Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands

One of the most common conditions affecting children's teeth are dental abscesses.  Children with severe cavities often have teeth that abscess.  Abscess of lower left primary tooth.  NOTE the tissue swelling on the tooth. Radiograph of abscess on middle tooth.  Note the dark outline of the short root. Dental abscesses often start out as large cavities on the teeth. Once the cavity invades the pulp of the tooth the infection spreads to the bone. At that point the tooth is no longer salvageable. A dental abscess is a swelling of the tissue around an infected tooth. The following symptoms may result from a dental abscess.  Children can often present with facial swelling, fever,  altered eating habits, poor concentration, poor sleep patterns, breathing problems, and general malaise. The treatment that is always recommended is antibiotics and extraction. 

The importance of oral health for a child is paramount.  So many aspects of a child's development depend on a healthy oral environment. At pediatric dentistry of Redlands we specialize in children's oral health, especially prevention. Here is a quick read from CNN on " Baby's teeth: What you should Know ."  

Dental decay is the most prevalent disease on the planet.  You probably know somebody that has had a filling or some form of dental care due to a cavity.  As a pediatric dentist is it my job to help your child's mouth be the most resistant to getting a cavity.  Since the majority of cavities happen on the biting surfaces of the posterior teeth a method was devised to prevent that for happening.   The ways we do that is by placing sealants.  A sealant's main goal is to create a seal on the surface of the tooth so that it is kept hygienic.  Posterior teeth have deep groves that can be un hygienic.  They are not able to be kept clean and thus are a perfect environment to a cavity to form.  The process is simple.  The tooth is cleaned and the groves are opened if they are narrow.  A conditioner is placed on the tooth which helps the sealant stay in place.  After the conditioner is ready the sealant is place....

Here is an interesting article that helps us to better understand how children do when in dental pain.  The over all health of the child has shown to be a determinant of how the child develops. And, this is a good article discussing oral health and child performance in school including their psychosocial well being.  At Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands , we strive to help prevent dental caries leading to an overall  improvement to your child's well being.  Please read the following article.  If it is overwhelming,  please focus on the discussion section .  This article was recently published in the  Journal of Pediatrics,  December 2012,  the main journal followed by pediatricians. Please click on the link below to view the article. Click here

Nutrition is very important for the growth and development of children.  And, as parents, it can be a challenge to create the well balanced diet!  As a pediatric dentist , I am concerned with the small meals in between the three daily meals.  Snacking or grazing (eating throughout the day)  can lead to harmful effects in oral health.  Set aside time for your child to sit down and eat his/her snack, treat it like a meal. For toddlers using a bottle or sippy cup, we encourage milk only at meal times, and water throughout the day.  We do not advise juice for toddlers and never any soda pop, chocolate milk, gatorade or other sugary drinks!    Never give the infant/toddler milk or juice at bedtime.  This is because as the child sleeps, salivary production declines and the mouth becomes dry which increases the damaging effects of the sugar.  This leads to rampant decay, what people call "baby bottle decay." ...

Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry, what does this title mean?   Dr. Fuller of Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands and Associates , of Redlands, CA explains,  "It is a validation from your peers that you are competent in all aspects of your profession." Before one can take the board exams,  general dentists must apply and be accepted into a 2 to 3 year residency program after completing their general dental degree.  While in their residency program, residents  are trained in child development, restorative/surgical techniques, sedation and behavioral management. Once the program is complete, the now certified Pediatric Dentist may choose to proceed with the steps to become a Diplomate for the American Academy in Pediatric Dentistry .  The requirements include passing a written exam and as well as an oral exam in front of a Board of Examiners. A Diplomate in Pediatric Dentistry is required to take a higher level of continuing educ...