Sometimes, though, the tools required to perform certain procedures can produce sounds that may frighten a child. Or maybe your child needs a tooth extracted or other surgical dental procedure. In these cases, Dr. Malley can administer calming sedation to alleviate discomfort and help your child feel safe and secure.

Safe Sedation

Your child’s wellbeing is always our top priority when you visit our east Charlotte pediatric dentist’s office. Dr. Malley uses proven sedation medications in doses appropriate for children. Depending on the procedure your child is undergoing, Dr. Malley may recommend:

• Nitrous Oxide – Commonly called laughing gas, this safe, inhaled sedative produces feelings of warmth, relaxation, and complete calm.
• Oral Sedation – A mild sedative lets children remain awake during dental procedures while inducing a state of total relaxation. Your child won’t remember the details of his or her dental work following treatment.
• General Anesthesia – Extensive dental work may require general anesthesia, administered in a hospital setting or by an anesthesiologist who comes to our office.

Calming, Quality Care

Experience soothing dental care that puts kids – and their parents – at ease. Call our Mint Hill dental office today to schedule your child’s appointment. Charlotte children’s dentist Dr. Malley wants to make Carolina Kids Dentistry your family’s home for quality care.

Harder teeth are more resistant to tooth decay, and your pediatric dentist in Charlotte NC will typically recommend various forms of fluoride to keep your children’s teeth as strong as possible.

As most of us remember from our childhoods, the fluoride treatment was the highlight of our dental checkups. With a sweetly flavored rinse, swish, gel, or foam, we were warned not to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes, and we could leave the dental office knowing that our teeth were healthier and stronger.

Today, your child can still benefit from a strong dose of fluoride at the end of each dental visit, although it may be administered with a slightly more modern approach. Fluoride can now be painted directly onto the teeth in the form a varnish, which resembles a clear coat of nail polish. It sticks to all surfaces of the enamel for most of the day, even as your child enjoys normal meals and beverages. In fact, there is no longer a need to wait 30 minutes for a snack, since the fluoride is not easily washed away.

Compared to other methods, a varnish reduces the chance that your child could swallow more than the recommended dose of fluoride, it’s perfect for children who do not like the taste of mouthrinses or foams, and it ensures that the enamel can absorb as much fluoride as possible.

Between dental visits, fluoride is still available in most toothpaste brands, some mouthwashes, and virtually all public drinking water sources. This widespread availability, combined with periodic dental treatments, will reduce your child’s chances for getting cavities and can even reverse tooth decay in the earliest stages.

To learn more about why fluoride is still the right choice for your child, contact your Charlotte NC pediatric dentist today.

Two of the most common oral irritations, canker sore (apthous ulcers) and cold sores (sometimes called fever blisters) can look very similar, and they can be equally uncomfortable and annoying. These lesions are quite different, however, and it’s important to differentiate between the two in order to ensure that your child receives the most effective treatment.

Location, Location…

A canker sore or apthous ulcer is a painful round lesion that is often red and white, occurring on the soft tissue lining inside of the mouth. These may develop with no prior warning and they usually involve the insides of the cheeks, the gums, or the tongue.

A fever blister or cold sore typically develops along the outside border of the lips, the firm (non-moveable) part of the gum tissue, and the roof of the mouth. These lesions may look like fluid-filled
blisters that will eventually burst and then heal with a scab.

What causes it?

Research suggests that canker sores are related to an abnormality in the immune system, though no specific cause has been determined. These ulcers tend to be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, and traumatic injuries, but may also occur for no apparent reason at all.

Fever blisters are specifically caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is transmitted through bodily fluids (even saliva) from one person to another. An initial herpes infection is typically accompanied by a fever, sore throat, nausea, swelling, and painful sores. As the lesions heal and then reappear, the onset may be preceded by a tingling, itching or burning, 1-2 days before the blisters appear.

Help!

Canker sores will generally go away without any treatment. However, if they are preventing your child from eating, drinking, or speaking, schedule a dental appointment right away for a palliative solution.

Fever blisters can often be controlled with antiviral medications, though they are very contagious, so it is wise to limit kissing and sharing food or drinks during this time. If the blisters become more persistent or problematic, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist right away.

White Fillings: Strong, Secure, and Safe

Made of composite resin, white fillings provide an attractive alternative to metal. The resin bonds with natural tooth structure to form a bond that protects the tooth from decay-causing bacteria. Unlike metal fillings, composite resin ones retain their integrity over time. They won’t expand or contract the way metal fillings can. Instead, white fillings stay strong to deter future damage to healthy tooth structure.

A white filling restores the form and function of a tooth and lets your child keep an all-white smile – with no tell-tale sign that a cavity was ever present!

The Process is Simple

If your child needs a cavity filled, Dr. Malley will prepare the tooth by gently removing decay. Then, she’ll tint a small amount of composite resin to match your child’s natural tooth color. After applying the composite resin, we’ll harden it with a curing light. The result is a strong, attractive restoration that safeguards your child’s tooth from further decay.

White fillings are appropriate for baby teeth and permanent ones.

Call today to schedule an appointment with Charlotte pediatric dentist Dr. Malley. At Carolina Kids Dentistry in Mint Hill, NC, we offer the services your family needs for the smile your child deserves.

Dental Decay – Always on the Attack

Dental plaque continually forms on teeth. Fueled by the foods we eat, plaque releases acids that attack teeth and begin a process called demineralization. These acids lurk in ridges and pits of kids’ molars, often out of reach of the toothbrush. Left unchecked, demineralization weakens tooth enamel and allows cavities to form.

Dental Sealants Seal Out Decay

A dental sealant smooths the surface of a tooth to allow easier cleaning and provide a barrier against decay. Think of sealants as armor for teeth – thin, clear armor! Kids can’t feel the sealants on their teeth, and they don’t interfere with speech or eating. They do, however, make brushing more efficient and effective.

Fluoride Fights Cavities

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, remineralizes teeth to safeguard teeth from decay. A professional-strength fluoride treatment from Carolina Kids Dentistry is safe, effective, and easy to apply. It provides added protection for kids’ teeth and gives parents peace of mind.

Invest in Your Child’s Future

Dental sealants and fluoride treatments from Charlotte pediatric dentist Dr. Malley provide economical ways to protect your child’s smile. Invest in your child’s future health and well being by defending against cavities today.

Call Carolina Kids Dentistry in Mint Hill today to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Malley. We love making kids smile!

Without proper home care during your treatment with braces, several things can go wrong. The enamel can be weakened around the brackets due to plaque accumulation. This can cause white spots on the teeth and also tooth decay. Sometimes, the gums can be affected as well. If the gums aren’t cleaned properly they can become red and swollen. Sometimes this swelling can turn into gingival hyperplasia. This is a condition where gums grow up around the brackets and don’t go back down after brackets are removed.

The issue that is most challenging about having braces is the responsibility of brushing and flossing them properly. Normal brushing just won’t cut it with braces. The surfaces of the teeth that have brackets and wires on them will be brushed a little differently. First, gently brush the gums around the brackets. Next you should brush above the bracket, below the bracket, and then directly on top of the bracket on each tooth. Lastly, brush the back surfaces of each tooth.

After brushing, the focus turns to flossing. Getting floss underneath the wires of braces can prove to be rather difficult. There are threaders and special floss holders that can be used to make this easier. There is no substitute for thorough flossing, though water-picks and inter-dental brushes can help to remove loosely attached food particles and plaque.

Don’t let poor home care ruin your beautiful smile before it is complete. If you aren’t sure you know how to properly care for your child’s braces, talk to your Charlotte pediatric dentist for help today.

Toothbrushes are age specific.  Smaller, softer toothbrushes are recommended for young children.  As children age and become adolescents, larger toothbrushes are recommended.  Most toothbrushes have an appropriate age range labeled on the package itself.  It is important that the toothbrush is not too large to fit inside the mouth, reaching each tooth without causing discomfort.  The bristles of the brush should be able to touch each surface of the tooth.

Many children and adults prefer the electric toothbrush.  There are advantages to these brushes.  If you are an aggressive when brushing, you may benefit from this brush.  Power brushes can prevent damage to the gums due to their specific working design, though they are still effective enough to polish away stain and plaque.  The orthodontic patient may also benefit from this brush as well.

Handicapped patients and those patients with dexterity problems will need a brush that is easy to grip.  These patients may find the electric brush beneficial as these brushes are designed to perform the proper brushing motions automatically.

The best toothbrush is one that you are able to use comfortably and effectively.  The bristles should typically be soft to help minimize damage to the gums and enamel, and surprisingly, the price whether expensive or inexpensive has no importance to the quality of brush.

When choosing a toothbrush, consider your age and any special needs that may exist.  The best advice on your family’s toothbrush selection can be provided by your Charlotte pediatric dentist.

When your dentist takes digital x-rays of your teeth, the process is very similar to the traditional method of taking dental x-rays.  The x-ray is released from the tube and projects a picture of your teeth onto a film or sensor that has been placed in your mouth.  Traditional x-rays used a disposable film, which would then have to be processed through a machine using chemicals.  Digital x-rays use a sensor that automatically uploads the picture to a computer.  Since the reusable digital x-rays don’t have to be processed, it eliminates the need for the chemicals and additional packaging.  This is much safer for the environment.

There is also much less radiation required for a digital x-ray.  The digital sensors require approximately 80% less radiation than a tradition film x-ray.  This significantly reduces your exposure to radiation and helps to keep you safer than ever before.  Exposure in the dental office is much less than the other environmental factors that we are exposed to in our everyday lives.

We all need dental x-rays as part of a complete dental exam. They help your dentist to diagnose cavities, gum disease and infection.  Most patients are pleased to report that digital x-rays can be taken more quickly and the sensors are far more comfortable than traditional films.  This can make a trip to your dentist much more enjoyable.

For more answers to your questions about the benefits of digital x-rays talk to your Pediatric Dentist in Charlotte NC today.

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

We all know that we should brush and floss our teeth, but do you know why?  Having good oral hygiene helps keep plaque levels down.  When plaque sits on our teeth for long periods of time, it becomes destructive.  Brushing and flossing daily removes this plaque and helps prevent tooth decay.

2.  Frequency of Sugars and Acids

Almost everything we eat and drink has sugars or acids in them.  After we eat or drink something, it takes 20-40 minutes before these sugars and acids stop attacking our teeth.  If you are snacking or sipping on drinks throughout the day, the constant attack on your teeth can lead to a higher rate of tooth decay very quickly.

3. Dry Mouth

Did you know saliva actual helps prevent tooth decay?  It helps to buffer the acids in our mouth and help keep our teeth strong.  Certain medications, chronic alcohol use, smoking, and mouth-breathing can all reduce your salivary flow and lead to an increase in cavities.

4. Pits and Fissures

Some teeth have deep pits and grooves on their surfaces.  These crevices, or fissures, can be a breeding ground for bacteria and cause tooth decay.  During your routine dental visits, your dentist will examine these areas for any signs of decay.

5. Genetics

Some people are more likely to get decay than others.  Talk to your family members to learn more about their history with tooth decay.  If your family appears to be particularly sensitive to tooth decay, you should talk to your dentist about the best ways to fight the problem.

Having regular checkups with your pediatric dentist in Charlotte NC is the first step in avoiding tooth decay. To learn more, call to schedule your visit today.

Dr. Bevin Malley, a Charlotte pediatric dentist, conducted free dental checkups Sept. 22 during Kids HealthLink and Big Shots Saturday. The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools presented this free festival at the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology in Charlotte.

“It was a great time, and we were able to provide health assessments to numerous needy children in our community,” Dr. Malley says. “It was a rewarding experience, to say the least.”

This was the seventh year for the event, which provided free health evaluations that included vision, hearing and dental checkups to the public. Children also were able to receive immunizations during the event.

Kids HealthLink helps forward the Junior League’s Healthy Child Initiative, which is a multi-year commitment to increasing awareness about children’s health issues, especially in the areas of dental, mental and physical health.

Dr. Malley is a supporter of the dental health arm of the Healthy Child Initiative, which seeks to provide education and awareness to the community regarding the dental health issues that face children from infancy to age 17. The initiative also is working to implement programs in cooperation with community partners that focus on preventive dental care, according to the Junior League of Charlotte’s website. Finally, the group has a goal of encouraging continued dialog about children’s dental health needs in an effort to foster long-term solutions.

It is estimated that about 1,000 people received services during this year’s event. For more information on this event and the Healthy Child Initiative, we invite you to visit the Junior League’s website: https://www.jlcharlotte.org/?nd=healthychildinitiative.