Babies have a sucking reflex that aids them in feeding but also seems to have a calming effect. Many parents use pacifiers to soothe infants between feeding or nursing, or to help their babies relax prior to going to sleep.

While limited pacifier use is typically safe, prolonged regular use can negatively impact the development of children’s teeth. The Omaha family dentists at Premier Dental are proud to offer gentle, comprehensive dental care for children and every member of your family, and we can help you better understand the long-term dental health impacts of pacifier use.

Situational use of a pacifier during a child’s first few years of life will likely not have an adverse affect on the child’s teeth. Pediatric dentists generally recommend that if a pacifier is used, it should be administered when the child is preparing for sleep and then removed; most children will naturally rely on their pacifiers less as they grow and will drop the habit between the ages of 2 and 4, although the earlier your child can stop pacifier use the better.

Overuse of a pacifier—particularly beyond age 2—can result in a number of teeth development problems and contribute to bite conditions including:

• Open bite: a gap between the upper-front and lower-front teeth when the jaw is closed
• Crossbite: a condition in which the upper-back teeth rest inside the lower-back teeth
• Overjet: a projection of the upper teeth beyond the lower teeth

Pacifier use past age 4 or 5 can also delay the budding of a child’s primary teeth, which can contribute to further developmental problems. Long-term pacifier use can also lead to dependency.

If you would like to learn more about pediatric dental care or schedule your child’s checkup, please contact Premier Dental. Our family dentists welcome patients from the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas.

Your oral health directly affects your overall health, and that is why practicing good pediatric oral hygiene is critical to your child’s long-term well-being.

The Omaha family dentists at Premier Dental are proud to offer friendly, gentle and thorough dental care for every member of your family. We emphasize preventive dental care, and if you’re a parent, we can help you and your children establish a good dental hygiene routine.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children receive their first dental checkup when their primary teeth—or baby teeth—appear, or no later than their first birthdays. Most children develop their primary teeth between 6 and 12 months of age.

Good pediatric dental care includes engaging in oral hygiene early. Parents should begin brushing their children’s primary teeth with a small amount of water when they first appear.

Parents may begin using small amounts of toothpaste when brushing their children’s teeth when the children are around 2 years old. Between the ages of 2 and 6, children should be taught the fundamentals of a good daily dental hygiene routine, including how to spit out their toothpaste and rinse after brushing.

Like adults, children should brush their teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Parents are advised to teach their children to floss when the children develop two adjacent teeth.

Regular dental exams and teeth cleanings are recommended once every six months to assess your child’s oral health and treat potential problems at their earliest stages.

If you would like to learn more about pediatric oral hygiene or schedule your child’s checkup, please contact Premier Dental. Our family dentists welcome patients from the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas.

As an adult in your 50s, 60s or beyond, your dental needs are slightly unique from when you were younger. Our dentist Dr. Dan Beninato can provide you with the information you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

As an older adult, you may face some of the following issues related to your oral health:

• Arthritis can make it difficult and painful to brush and floss effectively.
• As you age, you are at a greater risk for certain oral health problems, including tooth loss, which can be addressed with dental implants or other tooth restorations.
• Dry mouth – caused by many medications taken by older adults – can quickly lead to cavities and possibly gum disease because it creates an environment in which bacteria thrive.

If you have trouble caring for your teeth because of arthritis, our dentist can tell you about some different products he recommends. There are floss holders and other products designed for people who have trouble holding floss. You can also attach your toothbrush to an object, like a ball or a washcloth, to make the handle more comfortable to handle. Some people find using an electric toothbrush reduces some of the difficulty caused by arthritis.

To learn more about our experienced Omaha dentist and our services, please contact Premier Dental to schedule a consultation.

Many people hesitate to go to the dentist – hesitate to the point of not scheduling appointments, sometimes for years. Perhaps you had a bad experience with a dentist in the past, or you may find teeth cleanings and other services are just too painful to endure. Some people even seem to have a genetic resistance to getting numb. For these people, a routine visit can be unbearable.

Our dentists offer services and features designed for the anxious dental patient. These features include:

• Sedation dentistry for the seriously anxious, fearful or anesthetic-resistant patient.
• Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. Nitrous oxide can be beneficial to patients who have trouble getting numb with anesthetics.
• Electric handpieces to eliminate drill sounds and discomfort.
• A first visit that includes your comprehensive examination, as well as time dedicated to answering your questions, addressing your fear and anxiety, and getting to know you.

Our dentists and entire team believe in excellent customer service. We care about taking time with each of our patients, to make sure each patient is comfortable with treatment. We can discuss your dental anxiety and the possible solutions to reducing it.

To learn more about our experienced Omaha dentist and our services, please contact Premier Dental to schedule your first visit.