When your child has a tooth that’s badly infected or seriously injured, it’s natural to wonder whether saving it is still possible. Most parents hope to avoid tooth removal altogether, and so does our Saginaw pediatric dentist. A tooth extraction is always a last resort, especially when we’re talking about baby teeth that guide the growth of the adult smile. Still, there are times when it’s the safest way to protect a child’s oral health and prevent pain from getting worse.

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child’s smile. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential, but they’re sometimes not enough when it comes to those hard-to-reach back molars. That’s where dental sealants from our Saginaw pediatric dentist come in. They’re one of the most effective preventive dental treatments for kids, and yet many parents still don’t know how powerful they can be for cavity prevention.

Hearing that your child needs a dental filling can catch any parent off guard. You might wonder why it’s necessary, especially if the tooth is a baby tooth that’s going to fall out soon. The truth is, treating cavities in baby teeth still matters. Our Saginaw pediatric dentist warns that when left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and even problems with how permanent teeth come in.

Thumb sucking is one of the most common childhood habits, and it often begins long before a baby is even born. Many parents first notice it during the infant stage as a way for their child to calm down, self-soothe, or fall asleep. Because it’s such a natural behavior, our Saginaw pediatric dentist often receives questions about whether it’s harmful or when it should stop.

Losing a baby tooth can feel like a big deal to a young child. Some kids are excited, but others may feel scared or confused. Our Saginaw pediatric dentist believes that as a parent, your response plays a huge role in shaping how your child reacts. Turning tooth loss into a positive experience starts with normalizing it, explaining what’s happening, and creating positive associations with this natural milestone.

As kids grow, a lot of questions tend to pop up for parents. It’s totally normal! With that said, however, one such question is when it makes sense to bring your child in to be seen by our Saginaw pediatric dentist. We want all parents and guardians to be aware of the general guidelines and present the information in an approachable, non-judgmental manner.

Whether you’ve heard of a space maintainer before or it’s completely new to you, it’s always good to know when one might come in handy for your little one. Our Saginaw pediatric dentist will have to first perform an oral exam to confirm the need for this type of oral appliance, but oftentimes, one is placed when a child has had a tooth come out ahead of schedule that otherwise shouldn’t just yet.

Even with a more dedicated effort each day, oral hygiene can sometimes fall short for kids. You have to help them brush, floss, and let’s be honest, they aren’t always the most diligent unless you’re right there monitoring them. Our Saginaw pediatric dentist is familiar with the struggle and often treats children’s cavities with silver and tooth-colored fillings.

Taking care of children’s teeth is never one-size-fits-all. For families with children who have a developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, physical disability, or complex medical condition, dental care can feel especially overwhelming. But with a few simple strategies from our Saginaw pediatric dentist, brushing and flossing at home can become more manageable—and even a positive part of the day.

Many people tend to think that all dentists have the same level of knowledge and can treat all ages equally. While it is true that general dentists have the ability to see small children in their offices, it’s not their specialty. Our Saginaw pediatric dentist, on the other hand, is fully invested in taking care of the smiles of patients who are 18 or younger.