a preventative measure dentists use that we strongly recommend. The crevices and ridges in teeth, particularly the back molars are favorite spots for bacteria and food stuffs to linger. Additionally, those back teeth are more difficult for children to reach when they brush. The dental sealants literally seal a protective coat to the crevices of the teeth protecting them from tooth decay and making them less deep, and therefore easier to brush clean. For more information about dental sealants, read here.
Does my child need fluoride treatments?
Is your primary source of water treated with fluoride? Or do you typically drink store-bought bottled water? Most city and town water sources have been treated with fluoride, it’s in fact considered one of the greatest public health accomplishments in the last century. Check to be sure your toothpaste has fluoride. When your child comes in for a dental visit we can discuss whether your child is a good candidate for a fluoride treatment, or supplement. We know that some families find the topic of fluoride controversial, so if you have concerns please bring them to us so that we can discuss. You can also read more about fluoride treatments, here.
What do I do if my child chips a tooth or one is knocked out?
Retrieve the tooth (or piece of it), but avoid touching the root. Place the tooth in a sealed container with milk, and call your pediatric dentist for an emergency dental appointment right away. For more detailed guidance if you find yourself in this circumstance, we’ve written up several scenarios and step by step instructions for how to respond. You can find them, here.
Many of these instances occur due to injuries from sports activities. We strongly urge parents to invest in mouth guards for their children. Mouth guards are required for contact sports such as football, but research shows they are necessary for all sports activities. For more information about mouth guards, check out this article.
What do I do when my child has a toothache?
If your child complains of a toothache, it is likely to be a symptom of tooth decay. Have them rinse their mouth out with some room temperature salt water. You can give them an appropriate dosage of child’s acetaminophen to help with the pain, and an icepack for their cheek if the area is also swollen. You’ll also need to schedule a visit with your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.
Why does a cavity in a baby tooth need to be filled?
A cavity in a baby tooth needs to be treated not only to ease your child’s pain, but also because the decay in one tooth can spread into others when left untreated. We prefer not to pull a tooth in such a circumstance because our body’s natural inclination is for the baby tooth to fall out when it’s ready. Until then, the baby teeth serve to preserve the space for the permanent tooth, and help with chewing and proper speech.
Are dental X-rays safe?
As previously mentioned, pediatric dentists are specially trained to work with kids. We take special care to limit exposure, lead protective aprons are used as is high-speed film. X-rays are important for pediatric dentists to properly assess dental issues so that nothing is overlooked that could become a bigger problem later on.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment Today
Before you get caught up in the swing of the holidays, be sure to get your child’s second annual dental checkup and cleaning scheduled! Our offices in South Davis, Herriman, and Redwood are at your service. Give us a call today.
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