Welcome Dr. Shawn McMoran

We would like to welcome our new doctor on behalf of all of our offices!

Dr. Shawn McMoran, a native of central Arkansas, graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 1997. Upon graduation, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, also at Lsu School of Dentistry. After practicing several years in private practice as a general dentist, he also practiced at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for almost for almost 5 years in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. After working with children in a hospital environment, Dr. Shawn decided to pursue the specialty of pediatric dentistry. He completed his 2 year specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry/Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville Kentucky. Dr. Shawn achieved board certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2011 and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and The Georgia Dental Association. He enjoys traveling, reading, cycling and just about all sports. He currently resides in the Atlanta area.

Mucoceles

By Vishant Nath DMD

A mucocele is an infected salivary gland.  It looks and feels like a growth in the mouth.  It is most often due to a blockage of the salivary gland, but can also result from trauma to the mouth.  Another cause can be certain medications that thicken the saliva.  The thicker saliva can block the salivary gland, leading to a mucocele.  So what happens if you notice this in your mouth?

Most mouth-related sores heal rather quickly.  Anyone who has bitten their tongue or lip will know that these types of injuries can be quite painful when they first occur, but then they are gone in a few days.  A mucocele will sometimes heal on it’s own, but if not, it might require more attention.

Mucoceles can be present anywhere you have a salivary gland.  This includes on the inner lips, the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue.  Mucoceles are not normally painful, but they can be irritating, especially when you eat.  They can especially be irritating in children if they keep moving their tongue against it.

Whenever you notice any sort of bump or lump in your or your child’s mouth, it is important to visit your dentist to have it evaluated.  The dentist can examine the area and determine the best course of action.  If the diagnosis is the presence of a mucocele, you may be referred to an oral surgeon.  Normally mucoceles can be easily removed using a scalpel after numbing the area.  The tissue can then be sent for pathology to make sure that it is benign, or not cancerous.

Once the proper treatment is completed, it’s important to keep an eye on the area, as the growth can sometimes reoccur.  Again, consult your dentist if this is the case.

In any case, it’s best to visit your dentist and have them guide you through the process of determining what the growth may be and the best course of action to take in treating it.

When Pediatric Dental Treatment Is Delayed

Oftentimes when children are diagnosed with cavities, parents ask the question, “When should we have them treated?” They wonder, is this something that needs to be done right away, or can it wait until a later date? I always emphasize that treatment should be done right away, as untreated cavities can lead to severe dental infection.

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, students miss more than 51 million school hours per year because of dental problems or related conditions. Dental pain can distract students, cause their schoolwork to suffer or even lead to school absences. Children and adolescents with healthy teeth have better school attendance, are more attentive in the classroom and tend to participate more fully in school-related activities.

Although finances can be a deciding factor in choosing to defer treatment for parents, its important for parents to remember that untreated decay can lead to more expenses, discomfort and hassle if the child were to require hospitalization for a serious dental infection from untreated dental decay.

The type of dental infection that can lead to hospitalization can have the following symptoms¹:

• The affected child may be dehydrated and in pain.
• The child’s body temperature may exceed 101 degrees F, which indicates a severe infection.
• Trismus may develop. This is the inability to open the mouth widely. It is caused by inflammation of the chewing muscles (muscles of mastication).
• A dental infection can spread deep into the face and neck, and may require surgical drainage in order to resolve the problem.
• Deep infections of the face, head, and neck can quickly produce life-threatening complications that would lead to hospitalization.

This type of dental infection is treated in the following manner¹:

• The most important step in treating a dental infection is removing the source and cause of the infection. This often means removing (extracting) the offending tooth. Extracting the offending tooth has the additional benefit of providing a way to drain the infection.
• Antibiotics are of secondary importance in treating a dental infection, and antibiotics are not automatically used to treat dental infections. Antibiotics are used for treating infections involving rapidly progressive swelling, diffuse swelling, a medically compromised child, or an infection that has invaded the extraoral spaces.
• If a child with an infection is dehydrated, IV fluids may need to be administered.

The bottom line is that most, if not all of these types of infections can be avoided by following through on dental treatment recommended by your dentist as quickly as possible.

¹Flynn TR: Oral-facial emergencies. The Swollen face. Emergency Clinics of North America. 18(3) August 2000.

Let’s Get Flossing!

In terms of maintaining great oral health and hygiene habits, brushing is not enough! Dental floss is an important tool in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. This applies to your child’s teeth as well. So when should flossing begin? How often should we floss? Read on!

Flossing should begin in children as soon as they have two teeth touching each other. The sooner you get children used to flossing, the more likely it is that it will become a habit for them. Flossing can feel “funny” at first for kids, but if you do it every day, they will become more comfortable with it. If your child is older now, and they have not developed a flossing habit, it isn’t too late to start.

Flossing offers several important benefits. First, flossing removes food particles that get stuck in between teeth. When these particles are stuck in between teeth, brushing alone may not remove them. This is why brushing is not sufficient to properly clean teeth. Second, flossing improves gum health by removing potentially harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. To be most beneficial, flossing should be performed at least once a day and on a regular basis.

There are a variety of types of dental floss available. Some flossing products are designed specifically for children. For a recommendation on which type is best for your child, ask your pediatric dentist. We are probably all familiar with basic dental floss. You hold the floss between your thumb and forefingers and gently slide it up and down between your teeth. Dental floss is also sold in the form of floss picks. Floss picks are small plastic tools that come with the floss stretched out on one end and a tooth pick on the opposite end. Floss picks can sometimes be easier for kids to use to independently floss their teeth. However, it is best to supervise young children in flossing.

If you can find a way to make the activity of flossing fun, there is a greater chance that your child will cooperate with flossing on a daily basis. Take your child along to the store to choose their flossing tools. Not only are there a variety of types of dental floss, there are usually several different flavors to choose from. Involving your child in the process of selecting a floss can motivate them to use the product at home. Finally, teach your children the importance of flossing by being a good role model. They are more likely to take you seriously if you practice what you preach. Flossing is great for everyone, so floss away!