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As a pediatric dental office, we understand that every child is unique and may have special health care needs that require extra care and attention. Children with special health care needs often face additional challenges when it comes to maintaining their oral health, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these challenges and take appropriate steps to address them.

One of the most common challenges faced by children with special needs is difficulty with communication. Children with autism, for example, may have difficulty expressing their needs or understanding instructions, making it difficult for dental professionals to provide proper care. In these cases, it is important for parents and caregivers to work closely with the dental team to ensure that the child is comfortable and can communicate effectively.

Another challenge faced by children with special needs is difficulty with physical coordination. Children with cerebral palsy, for example, may have trouble sitting still for prolonged periods of time or may have difficulty opening their mouths wide enough for dental exams. In these cases, it is important for the dental team to be patient and to use specialized equipment and techniques to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the child.

Children with special needs may also have difficulty with oral hygiene. Some children may not have the motor skills to brush and floss properly, while others may have difficulty understanding the importance of oral hygiene. Parents and caregivers can help by providing extra assistance with brushing and flossing, and by working with the dental team to develop a customized oral hygiene plan that is tailored to the child's specific needs.

It is also important to note that children with special needs may be more prone to certain oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease and dental abnormalities. Regular dental check-ups and early intervention can help to prevent and treat these issues, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral health problems and to seek treatment as soon as possible.

At our pediatric dental office, we understand the unique challenges faced by children with special needs and are committed to providing the highest level of care and attention to all of our patients. We work closely with parents and caregivers to understand the child's specific needs and to develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. With the right care and attention, children with special needs can maintain good oral health and have a happy and healthy smile.

Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid that is used to help prevent and treat cavities in children's teeth. At our pediatric dental office, we use SDF as a non-invasive alternative to traditional fillings for small cavities. SDF works by penetrating the tooth's surface and hardening the tooth structure. It also has antimicrobial properties that help to kill bacteria that cause cavities. The silver component of SDF helps to stop the spread of decay, while the fluoride component helps to remineralize the tooth, making it stronger and more resistant to future decay.

One of the benefits of using SDF is that it is a non-invasive treatment option. Traditional fillings require drilling and removing tooth structure, which can be uncomfortable and traumatic for children. With SDF, the tooth structure is left intact, and the treatment can be completed quickly and painlessly.

Another benefit is that SDF can be used as a preventive treatment, helping to stop cavities from getting worse and prevent new cavities from forming. It's also a great option for children who have difficulty cooperating during dental procedures, as it can be applied quickly and without the need for local anesthetics.

It's important to note that SDF is not suitable for every case and it does have some limitations. It's not recommended for cavities that have progressed too far, or for teeth that have large fillings, crowns or root canal treatments. Additionally, SDF can cause black discoloration of the treated tooth, so it may pose an esthetic concern for parents.

It's important to have a detailed conversation with your child's dentist to determine if SDF is the best option for your child's specific needs!

Oral cancer is a cancer that affects your mouth - it can develop in many places including the gums, tongue and lips. An esitimated 50,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. As oral health care specialists, oral cancer is an extremely important topic for us, as we are usually the first to detect any problems in the mouth! While the majority of cases occur in adults, it's not completely uncommon for children to be diagnosed as well.

Early detection is key! Here at East Valley Children's Dentistry, Dr. Norman and Dr. Cat take great care to make sure that each patient is receives an oral cancer screening at each check up.

Here are the most common signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for at home:
- Sores that haven't healed within 10 days
- Any soft tissue that is rough, crusting, or thickening
- Flat patches of tissue that may be red, white, or speckled
- If you child tells you that part of their mouth feels numb
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving their tongue

As always, our family here at East Valley is here for you to help answer any questions or concerns you may have!

Please help us in raising awareness regarding the importance of oral cancer this month!

Unfortunately yes.

We see many children as young as 1 year of age already having cavities in their mouth! Your child may have cavities starting in their teeth before it becomes a hole in their tooth. Cavities start as white spot lesions that become large and cavitated as the cavity gets worse (this is when you would usually see holes in the teeth).

Cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. In Los Angeles County, 50% of kindergarteners have untreated cavities! Cavities are 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever!

So what can we do to prevent cavities?
1) Brush 2x/day with fluoridated toothpaste for 2 minutes each time
2) Floss at least 1x/day
3) Avoid sugary foods and drinks in excess, especially crackers, chips, and juice
4) Visit the dentist at least 2x/year

Cavities are completely preventable and we believe that early detection is key! Making sure your child sees a dentist regularly will help your child's dentist identify any teeth that are starting cavities before they get worse. We are always here for you!