Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands

A spacer is made of a special metal material that can be placed in the mouth in order to hold the space until the permanent teeth erupt.   There are three different types of spacers. The best one to use will depend on the location of the missing tooth. Dr. Fuller suggests that you should always attempt to save the tooth if at all possible.   Unfortunately there some situations where this is not possible and a spacer maybe necessary to keep the space open.   Baby teeth are important because they keep the place where the permanent teeth should be. If there is no tooth in that place, then other teeth may move and other dental work may need to be completed later on to fix this. As mentioned there are three types of spacers that may be used, the fixed spacer, the unilateral, crown and loop or distal shoe, bilateral and lingual arch and removable spacer.   These are all usually metal, however, if the teeth are in a po...

You may have taken your child to the dentist and now they are recommending a crown or extraction for an anterior tooth. This treatment will be recommended if your child’s tooth is broken, cracked or decayed until the permanent tooth begins to come in. Which option Dr. Fuller suggests will depend on whether the tooth can be saved or not.  Metal crowns will be utilized if they are able to save the tooth. These types of crowns are ideal in a child’s mouth because they do not corrode; they can last for several years, they fall out naturally when permanent teeth begin to erupt and are very safe for children. In order for the dentist to place a crown a puploptomy may need to be done. This is a form of a root canal for a child. This helps clean the bacteria in the child’s mouth in order for the crown to be placed. You don’t want to have decay under the crown because otherwise your daughter or son may continue to be in pain. Tooth decay in kids can also c...

Do you know what items have fluoride in it? Read the list below to learn what sources of fluoride your child is ingesting. You might be surprised at some of the items on the list.  For more items and the amount of fluoride, you can visit Self Nutrition Data. It is important to be aware of how much fluoride is in the food your child eats because if a child gets too much fluoride it can cause fluorosis of the teeth. These are brown stains or pitting of the teeth. Items: Fluoride Water                                              Infant formula Soy Formula Rinse Toothpaste Infant chicken products Creamed spinach Infant dry cereals Grapes White grape juice Some high processed foods ...

Fluoride helps to protect a child’s teeth against decay. Despite all of the options for dental health, tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood. Dr. Cameron Fuller, suggests that parents should use fluoride toothpaste and other fluoride products for children that are older than six months especially if you live in an area that does not have fluoride in your water. Children that have cavities that are not taken care of can cause decay which could impact their permanent teeth.   When your baby is under six months old you can use a washcloth to clean off their gums with a smear of toothpaste, however, they do not need any extra fluoride. After six months it is suggested that you set up an appointment for your dentist to check your child. When you are at your child’s appointment if you are concerned about how much fluoride your child is getting, you may ask Dr. Fuller about fluoride supplements. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends tha...

  Are you confused by all of the research on fluoride? There is good and bad to everything, and there ’ s an appropriate amount of fluoride that's appropriate and then there ’ s too much. Read more to get the facts about fluoride and find out why this may be critical for your child ’ s teeth. Fluoride is a mineral found in soils, plants, and water supplies in varying amounts. This helpful substance is found in oceans, lakes and other water sources. Fluoride helps your body fight off disease and, it also fights tooth decay.   This substance is already a natural part of your enamel and according to Edmond L. Truelove, D.D.S.,   chair of the Council on Scientific Affairs , "approximately 25 percent of children have or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it ’ s important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent children from developing cavities." Too much of a good thing! We ’ ve heard it...

It can be difficult to teach young children the importance of brushing and flossing. However, with this easy routine and supportive way you can help minimize the fight and increase the success. First, Dr. Cameron Fuller at Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands recommends you give your child the toothbrush. Let them look it over, put it in their mouth and move it around on their own. Next, have your child sit down in front of you, touching their knees. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and put it up to their mouth. If your child opens right away gently begin to brush the quads of their teeth. You want to get the tops, the back and the side of each area. To help, you may want to sing or have your child’s favorite music playing in the background. You can also count with your child, to ensure each side is brushed for two minutes. Early habits of flossing can begin a lifetime of a healthy habit. But what age should you start? As soon as they have teeth, recomme...

Dr. Cameron Fuller of Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands believes in recommending Xylitol toothpaste to his patients. "The naturally occurring substance, extracted from Birchwood, helps decrease tooth decay in young children." Not only is xylitol great for fighting tooth decay, but this natural substance, already found in the body, creates no problems if accidentally swallowed by your child. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria from sugars in our mouth attack dental enamel. By having children use Xylitol toothpaste it helps to protect the enamel longer. And by using small amounts of this substance throughout the day, it further protects children’s teeth from bacteria growing on them. When you assist your two-year-old to brush their teeth, not only are they developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime, but you are helping them to have fresher smelling breath. Dental hygiene is important, and the earlier you start this habit the better. ...

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweet substance found in many fruits and vegetables. "Extracted, it is used in multiple ways, including medicine, gum and sweetener, says Dr. Cameron Fuller from his Redlands pediatric dental practice.   It can be found at most stores and in a variety of products. Here's what you should know about xylitol. Fact: Xylitol does not convert to sugar. This means it can help decrease tooth decay. Fiction: Xylitol cannot be over-used. Any product, including xylitol, is not good if it is over-used. However, in small doses it can be very beneficial. Fact: Xylitol is bad for dogs. Research has found it is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a multitude of problems including liver failure and seizures. If you have this product in your home, make sure to keep it away from dogs. Fiction: Xylitol causes diarrhea in young children. While your child may experience a lose stool when they first begin using it, they should be fine whe...

It is often stated that children are not little people.  And that could not be a truer statement. Children view life differently than adults do. When providing dental care to children Dr. Fuller often recommended general anesthesia for a child to provide the best dental care.  The following are reasons for general anesthesia : age, complexity of treatment, anxiety,  child temperament, fear or previous poor dental experience.  When a child is encountered with one of the following Dr. Fuller then discusses the benefits of general anesthesia.  A simple definition of general anesthesia is as follows.  It is a medically induced loss of consciousness.  During the process a child is monitored with several different types of monitors to establish a safe level of sedation.  When discussing the sedation the benefits are discussed.  G.A. offeres an enviromment where accurate and safe care can be provided.  Children who ar...