Childrens and Teen Dentistry:   

One of the most important decisions a parent will ever make for their children is about their health care. Parents search out the best pediatrician and keep up on all their children's shots and visits. It is a huge responsibility. The same interest needs to be shown for your child's dental care so they can have a healthy mouth and a great smile for a lifetime.

It's sad but often the parents bad experiences with dental care are passed down to another generation. Some kids come in terrified for no reason at all. Almost always after a few minutes everything is just fine. When we find the anxiety is just terrible we have Teddy Bears ready. One is for the child and one is for the parent. It seems to calm them both down quickly.   

The sooner a child learns about dental health, usually around the age of four, the better. There are several great children's books on the subject such as the Berenstein Bears series. Yes, teeth do need to be kept clean as soon as they come into the mouth. Call us and our dental hygiene staff will be happy to explain all about it to you, no obligation.

Often a brief visit to get acquainted with a dental office around three is a good idea. Once children begin regular dental visits, we provide fluoride treatments to prevent cavities, brushing instructions to clean the teeth and gums, sealants to prevent cavities, and a variety of  other procedures when necessary.

 With fluoride now so widely available most visits are simple, short and easy. Many kids actually like coming to see the dentist these days! Maybe it is just the visit to the toy chest. What ever it is , it's great to see them smile.

We know every parent wants to set there children on a path to proper dental health, so contact us today. We look forward to meeting you and your family. Well behaved parents are allowed a trip to the toy chest too.

Teens:  Here I can speak from personal experience as a dentist in Encino and father of two. Been there, done that.. Teens desperately care about the way they look. I can't help them with there wardrobe but I can give the a bright smile with bleaching. There are two ways to do this.

Dental Office Bleaching: Several in office visits of a bleaching agent usually does the trick. We protect the gums with a material  and repeated apply a bleach.This material  has been used for years and is safe for a teens young teeth.the amount of whitening that occurs. In office bleaching give complete control.The alternative that I favor is take home trays. We make tight fitting soft and thin vinyl tray to cover the teeth and give syringe like tubes of bleach to use daily until the desired result s are achieved. You can stop when you are ready. You control the shade to the teeth yourself. 

 Store Bleaching: Many people choose the bleaches purchased in markets and drug stores. I have see no damage from this. In my experience it does not work very well. These products are available in strips and gels. Without a good way to keep the saliva from washing away the bleach the results have been only slight whitening at best.

Whitening toothpastes have the same problem of washout but only worse. Whitening toothpastes can be helpful in removing surface strains such as those those that come from food and beverages.

People often ask about One Hour Bleaching. I do not recommend it. The process involves high heat, very strong bleach and there is no control over the final color of the teeth. I have found  many many people with very sensitive teeth after that procedure.  Many of these unhappy patients have come to me after "one hour bleaching" was done inorder to get relief from the annoying and uncomfortable sensitivity.

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Below is general information in case of a dental accident. We recommend you read and save this.
CONTACT US  or any available dentist to make an Appointment immediately if an accident occurs.

When a tooth is Knocked Out

When children or adults are hit in the face sometimes a tooth can be knocked out. With quick action a permanent tooth that has been knocked out can often be saved. Baby teeth should not be put back.

Baby teeth

Permanent teeth

• If a permanent tooth is knocked out it should be replaced into the socket immediately. The tooth has an excellent chance of surviving; however the chances of success get less with every minute that the tooth is out of the body.
• If there is any bleeding, it can best controlled with gentle pressure with a handkerchief or similar.
• Do not allow the tooth to dry out.
• Do not scrape or rub the root surface.
• If the child is calm enough - get the child to clean the tooth with saliva (spit).
• If the child cannot clean the tooth, it is better to rinse it briefly with milk than water.
• Do not rinse the tooth in water for any longer than 1 to 2 seconds.

What to do if the permanent tooth is clean

• If the tooth is clean, immediately replace it back into the socket and hold it there firmly with your finger.
• Keep holding the tooth in place with fingers or get the child to bite down on a soft cloth pad (gauze or a clean handkerchief) to hold the tooth in position. This also helps stop bleeding and reduces pain.
• Seek immediate dental treatment.

What to do if a permanent tooth is NOT Clean

• If the tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk.
• If you can't get milk, wash the tooth for only 1 to 2 seconds in water.
• Replace the tooth into the socket (as described above) and get immediate dental treatment.

What to do if a permanent tooth cannot be placed into the socket

• Completely cover the tooth in milk, or wrap it in some plastic wrap to stop it drying out.
• Seek immediate dental treatment.

What to do if a permanent tooth cannot be found

• Have a careful search of the surrounding area, especially including the child's mouth and clothes.
•  If the tooth cannot be found, still get immediate dental treatment, as there could be other damage

 

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Dr.Allan Melnick provides general, implant, and cosmetic dentistry services to families from Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Van Nuys, Tarzana, Calabasis, Woodland Hills, Northridge, the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles.