Is a Crown or a Filling Better for a Child?

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Has your pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO told you your child has a cavity or tooth damage? If so, they might have recommended a filling or a crown. In this case, you will have to decide which one you feel is best for your child.

Let’s talk about that for a moment.

Should Your Child Get a Filling or a Crown?

As you know, your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, so should you even bother with fixing them? The answer is yes because you don’t want damaged teeth to become infected and make your child sick.

Since baby teeth fall out, most pediatric dentists will recommend just putting in a filling. However, if your child’s baby tooth won’t be falling out for several years, a dental crown might be the better option because it’s a more durable solution.

Now let’s go over the difference between a pediatric filling and a pediatric crown.

  • Pediatric Fillings

Pediatric fillings are used to patch a cavity hole in your child’s tooth after the dentist has removed the decay. Pediatric fillings are usually made of a tooth-colored composite resin that is placed into the hole in your child’s tooth then smoothed over and polished.

  • Pediatric Crowns

Pediatric crowns in Fort Collins, CO are tooth-shaped caps that cover and protect your child’s damaged tooth. The cap fits over the entire tooth, so it’s more durable and offers more protection than a filling. Pediatric crowns are made of either tooth-colored porcelain or stainless steel. Your dentist will generally recommend a pediatric crown if your child has several years until their permanent teeth come in or if your child’s tooth has significant damage and will need extensive repairs, such as a broken tooth or multiple fillings.

Should You Have Your Child’s Tooth Pulled or Have a Crown Put On?

If your child’s tooth has so much damage that it can no longer be repaired, your pediatric dentist will probably recommend pulling it. However, if the damage is minimal, you might want to go ahead and have it filled if it’s a cavity or have a crown put on if the situation warrants it. This will avoid the need for an extraction.

Do You Need a Pediatric Dentist in Fort Collins, CO?

If you need a pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, please Contact Big Grins today. We have been practicing kids’ dentistry since 1998, so we are experts at treating children of all ages.

5 Things You Can Do to Teach Your Child Good Dental Hygiene

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Your child’s attitudes toward dental hygiene will impact them all their life. Teaching your child good dental hygiene habits can help your child have attractive, healthy teeth into their adulthood. As a parent, you can help your child learn good dental hygiene by bringing your child to the pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO and by following the tips below.

1. Take Your Child to the Dentist Regularly

Your child should visit the dentist once annually for a dental cleaning and dental examination. Going to the dentist helps your child avoid plaque and tartar on their tooth enamel, and cavities. Make a point of taking your child every year at the same time, so you won’t forget.

2. Enforce Good Dental Hygiene Habits At Home

Have your child brush their teeth before bed every night. Don’t make any exceptions, because bacteria that sits on their teeth overnight can lead to problems like bad breath and cavities. Making tooth brushing a habit also helps your child establish good routines that will follow them into adulthood.

3. Brush Your Child’s Teeth Until They’re Old Enough

Brush your child’s teeth until they’re about 7 or 8 years old. Young children don’t have the coordination or gross motor skills to properly brush their teeth. If your child wants to do it themselves, then brush their teeth first and then let them have a turn. As you brush their teeth, describe what you’re doing and why it’s important. This will help your child understand the process and learn how to do it themselves.

4. Practice Good Dental Hygiene Yourself

Be sure to brush your own teeth every morning and night. Be an example to your child.

5. Make Going to the Dentist a Positive Experience

Take you child to a dentist that knows how to handle young patients. Pediatric dentists are uniquely suited to help soothe children’s anxieties about going to the dentist, and that can make going to the dentist a positive experience overall.

Bring your child to a pediatric dentist for their pediatric dental cleanings in Fort Collins, CO. At Big Grins, we’ve set up our practice specifically for children. We know how to make going to the dentist a positive and productive experience for your child. Call today to make an appointment.

 

What Are the Three Different Types of Sports Mouthguards?  

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If your child plays sports, one of the most important pieces of equipment needed is a sports mouthguard. However, there are different types of sports mouthguards available. So let’s take a look at them so you can make an informed decision about which one is the most suitable for your child. Then you can talk with a pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO about what to do next.

Here are the three different types of sports mouthguards to consider.

1. Stock Mouthguards

A stock mouthguard is one you can buy, then wear right out of the box. These are generally the cheapest sports mouthguard option and are enough to provide some protection. However, they aren’t all that great when it comes to stability and comfort. This is because they are a one-size-fits-all option, so they are bulky.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

The boil-and-bite type of mouthguards are similar to stock mouthguards, but they are not ready to use right out of the box. Boil-and-bite type of mouthguards are a little more customized and comfortable than stock mouthguards. They work as the name suggests. The mouthguard is boiled then your child bites it to create a somewhat customized impression. These are more expensive than stock mouthguards. However, they are a far cry from customized mouthguards.

3. Customized Mouthguards

Customized mouthguards are custom designed and fitted by your pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO. They are more expensive than other mouthguards, but they are much more comfortable and specifically fitted to your child’s mouth for a perfect fit. That’s why they provide the best protection possible for your child’s teeth and smile.

Why Would Your Child Need a Custom-Made Sports Mouthguard?

If your child plays any of the following sports, a custom-made sports mouthguard is essential. This is because a properly designed and fitted mouthguard will provide your child with more comfort and much better overall protection.

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Skateboarding
  • Martial arts
  • Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Horseback riding or eventing
  • Mountain biking
  • Rollerblading or roller skating
  • Any other activity that could jeopardize the health and appearance of your child’s teeth

Additionally, if your child has braces or has had other specialized dental work done, it would be beneficial for your child to wear a custom-made sports mouthguard in Fort Collins, CO to protect their teeth and smile.

Custom-made sports mouthguards are guaranteed to provide your child with a more comfortable fit and better protection than stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards would.

What’s Next?

If you need a pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, or would like more information about sports mouthguards for your child, please Contact Big Grins today. Our team specializes in providing a friendly and comfortable dental experience for kids, so they form a positive dental foundation that will last a lifetime.