Common Problems

Tooth decay, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and early tooth loss can affect your child's oral health.

Ankylosis

Are you concerned about ankylosis, a condition where teeth become fused to the bone, inhibiting their normal movement as the jaws grow? Smile Country Dental excels at pediatric dentistry and can provide the expert care your child needs.

Ankylosis can occur in both primary and permanent teeth, affecting any tooth in the mouth. However, it is more commonly observed in primary first molars and teeth that have experienced trauma, particularly the incisors. The severity of ankylosis, often indicated by how "sunken into the gums" a tooth appears, can vary. Early onset of ankylosis tends to result in more severe cases as the child ages.

Effective treatment for ankylosis depends on the degree of severity. At Smile Country Dental, our experienced dentists will thoroughly evaluate your child's condition and discuss the appropriate treatment options. Factors such as the timing of the condition's onset and its impact on the surrounding structures will be taken into consideration.

If you have concerns about ankylosis or require professional advice regarding your child's dental condition, don't hesitate to contact Smile Country Dental. Our Napa and Santa Rosa offices are ready to provide the specialized care your child deserves. Schedule a consultation today to explore the best treatment approach for your child's ankylosis.

How Much Fluoride Is Too Much?

Fluoride is perfectly safe when used as directed by our dental office however there are some issues that can arise from using too much fluoride. Toxic levels of fluoride depend on person-to-person so it is important that you speak with us first before considering using a questionable amount of fluoride or if you have a child whose teeth are currently developing.

Fluorosis is a condition where exposure to too much fluoride causes defects in the tooth's enamel layer that often look like white patches or streaks across a tooth. In severe fluorosis cases, these patches or streaks can be brown in color making them a severe cosmetic concern and are often embarrassing for many people who have this condition. Fluorosis is most common in children with developing permanent teeth where fluoride levels are not properly applied and/or monitored but can become a problem to virtually anyone at any age.

If you think you have or have been told you have a mild to severe case of fluorosis, we want you to know that we can help lighten or remove the stains to teeth caused by excessive fluoride exposure. Request an appointment or call our office directly at 707.578.3118 to come in and have us take a look at your condition. In just one appointment we can significantly reduce the cosmetic blemishes of fluorosis.

Mucocele

This common benign lesion in children and adolescents results from the rupture of the excretory ducts (tiny tubes) that deliver saliva to the top tissues of the lips.

It's worth noting that more than 75% of mucoceles are typically found on the lower lip. While their size and color can vary, they are generally painless for the most part.

Patients often report the growth of these "bumps" until they spontaneously burst, leaving small ulcers that typically heal within a few days. However, it's important to understand that the lesion may reappear weeks or months later. If your child experiences recurring mucoceles, seeking professional dental care is advisable.

At Smile Country Dental, our experienced dentists recognize the impact of these lesions on your child's oral health. We commonly recommend treatment for mucoceles to address the condition effectively. Our goal is to provide personalized care and ensure your child's comfort throughout treatment.

If you suspect your child has a mucocele or other oral concerns, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Smile Country Dental. Our Napa and Santa Rosa offices are equipped to deliver exceptional pediatric dental care.

Open Bite and Cross Bite in Children

Are you concerned about bite problems in your child's dental health? Smile Country Dental, with two convenient offices in Napa and Santa Rosa, excels in pediatric dentistry and provides expert care for various bite discrepancies.

Open bite and cross bite are two prevalent issues in children, often stemming from discrepancies between the size of the jaws or the size of the teeth and the available space.

A posterior crossbite can manifest early and may require early intervention depending on its cause, such as malpositioned teeth or misaligned jaws. It can affect one or both sides of the molar area and sometimes lead to a bite shift. Multiple treatment options are available for addressing posterior crossbite, and our experienced dentists will discuss the risks and benefits of each approach in detail.

Anterior open bite refers to a condition where the top and bottom front teeth do not make contact when the patient bites. Open bites can often be traced back to habits that patients have or had in the past, occasionally combined with jaw size discrepancies. Since most open bites in children are associated with habits, early treatment primarily focuses on addressing the habit. Many appliances are available for treating open bites, and our dental team will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits specific to your child's case.

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Thank you so much. I avoid the dentist at all cost. Everyone made me feel welcomed and very comfortable. I will definitely be returning. Very friendly and experienced staff. Everyone there are very caring and gentle with fast appointment scheduling. I have been to many bad dentists before. I'm so glad I found this place! They also have a discount program if you have no dental insurance! I've already referred 3 people who will be making appointments, I believe one is there as we speak! It was actually FUN going to the dentist! I had no anxiety, no pain, and no problems! Best experience with DDS ever! I had a broken tooth requiring a crown. The process took two appointments - the first appointment I was fitted with a temp crown, the second appt the temp crown was replaced with a permanent. Both appts were great, the dentist and tech were super. My orthodontist is special. She conducts herself with charm and friendliness that are such reassuring traits helping me relax and be fully comfortable in her care. I trust her professional knowledge and skills without reservation. I am so very pleased that she is my orthodontist.