It is safe to say that 2020 threw everyone a curveball with the ongoing pandemic. Because of COVID-19, many young patients were unable to see their pediatric dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and unfortunately, your children’s dental insurance coverage won’t offer any benefit extension. This is why Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage strongly recommend you maximize your child’s plan while there is still time. Since these benefits will not roll over, it is in your best interest and that of your child to get the most out of your coverage, as it will not only put more money back into your pocket, but it will more importantly keep your little one’s smile healthier as they enter into a new year. Read on to learn what you can do before 2020 ends.

As a parent, it is no surprise that one of the most common concerns is the current state of your child’s oral and overall health. As they grow, they will experience a wide array of changes, many of which can positively or negatively impact their well-being, development, and ability to succeed academically. If your child is experiencing an obstruction in their airway in McKinney, they can be faced with a myriad of complications the longer they go without proper treatment. Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage want to help you avoid these potential problems by further explaining the many benefits that come with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

When learning your child has a tongue or lip tie in McKinney, you may feel overwhelmed by the information you find while researching this common condition. As pediatric dentists, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage can eliminate any confusion and provide a clear and concise explanation of what is happening in your child’s mouth and how it can be treated safely and effectively. But in order to understand some of the terminologies that will likely be used when discussing potential treatment, read on to familiarize yourself with the common verbiage you can expect to hear from your child’s dental team.

Are you worried your child isn’t sleeping well? Do you notice they breathe through their mouth? Is their behavior at home or school causing you to wonder if it could be related to their inability to achieve adequate rest? The answer could be that your child is experiencing sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). As board-certified pediatric dentists in McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are here to provide further explanation as to what you should look for and how to know if your child is at risk for SDB. 

The current changes that are happening throughout the world are having a substantial impact on not only adults but children as well. When you combine a global pandemic that requires everyone to wear a face mask when going out in public with the start of a new and uncertain school year, it should come as no surprise these stressful situations are just a few reasons behind trouble sleeping for kids in McKinney. As a parent, take a few moments to discover what you can do to help your little one sleep and breathe better during this difficult time.

You quietly enter into your child’s bedroom while they are asleep and notice them laying on their back with their mouth wide open. In the following days, you notice they are feeling more fatigued, maybe experiencing some congestion, and appearing to be more irritable than normal. Unsure why this is happening, you notice more and more than they are breathing through their mouth when asleep or possibly while awake as well. Could it be connected? As board-certified pediatric dentists in McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage answer 4 of the most frequently asked questions about children and problems that can occur as a result of mouth breathing. Early recognition, evaluation, and treatment if necessary are important as mouth breathing can be a symptom of sleep disordered breathing.

You may not realize it, but your child’s airway plays a pivotal role in their growth and facial development. The way they breathe can negatively impact their teeth, smile, face, and overall health, but how can you tell if there is an obstruction that is keeping them from sleeping soundly? As fathers and board-certified kid’s dentists, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage offer holistic dentistry for kids in McKinney and can explain what signs/symptoms you should look for when identifying whether your child has a problem that requires professional treatment. A poor airway can have long-lasting negative effects on the physical, mental, and emotional growth, development, and wellness of children.

If you are the parent of a child with autism, we understand that there can be stress and challenges in preparing them for a dental appointment. Because many children with special needs often have severe dental phobia and sensory processing disorder, collaboration between parents and their dentist can greatly improve their dental experience. Developing a comfortable environment, rapport with the dental team, and consistent oral hygiene routines at home can lead to more positive outcomes when a child receives the dental care they need, especially when they are suffering from cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, with many dentists offering special needs dentistry, regular dental checkups and cleanings no longer have to be a traumatic experience. So, how can this be accomplished? Let Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage, our two board-certified pediatric dental specialists, share a few helpful tips to ensure your child’s next dental visit is less stressful and more enjoyable when finding your McKinney pediatric dentist.

Does your child have diabetes? Are you aware of the possible effects this common disease can have on their oral health? It is not unusual for patients who have diabetes to develop certain dental conditions, one of which is “gum” (periodontal) disease. Although there is a link between these two health conditions, hear from a McKinney pediatric dentist who explains why preventive dentistry is one of the best ways to keep your little one’s smile looking and feeling its best.

Visiting the dentist’s office can be scary for young children. Whether it is a regular dental checkup and cleaning or a more complex treatment or procedure, the goal is to ensure your child remains relaxed, comfortable, and at ease during their visit. Although you cannot control what occurs while in the dentist’s office, let a pediatric dentist in McKinney share a few ways you can help your child prepare for a stress-free experience.