Dental Health

Most kids lose their baby teeth—also called primary teeth—in a distinct sequence at set intervals.  Children’s baby teeth come out naturally starting around age six, becoming progressively looser as they fall out (sometimes with a little extra wiggling because the Tooth Fairy is expected to visit).  Sometimes baby tooth loss doesn’t happen in the usual… (Read More)

Baby teeth, also called deciduous, primary, milk, or lacteal teeth, have many different purposes. Dr. Ryan Whalen at Whalen Dentistry is asked the purpose of baby teeth often. So what’s the answer? Tiny Teeth for Tiny Mouths Child-sized mouths are not large enough to accommodate a full set of adult teeth, so the primary teeth… (Read More)

You may think of our team at Whalen Dentistry as part of your child’s defensive line keeping them safe from gum disease and tooth decay, but we’re also myth busters! You’ve probably heard one of the most common misconceptions we have to challenge: dentistry isn’t important until after children lose their baby teeth.  The truth… (Read More)

The pulp is found in the center of each tooth and consists of tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which work together to provide oxygen and nutrients that keep them healthy and strong. If one or more teeth suffer a traumatic injury or decay, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. When this happens in a… (Read More)

Your child’s smile has the ability to make your day, and at Whalen Dentistry, we know you want them to love their smile as much as you do—that’s why we’re always happy to inform you of the best prevention and treatment methods!  Our prevention lessons and practices are usually focused on gum disease and cavities,… (Read More)

If you’re a parent or you’re lucky enough to work with infants and toddlers, you know that teething is not the most fun phase they’ll go through. Teeth having to push their way through gum tissue sounds rough, so it’s no surprise that as it happens, your little one will likely be sensitive and in… (Read More)

Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching, a habit that children and adults can develop and maintain, often without being conscious of it—until symptoms hit. Those symptoms can include: Worn, sensitive teeth Headaches Earaches Facial and jaw pain Tinnitus If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, or you have… (Read More)

A child’s happy, healthy smile is a source of pride and joy for parents—and dentists, too! For this reason, you’ll likely spend a good deal of time helping them develop superb oral hygiene routines to ensure they keep their teeth for life.  When you’re just getting started, you may have a lot of questions. We… (Read More)

Today, Dr. Ryan Whalen of Whalen Dentistry would like to discuss the unique dental characteristics of those with Down Syndrome. First teeth may arrive later. Children who have Down syndrome can get their first teeth anywhere from 12 to 24 months of age; they may not have a complete set of baby teeth until age… (Read More)

Parents face many decisions, even before their baby makes an appearance—but once that bundle of joy arrives, one important choice is whether to use a pacifier. Babies have a natural reflex to suck their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects to help them feel more secure, to soothe them, or to lull them to sleep…. (Read More)