Children's Dentist in Lincoln, NE

Are you looking for a Friendly Children’s Dentist in Lincoln, NE?

Finding a children’s dentist office can sometimes be a little difficult. Parents want a place they can trust and a place that offers wonderful dental care. Visiting the dentist can be a scary place for children. For most adult patients dental anxiety has usually stemmed from a bad childhood dental experience. So, it is important to find a children’s dentist or a “Lincoln dentist near me” that is knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic about working with children. If you are in need of a children’s dentist in Lincoln, NE that is patient-centered, gentle and kind, look no further than Lincoln Family Dentistry. You will enjoy meeting Dr. Kelly O’Hara and Dr. Brooke Kittell and admiring the excellent chair side manner and positive reinforcements they will give to children of all ages. These children’s dentists educate with the purpose of providing children with all of the information they need to be healthy and have a beautiful smile throughout their life. Dr. Kelly O’Hara used to be a high school English teacher before making the switch to Dentistry. Therefore this children’s dentist knows what inspires and motivates children the most and explains it in a positive way. Dr. Brooke Kittell has one child of her own and can relate entirely to all parents who want nothing but the best for their child(ren). Both of these Lincoln dentists know the importance of educating both children and parents to instill healthy habits to ensure their smiles will last a lifetime.

Image of a group of young children who are all happy with healthy smiles.

Finding a Friendly Children’s Dentist

There are several options when it comes to finding a children’s dentist office nearby. However, finding a children’s dentist that your children and teens are comfortable and at ease with can be difficult. By finding a gentle and caring kids dentist that will routinely provide cleanings and check-ups, your child’s overall health will be improved.

Dr. Kelly O’Hara and Dr. Brooke Kittell are qualified, friendly children’s dentists that will exceed your expectations and keep your child smiling brilliantly.

The Importance of Dental Care and Seeing Children’s Dentist

A healthy mouth helps maintain our overall health so it is important to keep our teeth healthy and continue to promote good dental habits. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood illness in America.Tooth decay is much more than just a hole in your child’s tooth. It involves bacteria that can enter the bloodstream leading to more serious bacterial infections. Tooth decay is actually 5 times more likely than childhood obesity and four times more likely than asthma. By having regular check-ups by a children’s dentist, the overall well-being of your child will be increased.

Our children’s dentist understands the importance of tooth care and works together with parents to educate their kids on how to maintain oral hygiene at home.

Dr. Kelly O’Hara uses the “tell, show, do” method making it easy to educate children of all ages. By taking a step-by-step approach Dr. O’Hara can explain the necessary skills to kids for taking care of their teeth and maintaining their overall health. Besides being a great educator, Dr. O’Hara is always staying up-to-date with the newest techniques and research on dental hygiene in relation to a healthy body.

Children’s Dentist on Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies:

Image of a young boy who is happy because he is seeing a children's dentist.

Children’s Dentist Advice on Knocked Out Tooth

(Baby tooth) place the tooth in a container of milk, salt water, or patient’s saliva
(Permanent tooth) Carefully insert back into socket
See your local children’s dentist ASAP

Image of young boy with a healthy smile who is getting ready to play soccer.

Children’s Dentist Advice on Broken Tooth

Clean around injured area with antiseptic
Ice pack for swelling and discomfort
If tooth is sharp, use wax to prevent lacerations
See your local children’s dentist ASAP

children's dentist for girl bright smile

Children’s Dentist Advice on Lip or Tongue Bite

Apply direct pressure with sterile gauze to stop bleeding
Rinse with oral cleanser to help with bleeding and clean wound
If swelling is present apply ice pack
If bleeding continues more than 25 minutes seek medical professional

Children’s Dentist Advice on Canker or Mouth Sore

Will appear as a small/medium white sore on cheeks, gums, or tongue
Rinse with Oral Cleanser
Ora-base paste or Orajel will help alleviate symptoms
Should heal in 1-2 weeks. If lesion is still present see your local children’s dentist for an exam

Image of a happy young girl with a healthy smile.

Children’s Dentist Advice on Toothaches

Clean with dental floss and swish with mouthwash.
If swelling is present, place an icepack on outside of cheek near affected area (don’t use heat).
An over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol can be taken.
See your local children’s dentist ASAP for x-rays and an exam.

Children’s Dentist Advice on Object Wedged between Teeth

Use dental floss and swish vigorously.
If object is not removed see your local children’s dentist.

Click on image below to enlarge.

what is a cavity handout from children's dentist

Blog:

“Don’t Do the Dew: Risks of drinking Mountain Dew” (Click on picture visit blog)

Image of a can of Mountain Dew. Any children's dentist will strongly discourage you or your child from drinking mountain dew.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)

Our talented Dental Team would like to take this time to educate children about good vs. bad dental habits that can contribute oral health issues.

A good attitude and habits established at a young age are very important in maintaining the oral health of your child. By participating in the NCDHM, our dental team can help educate parents, teachers, and the children on how to keep their smiles beautiful for their lifetime. Our Children’s Dentist, Dr. Kelly O’Hara, and Nebraska Family Dentistry have prepared a fun and interesting presentation to help children (K to 5th grade) learn healthy dental habits.

This presentation is interactive and gets children’s attention. Most importantly, it inspires children to take good care of their teeth and keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Please contact us if you would like our dental professionals to come to your school during February. We would love to visit and bring an intriguing presentation with handouts for elementary aged children. Please contact our community educators if you’d like to arrange a school visit at 402-304-3549 or email at nebraskafamilydentistry@gmail.com

“Taking Care Of My Mouth” (Click on picture below to view)

children's dentist handout for powerpoint

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dental Health

Q: What causes bad breath in kids? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

Bad breath can be caused by inflamed tonsils, cavities, dry mouth from allergies and inflamed gums around partially erupted permanent teeth. Kids can control their bad breath by staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene and taking a probiotic. Making sure your child sees their Lincoln, NE children’s dentist regularly for checkups can help them to avoid dental problems related to bad breath.

Q: Are crowns necessary on baby teeth? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

Every child’s case is different. Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist may recommend placing a crown on a baby tooth due to the age of the child. Baby teeth act as as natural space maintainers, ensuring adequate room for permanent teeth to erupt in their proper positions. Young children need their molars to be able to chew food which helps develop the muscle and bone in the jaw and face. If a very young child has extensive decay on a tooth, your dentist may recommend placing a crown to help keep the space open for a few more years. In older children, sometimes it is possible to remove the tooth and place a space maintainer.

Q: Are dental sealants safe for children? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

Sealant material is made up of a liquid resin material that does not contain BPAs. This material is flowed over the pits and grooves that naturally occur in permanent molars. This material is cured with an LED light. This material creates a smooth surface that is much easier for children to brush efficiently, preventing the accumulation of cavity-causing bacteria.

Q: Do pacifiers ruin baby teeth? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

It is encouraged to help your child quit using a pacifier by age 2 and to quit a finger or thumb-sucking habit by age 4. This behavior can effect the development of the hard palate and positioning of front teeth. In some cases, children develop an open bite, which occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the teeth are closed due to their flared position caused by thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use. Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist can help offer solutions on how to help your child quit these habits. You can follow our blog by clicking this link. https://nebraskafamilydentistry.com/blog/

Q: When should my child see a dentist? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist around one year old, or 6 months after the eruption of their first tooth. Your child’s first visit with your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist is a great time for you to ask any questions about oral hygiene, normal growth and development as well as nutritional counseling to help avoid early childhood cavities.

Q: Do kids lose their molars? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

Kids have eight baby molars. Typically, the first primary molar which is the molar directly behind the canine is lost at age 8. The second primary molar is generally lost between ages 10-12. All kids grow at a slightly different pace, so these age categories can vary between individuals. During this phase of childhood, it’s a great idea to see your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist on a regular basis to help monitor growth and development. In some cases, if kids over-retain their baby teeth, this can lead to orthodontic complications.

Q: What to do for teeth grinding in children? Your Lincoln, NE children’s dentist answers…

Teeth grinding in children is very common, especially when children are starting to lose baby teeth. This is often noticed by parents when the child is sleeping. When permanent teeth begin to put pressure against the roots of baby teeth, this can create the urge to clench and grind teeth. Kids do not need to wear a nightguard from grinding teeth at night. If teenagers continue to grind their teeth even after all of their permanent teeth have erupted, they may need a nightguard to protect their permanent teeth.