Preventative Strategies
At Kulshan Pediatric Dentistry we see patients as early as birth. Children's teeth begin forming before birth and the first primary (or baby) teeth start to "erupt" as early as 4 months. Your infant's gums and newly erupting teeth should be gently wiped after every feeding with a water soaked damp soft cloth. Any teeth that have fully erupted should be cleaned with a small, SOFT-bristled, brush and NO MORE than a thin smear of fluorinated toothpaste. We recommend that children starting at the age of 3yrs use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and continue brushing under supervision with parental aid until around the age of 8yrs. We recommend a variety of dental treatments to minimize tooth decay in children or adolescents and the doctors and staff at Kulshan Pediatric Dentistry will work with you and your child to encourage good oral hygiene habits at home.
Frenecomy
We are pleased to provide CO2 soft tissue laser dentistry using the renowned Light Scalpel to our patients and their families. This has been instrumental in tongue tie/lip tie frenectomy procedures, improving breastfeeding in infants, speech, feeding and airway issues in toddlers, and teenage postural/sleep problems.
Lip and Tongue Ties
A frenectomy is a simple surgical procedure performed to release the connection of the “frenum,” a connective muscle between two tissues. There are two types of oral frenectomies that are frequently performed on both adults and children for a variety of reasons.
A labial frenectomy is performed on the tissue that connects the lip to the gums. This may be performed on infants aid with breastfeeding, children to help prevent a “gap” and prevent plaque accumulation.
A lingual frenectomy may also be referred to as the release of tongue-ties (ankyloglossia). This procedure is performed on the connective tissue under the tongue. The procedure is often performed on newborn patients to assist with nursing or on toddlers or older patients who need the surgery to help correct speech or sleep issues caused by limited movement due the the frenum.
Special Healthcare Needs
Kulshan Pediatric Dentistry recognizes that providing both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care to individuals with special health care needs (SHCN) is an integral part of the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Our doctors have specialized training in the many facets of providing care for children with various special healthcare needs. We strive to ensure maximal dental health for all, regardless of developmental ability and are dedicated to the meeting the dental needs of all children. We are committed to providing the best experience and dental health tips for your child or young adult.