Back to School Cleanings

If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last teeth cleaning, now’s a great time to visit Riverwalk Dental in Calgary. We’re open late, allowing kids to come in without missing school, and if they have a dental problem, it’s best to get it taken care of early in the year.

Children are the age group that gets dental infections the most frequently. Usually, the issue is bad hygiene. We can educate children about better brushing and flossing techniques and direct parents toward toothbrush grips if their child had a motor control issue. Even if the decay is in a baby tooth, parents should take it seriously. When children have toothaches, they may have difficulty eating and sleeping, leading to worse behavior in school and slower learning.

The dental examination is an opportunity to plan for long-term dental care as well as to do a cleaning. It may be where other conditions come to light, such as if pain in the upper teeth is being caused by a nasal or sinus blockage. We can also reshape a mouthguard for school sports and provide a night guard if we observe signs of nighttime teeth grinding.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Use of Fluoridated Toothpaste

We highly value preventive care at Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, particularly for our pediatric patients. Fluoridated toothpaste can be a powerful tool for preventing tooth decay, but there are some rules about how to use it properly which people should be aware of.

Fluoride has dramatically improved the general public’s dental health. Dental problems are not nearly as severe in areas with fluoridated water and the topical fluoride treatments given to children reduce how badly their teeth are damaged by the acid secreted by bacteria. This is important because pain from tooth decay causes children to lose sleep and avoid eating. Often, their behavior and academic performance suffer as a result.

Brushing their teeth is one of the first things children learn about self-care. It should be done for two minutes at a time. Only soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used, and fluoridated toothpaste should not be used on mouthguards or other oral appliances. People should brush on every tooth surface and on their tongue. Fluoridated toothpaste should not be swallowed or the teeth may become discolored. Gums should not bleed during regular toothbrushing; if they do, something is wrong.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Reducing Children's Dental Anxiety

Riverwalk Dental proudly provides dental services to Calgary residents of all ages, including children. We hope that they will develop a lifetime of good oral health habits, but unfortunately, many children also develop a fear of dentists. That’s why we want to help parents ensure their children are comfortable visiting us and getting their teeth cleaned.

Ideally, children will be brought in for their first appointment as soon as their first tooth starts to erupt. Going to the dentist should always be a normal part of life. But in reality, children are often apprehensive around adults they don’t know well. If possible, it is best for children to be accompanied by their siblings so that older ones can set a good example and younger ones can see there’s nothing to be afraid of. If one of their guardians has their own issues with dental anxiety, it is probably best for another person to come with and explain things to them.

To get children ready, simply tell them the dental staff wants to give their teeth a good cleaning and make sure they are healthy. It’s unnecessary to explain complicated procedures we almost certainly won’t be doing and emphasizing a need to be brave signals you expect the visit to be uncomfortable. We can explain our procedures and instruments to your children in age-appropriate terms once they’re here.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Thumb Sucking

At Riverwalk Dental, Calgary’s first-time parents often ask us whether their child’s thumb sucking habit is harming their oral health. The answer mainly depends on the age of the child. Thumb sucking is a common behavior in children under four, but as they begin losing their baby teeth, it could become a problem.

Very young children’s facial bones are not fully fused together and can shift back from the pressure put on them by sucking a thumb or a pacifier. But this does not remain true for children over about the age of five. Persistent thumb sucking can cause an overbite or other malocclusion, or even misaligned jaws.

Children over four should be coaxed out of their bad habits, but parents should be aware there could be an underlying psychological reason for their child’s need to self-soothe. When this isn’t addressed, children often develop a habit of thrusting their tongues against their front teeth as a substitute, which isn’t any better. There are orthodontic devices to discourage tongue-thrusting, but general practice is to use these as last resorts.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.