Category: Dentistry

Depending on who you talk to, you may hear many myths and questions about your child’s teeth. Can your child have juice? Should they sleep with their bottle? Is sucking their thumb bad for them?

Good oral care is vital for your child’s health, so it’s important that we at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry extend our knowledge and expertise. Below, we’ve busted a few common myths about pediatric dental care.

Myth: It’s important to start babies on fluoride even before their teeth come in.

Fact: Fluoride is like a superhero for your child’s teeth! Imagine it as a tiny shield that helps strengthen their teeth from the very first moment they erupt from sneaky villains known as “sugar bugs”. These bugs love to munch on sugar and create acids that attack teeth and cause cavities, but fluoride comes to the rescue making teeth that much tougher! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using no more than a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for children less than 3 years old and using a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6 years of age.

Myth: Decay on baby teeth decay doesn’t matter. They fall out anyway.

Fact: Although baby teeth eventually fall out, preventing decay is still important. Baby teeth play a crucial role in your baby’s dental development, including the development of the jaw, and they act as placeholders until your child’s grown-up teeth come in.

Decay starts when anything other than water is left in the baby’s mouth. While they sleep, it mixes with bacteria and forms acids that attack the tooth enamel. While the acid is usually washed away during the day by the baby’s saliva, it pools around the tooth while they sleep. So, make sure to examine your baby’s teeth regularly on both sides and look for dull spots and lines, which are the initial signs of decay. It’s important to note that decay on baby teeth can lead to decay on a child’s permanent teeth.

Myth: Kids can drink juice whenever they want.  

Fact: Sugar-sweetened beverages such as juices, flavored milk, and soda should only be given on special occasions, and we recommend not having them in your child’s everyday diet. Not only do they exponentially raise your child’s risk for developing cavities, but there is also little to no nutritional benefit to them! The American Heart Association recommends that children under the age of 2 avoid all added sugars in their diet, and limit quantities given to older children.

Myth: Children do not get toothaches.

Fact: Yes, a child can suffer from a toothache, especially if any decay affects the pulp of their tooth. They may complain that their tooth hurts when they drink or eat something very hot or cold. You may need to bring them to the dentist for X-rays and treatment.

Myth: Bleeding gums are normal.

Fact: Unless a child is brushing too hard, bleeding gums indicate another problem brewing under the surface. For example, your child might have gingivitis, a gum disease that results in too much plaque. Another gum disease, periodontitis, which is caused by poor diet and dental health, can also result in early tooth loss and severe pain for your child. Another concern could be that your child suffers from a vitamin deficiency, such as Vitamin K or C. We recommend practicing daily brushing and flossing with parental supervision to combat all types of gum disease, as well as cavities!

Myth: Thumb-sucking doesn’t hurt baby teeth. 

Fact: Well, that depends on your child and how they suck their thumb or fingers. For example, some babies will put pressure on their teeth or palate, which can create tooth deformities as their permanent teeth grow. Others create issues when it comes to where their tongue and lips will rest as they develop. The good news is that sucking their thumb or fingers is normal, and most kids typically stop when their permanent teeth come in around the age of 2 to 3. If your child continues to suck their thumb or fingers after this age, talk to your dentist about ways to stop.

For more information on your child’s teeth, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry at (843) 821-6433.

It’s exciting when your baby’s first tooth comes in (okay, maybe teething wasn’t so fun), but what now? How do you care for those cute little chomp, and what should you expect next?

Like every other aspect of your baby’s life, these first few years of your infant’s dental health are crucial. During these early ages, you can help develop healthy habits and start your child’s dental journey on the right foot.

Here are tips to help you navigate infant tooth care:

• Know the schedule: Every infant’s schedule differs, but their bottom front teeth typically erupt between 6 and 10 months. The upper front teeth should come in by the end of their first year, the canines around 16 to 22 months, and the first and second molars between 13 to 33 months. All of their teeth will come in by the time your child is about three years old.
• Take a peek: Check inside your child’s mouth and become familiar with their gums. That way, you can tell if there’s something wrong. Healthy gums should be moist and pink in color. Teething gums may appear red and swollen as the teeth begin to erupt but should return to their typical pink hue afterward.
• Keep ‘em clean: Taking care of your child’s teeth should begin even before the first tooth comes in. Start by gently cleaning their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding. Once a tooth comes in, it’s time to take the cleaning up a notch. Now you can use a child-sized soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the teeth with only the tiniest amount of fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, but keep cleaning those gums! You can start using a larger pea-sized amount of toothpaste once your child turns three.
• Fluoride Facts: Speaking of fluoride, it helps to prevent decay and will strengthen your child’s teeth. You can find fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste, but if your tap water does not have fluoride, there are supplements available.
• Make an appointment: Once that first tooth peeks through, it’s time to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Regular check-ups are vital to your child’s dental health, as they can help prevent disease or issues early.
• Manage the pain: It will take time for all of your child’s teeth to come through, so there may be times when they are uncomfortable. They might cry, or there may be excessive drooling. If their gums are sore, you can ease their pain with some acetaminophen or a cold, but not frozen, teething ring. The FDA also cautions against using any numbing gels on your child’s gums.
• Child Cavities: Yes, your child can get cavities even when they are young, so do what you can to prevent that from happening. Do not let them fall asleep with a bottle, limit sugary and sticky drinks and foods, take good care of their teeth and schedule regular dental check-ups, which can help keep cavities at bay.
• Consult the professionals: When in doubt, our team of knowledgeable professionals at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry can answer any question or concern you may have about your little one’s dental health. We’re here to help arm parents with the tools they need to keep their child’s smile bright and healthy.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your little one’s teeth, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry today.

 

 

 

The most important aspect of understanding dental insurance is this one simple fact: dental insurance is simply a means of payment for dental care, like a gift card from your employer.

 

How does this gift card work?

 

Navigating dental insurance may seem like a puzzle, but it can be a fun and rewarding journey to ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy! Dive into the adventure of understanding the terms, exploring different types of plans, and discovering how they cover your child’s dental care. Here are some useful tips to make this process a breeze!

 

 

In Network vs. Out of Network

 

Dental insurance is a wonderful benefit that many employees love to receive as a part of their employer benefit package.

 

An in-network dentist has chosen to be part of the insurance plan offered by your employer. You must seek treatment from dentists who are members of this plan to receive the benefits they offer. Insurance agents promise that they provide “two free cleanings” a year. In-network providers usually offer 100% “free” coverage for preventative care, such as cleanings and regular checkups, and nearly all of the standard dentist’s fees for other services. Who doesn’t love “free”?  Investing in preventative care for your child now means you’re setting the stage for a healthy smile and avoiding costly treatments down the road. Think of it as a superhero shield against cavities, worn enamel, and gum disease. Preventative dental care can also help prevent common issues such as cavities, worn enamel and gum disease.

 

Out-of-network dentists are like free agents in the dental world—they’re not tied to any insurance company and work solely for you/the patient/your child (whichever you prefer saying). With this, you get the freedom to pick any out-of-network dentist for your child.

 

The catch? You may have to shell out a bit more from your own pocket.

 

It’s crucial to understand insurance terms such as “usual and customary” or “UCR,” which is a bit misleading. Fees vary greatly with different insurance companies. Therefore, a plan that is less costly to the employer will usually have a lower usual and customary fee schedule. Essentially, this means that a dentist who has decided to participate within your employer’s insurance network has agreed to provide services to your child at a deeply discounted rate. Sometimes, these discounts are 40-50% lower than the standard fee.

 

You may wonder why anyone would choose an out-of-network dentist, but those in-network often have to double their patient load to balance out the lower fees they accept from insurance companies. By opting for an out-of-network provider, you could get more personalized, relaxed, and attentive care for your child’s pearly whites.

 

Imagine your favorite grocery store having everything 50% off all the time. You’d probably think it’s either going out of business or is one of those discount chains, right? The same could be expected from medical practices that operate consistently at these discounts. They may need to increase waiting times, reduce employees, and buy cheaper-grade supplies and equipment to cover expenses.

 

Also, in-network dentists are part of your insurance plan – like sticking to a menu at a restaurant, they can only suggest treatments that are covered. According to the AAPD Oral Health Policy on Dental Reimbursement, insurance companies (which are not health care providers) can sometimes randomly deny claims. This can make it difficult for you to get the care you need to boost your child’s smile. Stepping out of the insurance network can open up a world of better, more comprehensive dental care options!

 

We Work with Out-Of-Network Providers

 

So, why choose an out-of-network provider? Think of it as getting VIP treatment for your child’s dental care. Out-of-network pediatric dentists have the freedom to focus on what’s best for each child, without being boxed in by insurance company rules. This means more flexibility and personalized care tailored to your child’s unique needs. Plus, you’re not stuck picking a dentist from a limited in-network list—you get to choose the best fit for your little one’s smile!

 

Finding the right dentist for your child’s needs is essential to their care, so the flexibility to choose will ensure you pick one your child feels most comfortable with. Since out-of-network dentists are not as restricted as in-network ones, they may be able to offer a more comprehensive selection of treatment options. They can also hire the most trained and qualified team and provide the most advanced technology. Before selecting a dentist, it’s best to do your due diligence to find one that meets all of your child’s needs.

 

If Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is not an in-network provider of your dental plan, don’t despair! We would love to discuss your child’s needs and our pricing with you.

Here’s the best part: We’ll still handle your insurance paperwork, and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your insurance may still [italics] cover a large portion of the dental fee. In fact, you may discover that our rates for certain procedures are more budget-friendly than you’d expect, even without being in your plan.

 

For a more detailed understanding of dental insurance, the American Dental Association breaks down the types of plans and what they offer in detail here. There is so much more to understanding insurance, and if you’re unsure of what to do or still have insurance questions, it’s our pleasure to discuss your options and answer any questions you have.

Our team is here to help you provide your child with the best care and treatment options for them.

 

Have further questions? Contact our team today!

 

Let’s work together to keep those smiles shining bright!

 

When someone is “tongue-tied,” it usually means they have difficulty articulating their thoughts. But for some children and infants, being tongue-tied is an actual medical condition they were born with that can cause issues with eating, pain, cavities, or even speech problems.
The problem stems from the frenum, also known as the lip tie or tongue tie, a soft band of tissue connecting the lips, cheek, and tongue to the jawbone.

“Usually, this thicker tissue is found above your two front teeth, connecting the top lip, or beneath the tongue,” explains Dr. Leva Sabet, a pediatric dentist at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry. “Sometimes, children are born with thicker than normal frenum, which can prevent proper function.”

Common Signs and Symptoms
There are many signs Dr. Leva warns parents to watch for. These can include breastfeeding issues, speech issues, difficulty sleeping and eating, and even issues with brushing teeth.
“They may struggle with swallowing certain foods, leading to prolonged mealtimes as well as choking, gagging, and spitting food out,” said Dr. Leva. “They may also struggle to transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding due to issues with solid foods.”

At nighttime, if your child resists brushing their top teeth, grinds their teeth, or snores, a tongue-tie could be the culprit. “A lip tie can be very uncomfortable for a child when lifting the upper lip, becoming a food trap and obstacle when brushing,” she said. “In normal anatomy, the tongue should rest forward on the roof of the mouth during sleep. A tongue tie can cause the tongue to fall backward in the throat during sleep, leading to airway obstruction. This incorrect positioning can lead to teeth grinding, snoring, or sleep-disordered breathing. Such disordered breathing can lead to bed-wetting, restlessness, or frequent waking at night.”

Take a good look at your child’s tongue for even more telltale signs. If they can’t stick their tongue out or their tongue is heart-shaped, it could be an issue. “Spacing between baby teeth is ideal, but an upper lip tie can lead to esthetic concerns for some in the permanent teeth,” said Dr. Leva.

Easy, Painless Procedure
The good news is that tongue tie is a common condition among newborns (affecting approximately 5%) and can be corrected with a simple procedure known as a frenectomy. Summerville Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is the only pediatric practice in Charleston that has the Solea Co2 Laser, which allows them to correct the tongue-tie with minimal discomfort, no swelling, and little to no bleeding. And here’s the better news for the little ones: no needles, incisions, or sedation are necessary. This machine also reduces the risk of infection and other complications.

“It’s changed the entire game on how we do dentistry,” said Dr. Leva
“This means children can get right back to school after their appointments without worrying about long-lasting numbness,” said Dr. Leva. “In eliminating the need for anesthesia-related injections, in addition to shorter procedure in-chair time, the laser significantly improves our young patients’ experiences in our office. However, we will only do the procedure if the frenum is causing direct functional issues, not only cosmetic reasons, unless working in conjunction with an orthodontist.”

Working with Parents Post-Op
The crucial part of this corrective procedure is the recovery period. Parents are given exercises to do with the child at home post-op to ensure the procedure’s success. The exercises are demonstrated in the office so that they can be performed at home the recommended “three weeks, three times a day for three seconds.”

“It’s all about us being a team with the parents,” said Dr. Leva. “Parents doing the exercises at home is the biggest key to success.”

Frenectomy Patient Testimonial
Sabet noted that post-procedure, parents reported significant improvements in the child, including more mobility in the tongue and less picky eating. One parent shared her child’s exciting progress that immediately followed his procedure.

“My two sons go to Summerville Pediatric Dentistry. My one-year-old went and saw Dr. Leva, and she discovered he had a lip tie. She mentioned that they can do a simple laser procedure to remove the lip tie and improve some functions that he was having trouble with. I opted to proceed with the procedure. Let me tell you that it was the best decision I could have made. It only took about 2 minutes to do the procedure. Although my son didn’t like it very much, he only cried like 2 seconds after it was done. When we got to the car I gave him a sippy cup that had a straw. He could not drink out of a straw at this point but it was all I had with me. When I gave it to him, he drank out of it like he had been doing it all his life. He even started talking more that day. The results that I saw immediately after the Laser procedure were amazing. I would recommend it to anyone whose child has a lip tie. Get it done. Thank you, Dr. Leva, for being the best.”

If your child meets the criteria or if you’re concerned your child is struggling with these issues, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry today for a consultation.