There is very little risk in dental X-rays. Pediatric dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.  We generally don’t start taking X-rays until a child is five years of age.  Thereafter; we generally take X-rays once per year.  Visually Dr. Doyle can’t see in between the teeth and that is where problems can occur.  X-rays are needed to diagnose why a child is having a toothache and to prevent toothaches by finding decay while it is still small.

The X-rays we take are approximately equivalent to two days of natural radiation exposure that everyone receives by living on planet Earth.  To put this in perspective, a flight from New York to LA is approximately equivalent to four-five days of natural radiation exposure. 

We welcome questions and honor requests of parents wanting to wait longer than a year between dental X-rays. 

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS:

Do you find yourself stressed, anxious or nervous when you are on your way to an appointment and it’s taking longer than planned?  You are not alone.  Here are some tips to help you show up on time without feeling worn out by the time you arrive. Keep in mind that your time is valuable, no matter if it’s spent on items for business or pleasure.

Focus: Time management is a reflection of the rest of your life.  Therefore, it’s important to only focus on things that are of value to you.  If you agree to do something only because you’re being “nice” and don’t want to say no; re-visit this line of thinking. 

Build in a buffer:  Competent time managers know that tasks often take more time than you initially predict.  Build in buffer when you agree to be somewhere at a specific time.  This is also important when forecasting how much time it will take to get to an appointment.  For example, expect traffic and plan accordingly.

Leave Reminders: If forgetfulness is an issue, leave post-it notes in your car, on the coffee maker, anywhere that will be obvious to you to remind you of upcoming appointments.

Don’t Allow the Little Things to Get In the Way:  If your gas tank is almost empty, fill it.  Having to stop to fill up the tank on the way to a appointment, will most likely make you late.  If you need to drop mail off at the post office, do it when you’re not en route to an appointment.

Being an effective time manager requires you to be honest with yourself about your limitations and abilities.

Trauma can cause teeth to fracture.  The use of seatbelts while traveling or mouthguards while playing contact sports can prevent many traumatic dental injuries.

Contact Dr. Doyle immediately as quick attention to a fractured tooth, whether primary (baby) tooth or permanent tooth, can help maintain tooth vitality, alleviate discomfort, and allow for restoration back to natural contour and function.

Portion of fractured tooth can be put in water to help keep it hydrated in hopes it can be bonded back on to the remaining portion of tooth still attached. 

Quick Tips That Help Make Brushing and Flossing Fun and Easy

• Brush your teeth together, taking turns brushing each others teeth
• Use one of the familiar cartoon character brushes
• Sing the theme song from your child's favorite cartoon or a nursery rhyme, while you brush their teeth
• Use toothpaste and mouth rinse that have pleasant flavors for sensitive taste buds
• Use syllables like “ahhhh” or “eeeeeee” to help your child open their mouth or move their lips away from their teeth while brushing.

A Life-Long Commitment

When you teach a child something new at a young age, he will learn the task and continue it well into adulthood. Brushing and flossing has never been more important. Bring your child in to see Dr. Doyle as early as one year old or when you see eight teeth. We recommend children have dental check-up appointments once every six months.

THUMB/FINGER SUCKING

There is no evidence that sucking habits can be prevented; however, there are suggested ways to discontinue these habits.  Sucking is normal for babies and young children, therefore early intervention is usually not recommended. Most children stop sucking habits on their own around 4-5 years of age. Usually there is no reason to worry until permanent front teeth are ready to come in.

When the permanent teeth start to erupt, at age five or six, Dr. Doyle and the parents work together to develop a reward system to help children quit. If this approach does not work, a mouth appliance may be recommended that deters the thumb or finger from being inserted in the mouth to discourage sucking habits.