Children’s Dentistry

Finding a dentist that both you and your child feel comfortable with, can at times prove difficult. Parents always want what’s best for their child and at Southpointe Dental, we completely understand. While we aren’t technically pediatric dentists, our team still offers services for the entire family and promises to take outstanding care of your little one, and we’ll make sure we have a little fun doing it, too! We want to teach all children healthy habits that will last a lifetime. There’s nothing better than a happy, healthy smile and we’d love to be a part of it. In our article we’ll cover:

• South Lincoln Children’s Dentistry:
  Our approach to making sure your child enjoys their visit.
  
• Care For Children:
  Things our dentist in Lincoln, NE will check to ensure a healthy smile.
  
• Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Children’s Dentistry

Children’s Dentistry in South Lincoln

The dentist can be a scary place for children. Many of us can express negative experiences we had when we were young about being at the dentist. It’s even more important to offer practical children’s dentistry since a child’s early habits will reinforce a lifetime of good oral health habits. Southpointe Dental prides itself on being a part of the Nebraska Family Dentistry group. Every team member who is a part of NFD is at helping kids feel comfortable and relaxed during their time while at the dentist in Lincoln, NE. This means you can count on the fact that our team can take care of your whole family.

Care for Children: Children’s Dentistry

Dr. Sydney Joyce is excellent at treating children. Her gentle approach to dentistry and calm, friendly demeanor makes her the perfect fit for a kid friendly dentist in Lincoln, NE. Most kids who come to Southpointe look forward to working with Dr. Joyce as she helps them feel comfortable and welcomed. During a “children’s dentistry” dental appointment, dentists clean your child’s teeth and look for warning signs for further treatment. At Southpointe, we believe that good oral health starts at home. We carefully educate our patients on the latest techniques in caring for their child’s oral health. Any necessary shots are easy with us, and we make it a point to help your children feel comfortable and safe. We also offer TVs, headphones, and other treatment options so kids can choose what will make them feel most comfortable.

Contact Us Today About Children’s Dentistry

Lincoln Children’s dentistry can be a tough gig. Finding the right team that treats your child(ren) like royalty isn’t always easy. Whatever the cause, we’re glad you found your way here. Use the form below to set up your consultation! We look forward to meeting you and your kids. Not in South Lincoln? Find our four convenient locations below.

CAQs about Children’s Dentistry

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
What can you do for a toothache for a child?

Our children’s dentist answers: Children may experience toothaches for various reasons. Usually, cavities or gum disease are the most common causes of toothaches, but sport or play-related injuries to the mouth area can cause toothaches for children. Brush and floss the area thoroughly to allow for a better view. If the child is capable of rinsing with warm salt water and spitting, it may temporarily relieve symptoms related to gum problems. If you can see a pimple on the gums near the teeth, call a dentist near me in Lincoln, NE, right away. This is an infected tooth and needs treatment immediately. Children’s Motrin can help reduce inflammation until the child can be seen by a dentist. There are over-the-counter benzocaine gels available to relieve symptoms, however, be sure not to give this to children under 2.

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
What are good home remedies for a child’s toothache?

Our children’s dentist answers: Giving the child anti-inflammatories like children’s Motrin, placing an ice pack on the skin for a few minutes, rinsing with warm salt water or chewing a clove can temporarily reduce the severity of symptoms, but if a child has a toothache, they should see a dentist in Lincoln, NE as soon as possible.

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
My Child Has a Toothache. What Should I Do?

Our children’s dentist answers: Generally, small cavities do not hurt. It is likely that your child has a more extensive cavity involving the nerve if they are complaining of discomfort. When bacteria enters a tooth, it can cause infection and become life-threatening for patients who have compromised immune systems or developing immune systems like young children. It is important to call your dentist in Lincoln, NE, right away if your child is complaining of a toothache or not eating well due to dental discomfort. In the meantime, give them children’s Motrin and apply benzocaine gel to the area for children over 2 years of age.

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
What should I do if my child does not want to give up a pacifier?

Our children’s dentist answers: Do not worry too much about breaking this habit if your child is under the age of 4. Typically around age 4 children begin to be more independent and want to grow up, and naturally, quit using pacifiers on their own.

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
What is an excellent way to help my child give up a pacifier?

Our children’s dentist answers: Typically your child will lose interest in their pacifier by the age of 4. However, if your child reaches age 4 and is still using a pacifier, it is important to break this habit. Over time, using a pacifier can affect the child’s bite and the development of the hard palate. It is important to have a serious conversation with your child about how important it is to stop using it. Throw away all but 1 of your child’s pacifiers. When the only pacifier they have becomes worn out and no longer desirable, your child may naturally give it up. Some parents find it helpful to cut the tip of the pacifier off, which makes it less comfortable for the child to use. Eventually, the child will stop being interested in it.

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
How can I stop my child from sucking his/her thumb?

Our children’s dentist answers: Quitting thumb sucking can be one of the most difficult habits to break for many children. For some, this habit begins in utero and is often part of falling asleep or done during sleep. It is a natural way that many children self-soothe and can be beneficial during infancy. However, it is important to break this habit by age 4. Sucking thumbs or fingers can lead to developmental defects in the hard palate, cause orthodontic problems like buck teeth, and affect a child’s self-esteem negatively. Talking to the child about these negative consequences of continuing with this habit is important. Pharmacies sell a bitter tasting paint you can apply to the fingers to deter the child from the habit. Creating a reward system for breaking the habit can be motivating for many kids. If these do not work, it is possible for a dentist in Lincoln, NE, to place an appliance on the teeth that will make placing the thumb in the mouth uncomfortable.

CAQs to our children’s dentist:
My children’s dentist told me that my child needs a root canal. Is it safe for my child?

Our children’s dentist answers: Baby teeth that have extensive cavities can sometimes require root canals in order to retain them for a longer period of time. It is especially important for very young children to save these teeth for several years. If baby molars are taken out at a very young age, this can cause permanent teeth to erupt prematurely or in the incorrect positions. Baby molars help to maintain space for permanent teeth to erupt properly as well as help to chew foods and keep the bite in the correct position. These molars usually do not naturally exfoliate until the age of 10-12. If a child is having a fair amount of discomfort or there are signs of infection on the x-ray, it is important to treat this condition and see a dentist in Lincoln, NE, before the infection spreads or symptoms become more severe. When cavities reach the nerve of permanent teeth, or a permanent tooth sustains trauma, the only option to save the tooth is a root canal. It is safe to perform root canals on children’s permanent teeth. It is important to treat a tooth that requires a root canal as children are more susceptible to life-threatening infections stemming from infected teeth.

The information on this page was written by Dr. Sydney Joyce.

This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “For the past years, I have been extremely privileged to be part of this great profession, which I have only grown to love more with each passing year. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching and helping my patients care for their smiles and helping them to be healthier overall. Quality dental care is my number one goal, but I also feel that patients deserve personalized care where they are given their options for treatment and can help decide what course they would like to take. While providing excellent dental care for you, I want your dental experience to be comfortable and positive.”

You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at a SouthPointe Dental Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Roca, Bennet, Firth, Crete, and Hickman!