Pediatrics Work

Pedontics

Pedodontics, or pediatric dentistry, is the specialty of dental work dealing with children. We like to begin seeing children at 3 1/2 years old. At that age, usually no serious work needs to be done on the child, and it is an enjoyable experience. 

Hopefully, that sets a lifetime of positive experiences with no dental phobias for the child. We will let the child play a little with the water syringe, push the buttons on the dental chair, and even use the foot pedal to run the polishing drill. All positives. We show Mom and Dad how to brush the child's teeth to make sure they are cleaned well. 

If work needs to be done, even that turns out well. Dr. Larry is honest and upfront with the child, showing them everything he is going to do before he does it. Well, almost everything. Dr. Larry uses "sleepy water" instead of a shot, and with his technique the kids don't even know they are getting a shot unless they are told by some one else. "By the time they turn sixteen years old, I'll probably tell them that they have been receiving shots all these years," says Dr. Larry. 

Another service offered for the children is interceptive orhtodontics. Many major orthodontic problems that develop into comprehensive treatment in the adult dentition, can be circumvented with much easier treatment at an earlier age. Interceptive orthodontics is routinely done at Kettle Moraine Dental with great results and at a savings of thousands of dollars. Please call for any questions.

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Sealants

Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). 

These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process, and are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. 

To place a sealant an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a liquid, as if it is painted right onto the tooth. The liquid then hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.

Mouth Guards

Wearing a mouth guard helps prevent against structural damage to your teeth and jaw and also helps prevent injuries such as lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Mouth guards have also been shown to help decrease the risk of concussions.

Mouth guards are available in most any sporting goods store, but you should be careful when purchasing a mouth guard. Mouth guards like this do not offer the best level of protection. They are also usually ill-fitting and uncomfortable.  

For the highest level of comfort and protection, you should visit your dentist for a custom mouth guard fitting.  A custom mouth guard is created specifically for the optimal protection of YOUR mouth. It is created with thin plastic that is hardened to protect your teeth.  The thinness of the custom mouth guard allows for easy breathing and also allows for easy communication (especially important for you star quarterbacks calling out the signals).  

See your dentist today for a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth and ensure that you maintain the highest level of performance on the field, court, or rink.