Children's Dentist in Lincoln, NE | Cleanings, Exams & Education

Dr. Jon Isaacson and Dr. Kelly O'Hara from Lincoln Familiy Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dentistry For Children in Lincoln, NE

Your Lincoln, NE Family Dentists 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 dentist who is knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic about working with children.

If you are in need of a children’s dentist that is patient-centered, gentle, and kind, look no further than Lincoln Family Dentistry. You will enjoy meeting Dr. Jon Isaacson and Dr. Kelly O’Hara. These children’s dentists educate thoughtfully to provide children with all of the information they need to be healthy and have a beautiful smile throughout their entire life.

Dr. Jon Isaacson

Dr. Jon Isaacson has two children of his own and can relate entirely to all parents who want nothing but the best for their child(ren). And, 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.

Dr Isaacson from Lincoln Family Dentistry

Dr. Kelly O’Hara

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 – children’s dental visits can be fun!

Finding a Friendly Children’s Dentist

There are several options when it comes to finding a dental clinic for children nearby. However, finding a children’s and teens dentist that they 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.

The Importance of Dental Care and Seeing A 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.

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

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Knocked-Out Tooth

Have your child bite on gauze to control bleeding.
Use a cold compress for swelling.
Offer soft foods and monitor for pain.
Call your Lincoln, NE family or pediatric dentist to have your child checked.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the mouth gently with water to keep the area clean.
Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling.
Save any broken pieces if you can, but they usually can’t be reattached.
Call your Lincoln, NE family or pediatric dentist ASAP.

Lip or Tongue Bite

Clean the area gently with water to remove blood or debris.
Apply firm pressure with gauze for 10–15 minutes if it’s bleeding.
Use a cold compress or ice pop to reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.
Keep the area clean & offer soft foods until it heals,
Call your Lincoln, NE family or pediatric dentist for persistent pain.

Canker or Mouth Sore

Canker Sore

Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe irritation and keep the area clean.
Use a liquid antacid or milk of magnesia dabbed on the sore a few times a day.
Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that can worsen pain.
Apply ice chips to help numb the area.
Use a soft‑bristled toothbrush and avoid toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate.

Toothaches

Toothaches

Rinse with warm water to clear out food or debris.
Use floss gently around the sore tooth to remove anything stuck.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek if there’s swelling (no heat).
Use age‑appropriate pain relief (never place aspirin directly on the gums).
Call your Lincoln, NE dentist if swelling, pain, and/or a fever present (all signs of infection).

Object Wedged between Teeth

Object Wedged between Teeth

Gently floss around the tooth to try to dislodge the object.
Rinse with warm water to help loosen debris.
Use an interdental brush if flossing doesn’t work and the child is comfortable.
Stay calm and avoid poking with toothpicks, metal objects, or anything sharp.
Call your Lincoln, NE family or pediatric dentist if you need further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dental Health

What causes bad breath in kids?

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 can visit a children’s dentist in Lincoln, Nebraska regularly for check-ups can help them to avoid dental problems related to bad breath.

Are crowns necessary on baby teeth?

Every child’s case is different. Your children’s dentist may recommend placing a crown on a baby tooth due to the age of the child. Baby teeth act 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.

Are dental sealants safe for children?

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.

Do pacifiers ruin baby teeth?

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 affect 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 children’s dentist can help offer solutions on how to help your child quit these habits.

When should my child see a dentist?

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 dental visit with a Lincoln, Nebraska 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.

Do kids lose their molars?

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, Nebraska 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.

What to do for teeth grinding in children?

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.