Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, children also may suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.

There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, however diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, chronic gingivitis is common in children. Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

• Sore
• Swollen
• Red
• Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular cleaning and exam appointments will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun, our team can help. Contact our pediatric dental office for your child’s periodontal screening today.

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Pelham, AL 35124

Many parents don’t realize that babies derive comfort from non-nutritive sucking. It’s been shown that some babies begin to self-soothe by sucking on their fingers or thumbs even before birth.  By allowing your child a pacifier, you may be able to more easily break the habit as the child reaches an age where this self-soothing behavior is no longer needed, by removing or cutting the pacifier. If a child learns to self-soothe by thumb sucking, it may be more difficult to break this habit. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, If your child is still using a pacifier at the age of 3, the habit should be discouraged. This is because the upper front teeth may tip outward or come in improperly as a result. If you’re unsure if your child’s pacifier or thumb-sucking habit is interfering with the healthy development of teeth and jaws, please contact us. We’re happy to advise you with behavior modification techniques. 

Here are a few additional guidelines for pacifier use: 

• Never dip the pacifier into a sweet substance such as honey.
• Do not use a string, ribbon or cord to secure the pacifier to clothes or cribs.
• The pacifier shield should be larger than the child’s mouth.
• Discontinue use if the pacifier fits into the child’s mouth. 
• Discard pacifiers that are worn or deteriorating
• Do not allow the child to sleep with the pacifier. 

Remember, the AAPD recommends your child’s first visit with a pediatric dentist by the age of 1 or with the eruption of the first tooth. If you’ve yet to find your dental home, we welcome you to become a part of our dental family. 

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Pelham, AL 35124

Oral health may not be your teen’s top priority, but through education, you can help your teen adopt healthy habits. There are three common issues that teenagers struggle with when it comes to their oral health. 

Issue #1: Tooth Decay

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is still the most prevalent disease affecting children in the United States. 

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your teen’s risk of tooth decay. Encourage your teen to eat a balanced diet and limit the amounts of sugar they consume when possible. Sugar is the prefered breeding ground for many kinds of bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay. 

A proper oral hygiene routine is another way to help prevent decay in your teen’s teeth. Encourage him or her to brush and floss for the recommended amount of time each day. Visiting our pediatric dental office regularly can help establish oral health habits in his or her routine.

Issue #2: Tobacco & Nicotine

The adolescent years mark the first time teens may feel pressured to try tobacco, nicotine, and vape products. If you notice that he or she has begun any of these habits, encourage them to drop the habit. Tobacco has been shown to increase the risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease, bad breath, and stained teeth, along with other side effects.

Besides the negative effects these products can have on the health of your teen’s teeth and gums, many of these products, including e-cigarettes and vaping, can be a detriment to their overall health as well. Remind your teen that smoking increases the risk of strokes, heart disease, lung disease, and more.

Issue #3: Injuries Caused by Sporting Activities

Many teens participate in sports. While this is a great way to stay healthy and create friendships, it’s important to remember the potential danger these sports pose to your teen’s teeth and gums. 

You can help protect your teen’s mouth by getting them a mouthguard. While there are many options today that will do a fair job at protecting him or her, a custom fit mouthguard will provide the most complete protection. It helps safeguard not only their teeth, but also their gums, lips, face, and head.

We hope that this information will help your teen to maintain optimal oral health, not only for their school years, but for the rest of their life. We take pride in setting the foundation for your child’s oral health and are here to help. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to schedule your child’s next appointment at our dental office. We look forward to seeing you.

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Pelham, AL 35124

As a child, losing a tooth might mean an exciting visit from the tooth fairy. As a parent, however, it can be scary to hear your child may need to have a tooth pulled. Our young patients’ health and best interests are always our top priority, so we will discuss every option with parents before making a decision about extractions. Here are several reasons why an extraction may be an option:  

Trauma 

If your child has chipped or cracked a tooth with the permanent tooth close to erupting, we may recommend an extraction. 

Disease

When tooth decay goes unattended and reaches the center of the tooth, it can infect blood vessels, nerves, gums and even the jawbone beneath. We will assess the tooth carefully to determine the best course of action.  

Orthodontic Preparation 

Excessive crowding in a child’s mouth doesn’t allow room for permanent teeth to erupt where they are supposed to. Removing baby teeth can leave more space for permanent teeth to grow in, which is especially helpful during orthodontic treatment.

Stubborn Baby Teeth

Sometimes baby teeth will refuse to fall out on their own, making it either difficult for permanent teeth to come in or causing permanent teeth to erupt next to the baby tooth. We sometimes refer to these as “shark teeth.” We may recommend removing the baby teeth ourselves to speed along the process. 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth usually emerge around the ages of 17 and 21. The purpose of wisdom teeth is to help you chew, but they can lead to problems if there isn’t enough space for them to surface correctly. This can lead to food becoming trapped between them or providing an opening for bacteria to enter the gums.

How Can My Child’s Tooth be Saved?

In many instances, your child’s tooth may not require extraction. We’ll be sure to evaluate your child’s needs and provide a treatment plan that is best for your child’s health and development. 

Our Pediatric Dentists Always Put Your Child’s Comfort First

Our team of pediatric dental specialists provides a comfortable atmosphere where children can feel safe and at ease. We offer the most advanced anesthesia and sedation options to help your child relax, and then provide care instructions to help your child recover as quickly as possible. If your child has experienced any oral trauma or is complaining of tooth pain, call us right away so we can determine the best treatment plan. 

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Pelham, AL 35124

It’s vital that the pediatric dental team and parents of patients work together to foster a positive dental experience for each child. There are several ways that parents can support the efforts of their pediatric dental team, including:

Early Dental Visits

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should begin seeing their pediatric dentist once their first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Early care will help your child feel comfortable in a dental office. 

Pass on Your Dental Fears

Any phobias or misgivings you have towards the dentist are quite commonly shared with your child. Be aware of your mannerisms, as well as what you say before, during and after your own visit to the dentist. Focus on how visiting the dentist is an important part of keeping your mouth and body healthy. 

Get Your Child Excited for the Visit

Inform your child of the appointment. Let them know we’ll be counting and cleaning their teeth. Explain how beautiful and clean their teeth will be after the appointment. Teach them about the importance of dentistry. With your support, your child will grow to love dentistry, which will contribute to a healthier life. 

Your child’s visit to their pediatric dentist can be a positive experience when you and the pediatric dental team work to ensure your child’s health and comfort are prioritized. For more information, contact our Pelham pediatric dental team. 

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Pelham, AL 35124

Losing baby teeth is a significant rite of passage for young children, and it can be exciting for kids with hopes that the tooth fairy pays them a visit. But this rite of passage is important for parents, too. As a pediatric dental office, one of the common questions we hear from parents is regarding the proper timing for permanent teeth to fully appear. While every child is different, the average timeframe for an adult tooth to replace a baby tooth is about 6 months. In some instances this timeframe can be longer, for a number of reasons. Learn more about a few of the more common reasons some teeth take more time to come in.     

• Teeth Spacing: Occasionally, baby teeth can come in too close together. Close spacing can cause issues when a baby tooth is lost and the new tooth is coming in. There may not be enough space for the new tooth to properly grow in. When this happens, the tooth may take longer to come in.  

• Impacted Teeth: An impacted tooth is normally caused when a baby tooth is lost prematurely, such as a tooth being knocked out. The emerging tooth can get lodged inside the bone, preventing it from emerging. This can also happen with a tooth that is partially exposed, creating a partially impacted tooth. 

• Incorrect Growth: Children’s teeth, more commonly than not, have a non-uniform appearance. In some instances, baby teeth can be misplaced which causes the adult teeth to come down in the wrong location. 

Sometimes new teeth struggle to erupt with no apparent cause. If you feel your child may be experiencing one of these permanent teeth growth issues, consult our Hoover pediatric dentist. We can determine if there is a cause and take the correct steps to start to improve the situation. If there is an issue with adult tooth eruption, the sooner it’s addressed the better. 

It’s important to regularly schedule dental cleanings and examinations for your children. During these visits with our Hoover pediatric dentist, we’ll monitor your child’s smile as it continues to transition. This allows our dentist in Hoover to be more interceptive with any issues that may arise, making any treatments easier to manage as your child continues to grow. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry today.

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Hoover, AL 35124

If our children are the future, we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation has the tools and skills they need to succeed. Without question, proper education, quality healthcare, and good oral health habits are at the foundation of this effort. Unfortunately for some, dental care can sometimes fall by the wayside when it comes to healthcare priorities. All the more reason why pediatric dental care is an essential part of making sure every child has access to the great dentistry services they deserve.

Maximize Overall Health

It may not be well known, but oral health has a large and direct role in overall health. If a child doesn’t receive quality dental care, it can cause problems not only with their dental health, but in other areas of their overall wellbeing. It’s important to know dental health and overall health go hand-in-hand. As with adults, routine dental cleanings and oral examinations should be scheduled about every six months. 

Prevent Future Dental Problems

Preventive dentistry, including routine dental cleanings and oral examinations, are the foundation for quality dentistry. Regularly scheduled visits to our Hoover dentist will ensure a child’s oral health is monitored and maintained. As children grow up they experience many changes related to oral health. Pediatric dentists are trained to monitor your child’s developing dental health, including the eruption of baby teeth and the growth of permanent teeth. Getting ahead of problems like crowding or decay can protect and preserve your child’s precious smile.

Education on Good Oral Habits

Education is important for a child’s development. Education related to dentistry can help start any child on the right path to maintaining their oral health. Sharing techniques for brushing or even explaining why we brush can give kids the informational foundation they need for maintaining their oral health. Pediatric dentists can only do so much during regularly scheduled visits to maintain oral health. Empowering children to start and keep a good oral hygiene routine will continue to benefit them throughout their lives. 

There’s nothing more beautiful than a child’s smile. Granting children access to quality pediatric dentistry from a young age will help set a trend for them to follow as they grow into adulthood. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry today.

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Hoover, AL 35124

Thumb sucking is one of the most recognizable behaviors found in children. Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may even encourage sleep. Studies have proposed that as many as 90% of children have engaged in this type of activity in their lives. We have even seen that thumb sucking can begin in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. It’s natural, safe, and can be quite helpful to parents, as their baby learns to soothe themselves from time to time.

Whether this oral fixation is satisfied with a thumb or the commonly used pacifier, most children discontinue this practice before long. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of 2 and 4.

Once your baby’s first set of teeth are in and thumb sucking persists, there is a chance that this habit could push the teeth slightly forward. Fortunately, this will in no way affect the placement of the adult teeth or add to the cost of your child’s future dental bills. Thumb sucking, even in toddlers, is considered normal. It does not mean there is anything wrong with your child and that they should feel embarrassed or ashamed. Even the most persistent thumb sucker ordinarily stops on their own by the time toddlerhood has ended.

Thumb sucking infrequently continues past the age of four. This is usually found to be the result of too much attention or negative reinforcement given to the habit in previous years. Beyond this age, thumb sucking can begin to impact the alignment of the adult teeth, so it is best your child shed the habit sooner rather than later.

How do you help them with this? Don’t reprimand them because of it, don’t remove the thumb from their mouth and don’t mention it. This is where their growing awareness and social cues come in handy. As your child begins to notice that the kids around them aren’t sucking their thumbs anymore, they won’t want to either. They will also start to discover other skills or items to give them comfort and security. Peer pressure becomes a much greater deterrent than a parent’s disapproval.

What Can I Do to Support my Child Through Thumb Sucking?

• Insecurity often causes anxiety in children and this may lead to thumb sucking. Instead of reprimanding them, try to focus on what is making them feel anxious.

• Parents who provide comfort and positive reinforcement to their children will see a less likelihood of thumb sucking.

• Take note of the times your child tends to suck on their thumb and create diversions during these occasions.

• Ask your child’s dentist to speak with them about the impact thumb sucking will have on their mouths.

• Place a band-aid or a sock on your child’s thumb as a reminder to avoid putting their thumb or fingers in their mouth.

Thumb sucking can be a troublesome habit for parents, mostly when it feels like your child is the only one still engaging in the behavior. Permitting your child to find other ways of comforting themselves is more helpful to them in the end. If you have any other questions on how to improve your child’s oral health, please give our pediatric dental office a call. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call today.

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Hoover, AL 35124

Your child’s primary teeth (commonly called “baby teeth”) are pretty interesting, and we’re not just saying that because we’re pediatric dentists. In most mouths, there are 20 primary teeth in total. They are already present in your child’s jaw at the time of birth and they will usually begin to appear between the ages of 6-12 months.

Usually referred to as teething, this process can be an important and exciting stage in you and your child’s life. We probably all have at least one story of a lost baby tooth. However, despite their cultural significance, many fail to see the health-related importance of these teeth. One question we get quite frequently is, “If my child’s baby teeth are just going to fall out anyway, is it even worth taking care of them?”

While it may seem like caring for your child’s baby teeth isn’t all that important, nothing could be further from the truth. Called “Nature’s Braces” by some dentists, baby teeth are incredibly important to a child’s overall health and development.

When baby teeth are lost too early, due to decay or some other factor, the gaps left behind can cause major issues in the development of your child’s permanent teeth. As permanent teeth start to come in, they can drift into the empty space left behind by a missing primary tooth, making it difficult for other teeth to come in straight. The end result is often a crooked and misaligned smile that requires expensive orthodontic care in the future.

Additionally, baby teeth are necessary to help your child in everything from chewing and speaking to smiling with confidence.

Primary teeth are important to more than just the tooth fairy and are critical to your child’s development. To make sure they stay healthy and do their job, help your child brush their teeth at least twice a day and participate in all the other aspects of a great oral hygiene routine.

As a part of that routine, make sure that you continue to schedule regular dental appointments for your child at our Hoover pediatric dental office. We are specialists in providing excellent, kid-focused dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. Contact Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry to set up your next appointment today. 

Indian Springs Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (205) 739-7773
Url: https://hooverpediatric.dentist/
6496 Quail Run Drive
Hoover, AL 35124