Ryan J. Hughes, DDS, MS

Our Blog

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

April 19th, 2012


All dental specialists whether pediatric dentists, orthodontists, or oral surgeons, begin by completing dental school and continue their education with several years of additional, specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, an extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.

Establishing a “dental home” for your child provides the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep your child free from dental and oral disease and a place to go should a dental emergency arise.

Ask us if you need the name of one of our recommended pedodontists.

Spring is here! Do we have your current contact info?

April 9th, 2012


Spring is in the air! As you probably know, you can always connect with us on our Facebook page, but we invite you to please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you.

We also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Thank you! Have a great week!

How often does my child need to see the dentist?

April 3rd, 2012


Your child should visit our office every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, more frequent visits may be recommended. Generally fluoride treatments are also recommended twice a year to keep teeth at their strongest.

Even though your child’s primary teeth don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important role in development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If your child loses a tooth too early (due to damage or decay) nearby teeth may intrude on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth.

Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of general health. Oral conditions can interfere with eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking, self-esteem, and daily activities. Severe tooth decay can even affect growth and development. A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance. Finally, preventive dentistry can result in less extensive, and less expensive, treatment for your child.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

March 26th, 2012


Toothaches occur when the nerve root of a tooth is irritated and can be caused by an infection, gum disease, decay (cavities), or injury. If your child complains of a toothache, rinse his or her mouth with warm water and inspect the teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children’s pain relievers may be taken orally.

If the toothache persists, it is important to call their pedodontist to determine the cause of the pain and provide relief. Immediate contact should be pursued if your child experiences:

• Pain that is not be relieved by over-the-counter drugs
• Severe pain after a tooth is pulled which may be dry socket syndrome
• Pain associated with swelling of the gums or face, or discharge around a tooth, especially if accompanied by a fever
• Broken or knocked-out teeth from an accident or injury