Children’s Dentistry in Lincoln, NE

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 as soon as possible.

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, 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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, to place an appliance on the teeth that will make placing the thumb in the mouth uncomfortable.