Key Takeaways: The Power of Collaborative Dental Care

• Introducing Little Spurs Pediatric Dentistry:Dr. Kameron Tauber, a recent graduate of pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children's, discusses his new practice in the Canton/Hickory Flat area.

• What is Continuity of Care?For the Tauber brothers, it means having the same primary care providers from infancy to adolescence who guide the child through their developmental stages and ultimately transition them to adult dentistry.

• Establishing a Dental Home:Pediatric dentists strive to establish a dental home for children by age one(or when the first tooth erupts) to enable long-term preventative care and early guidance.

• The Orthodontic/Pediatric Dental Interplay:The doctors emphasize that having specialists who "think alike" allows them to jointly monitor growth patterns, plan early treatments, and simplify complex issues before they arise in the teenage years.

Monitoring & Milestones

• When to See the Pediatric Dentist:The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the first visit when the first tooth comes in (around six months of age) or no later than age one. This visit is crucial for preventative education on diet, fluoride use, and brushing techniques.

• When to See the Orthodontist:The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends the first screening beforeage seven. This is a screening tool to catch severe or complicated issues like missing teeth or growth issues, not necessarily the start of treatment.

• Triggers for Orthodontic Consult (Dr. Kameron):He looks for habits like thumb sucking/pacifier use (which can cause an open bite), high cavity risk, and premature loss of baby teeth (which can cause space issues).

• Benefits of Early Orthodontic Intervention (Dr. Korry):Early treatment, such as using an expander for a narrow jaw, can gain necessary room for permanent teeth, often helping children avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later.

Patient Care & Practice Philosophy

• The '3-Legs of a Stool' Strategy:The best strategy for a growing smile involves the family/patient, the pediatric specialist, and the orthodontic specialist working together as a team.

• Convenience for Families:By working in tandem, the doctors can coordinate procedures like dental cleanings (often needed every 3-4 months during orthodontic treatment) to save families time and ensure better oral health monitoring.

• Behavior Management:Pediatric dentists receive extra training in behavior management techniques, including "Tell, Show, Do," using nitrous oxide(laughing gas), and, as a last resort, pharmacologic sedation or general anesthesia, to ensure children are comfortable and safe during treatment.

• Caring for Special Needs Patients:Dr. Kameron finds immense reward in meeting children where they are, celebrating small victories (like simply sitting in the chair), and creating a familiar, trusting environment for all patients.

• Family Values:The brothers share that their goal is to pass on the positive dental experiences they had as children (with their dental hygienist mother) to the community, always striving for"Happy people first, teeth second."

Connect with Stable Orthodontics & Little Spurs Pediatric Dentistry

Stable Orthodontics (Dr. Korry Tauber):

• Locations:Alpharetta/Milton & Hickory Flat/Canton

• Website: stableorthodontics.com

• Phone (Alpharetta):(770) 526-0190

• Phone (Canton):(770) 720-8138

Little Spurs Pediatric Dentistry (Dr. Kameron Tauber):

• Location:Hickory Flat/Canton (Alpharetta opening soon in January)

• Website: littlespursdental.com (Features a "Book Now" button for online scheduling)

• Phone:(770) 720-8138

Don't forget to schedule your child’s next appointment!