We specialize in pediatric medicine, pediatric urgent care, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics, which means our focus is on treating infants, children, and adolescents. Below are common questions and our answers about the best way to care for children's teeth.
We recommend that you make an appointment to see the pediatrician as soon as your child is born. It's highly recommended that you find a pediatric home BEFORE your child is born as your newborn will need checkups consistently in the coming days and weeks after birth.
When Should I Schedule My Child's First Visit To The Dentist?
We recommend that you make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as your child gets his first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child is seen by 6 months after his/her first tooth erupts or by 1 year old, whichever is first.
How Is A Pediatric Dentist Different From Other Dentists?
All dental specialists (pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and others) begin by completing dental school, and then continue their education with several years of additional, specialized training. During training in the field of pediatric dentistry, your doctor gained extensive knowledge and experience in treating infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists enjoy working with children, and bring to each patient our expertise in childhood development and behavior. Because our office is geared toward young visitors, you'll find that our staff, as well as our office design, decorations and activities, all work together to provide an especially friendly and comfortable environment for children.
What Happens During My Child's First Visit To The Dentist?
The first visit is usually short and simple. In most cases, we focus on getting to know your child and giving you some basic information about dental care. The doctor will check your child's teeth for placement and health, and look for any potential problems with the gums and jaw. If necessary, we will clean your child's teeth. We will also answer any questions you have about how to care for your child's teeth as they develop, and provide you with materials containing helpful tips that you can refer to at home.
How Can I Prepare My Child For His First Dental Appointment?
The best preparation for your child's first visit to our office is maintaining a positive attitude. Children pick up on adults' apprehensions and if you make negative comments about trips to the dentist, you can be sure that your child will fear an unpleasant experience and act accordingly. Show your child the pictures of the office and staff on the website. Let your child know that it's important to keep his teeth and gums healthy, and that the doctor will help him do that. Remember that your pediatric dentist is specially trained to handle fears and anxiety, and our staff excels at putting children at ease during treatment.
How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?
We generally recommend scheduling check-ups every six months. Depending on the circumstances of your child's oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits.
Baby Teeth Aren't Permanent; Why Do They Need Special Care?
Although they don't last as long as permanent teeth, your child's first teeth play an important role in his development. While they're in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If a child loses a tooth too early — due to damage or decay — nearby teeth may encroach on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth. Also, your child's general health is affected by the oral health of the teeth and gums.
What's The Best Way To Clean My Baby's Teeth?
Even before your baby's first tooth appears, we recommend you clean his gums after feedings with a damp, soft gauze. As soon as his first tooth appears, you can start using a toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. You can most likely find a toothbrush designed for infants at your local drugstore.
At What Age Is It Appropriate To Use Toothpaste To Clean My Child's Teeth?
Once your child has a few teeth, you can start using toothpaste on the brush. Use only a tiny amount for each cleaning. Always have your child rinse and spit out toothpaste after brushing, to begin a lifelong habit. Children naturally want to swallow toothpaste after brushing, and swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste can cause teeth to stain. You should brush your child's teeth for him until he is ready to take on that responsibility himself, which usually happens by age nine or ten.
What Causes Cavities?
Certain types of bacteria live in our mouths. When these bacteria come into contact with sugary foods left behind on our teeth after eating, acids are produced. These acids attack the enamel on the exterior of the teeth, eventually eating through the enamel and creating holes in the teeth, which we call cavities.
How Can I Help My Child Avoid Cavities?
Be sure that your child brushes his teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important, as flossing can reach spots between the teeth that brushing can't. Check with your pediatric dentist about a fluoride supplement which helps tooth enamel be harder and more resistant to decay. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, limit snacking, and maintain a healthy diet. And finally, make regular appointments so that we can check the health of your child's teeth and provide professional cleanings.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Composite Fillings?
Composite fillings have been used for about 35 years. The advantages of using composite material is the color can be closely matched to your child’s natural teeth, so restorations are nearly undetectable and result in a natural-looking smile. The tooth can be restored with a much smaller filling as compared to silver (amalgam) filling, so less natural tooth structure is lost. The composite actually bonds to the tooth creating a tighter seal and aids in strengthening tooth structure.
The disadvantages of using composite materials are that, depending on the condition of the tooth, it may be contraindicated and can actually set up the tooth for future decay leading to more major treatment. Also, the technique to place a composite filling is more difficult and requires more supplies and time. This can often be very difficult for your child to tolerate. In addition, the cost of composite material is significantly higher than amalgam thus making the overall cost of treatment higher. Most insurance benefits don’t cover the additional cost of composite fillings, so you must pay the difference.
What is Pulp Therapy?
The pulp or nerve is the inner central core of the tooth. The purpose of pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry is to maintain the affected primary tooth, so the tooth is not lost prematurely. Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to as a “nerve treatment”, “children’s root canal”, or “pulpotomy”.
The pulpotomy removes the diseased pulp tissue within the crown portion the tooth. Next, an agent is placed to prevent bacterial growth and to calm the remaining nerve tissue. This is followed by a final restoration, usually a stainless steel crown.
Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?
Sealants cover the pits and fissures in teeth that are difficult to brush and therefore susceptible to decay. We recommend sealants as a safe, simple way to help your child avoid cavities, especially for molars, which are hardest to reach.
My Child Plays Sports; How Can I Protect His Teeth?
Even children's sports involve contact, and we recommend mouthguards for children active in sports. If your little one plays baseball, soccer, or other sports a mouthguard is made to protect his teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe. Ask your pediatric dentist about custom mouth protectors.
What Should I Do If My Child Sucks His Thumb?
The large majority of children suck their thumbs or fingers as infants, and most grow out of it without causing any permanent damage to their teeth. If you child continues sucking after age 3, or sucks aggressively, let us know and we can check to see if any problems may arise from the habit.
When Should My Child Have Dental X-Rays Taken?
We recommend taking necessary x-rays. Today, using modern techniques, x-rays provide a safe aid in assessing your child's dental health. If your child is at a high risk of dental caries, we may suggest taking x-rays at an early age. Permanent teeth start coming in around age six, and x-rays help us make sure your child's teeth and jaw are healthy and properly aligned.
My child grinds his teeth at night? (Bruxism)
Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth, (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by your child’s grinding during sleep. Or, you may notice wear to the dentition (the teeth getting shorter). One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a new environment, divorce, or changes at school can influence a child to grind their teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night. If there are pressure changes (i.e. airplanes taking off and landing) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve and equalize the pressure.
The majority of children who grind do not require any treatment. If excessive wear of the teeth (attrition) is present, a night guard (mouth guard) may be indicated. The downsides to a night guard are the possibility of a choking hazard as the appliance becomes dislodged during sleep or it may interfere with growth of the jaws. The positive, it prevents wear to primary teeth.
Most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding tends to became less noticeable between the ages 6-9 and children tend to stop grinding between the ages of 9-12. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatric dentist.
What is “Laughing Gas”? (Nitrous Oxide)
It is a very safe way to comfort a very anxious child or help a good child have a more enjoyable visit. In order to help relieve anxiety or to relax your child, a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen is often used during their appointment. The gas is administered through a “flavored nose”, which is pleasing scent that your child chooses. It is NOT designed to “put them to sleep”, but only to help relax them.
What are your procedures to ensure infection control?
All aspects of our dental office have been designed to easily adhere to our industries strict infection control procedures. All equipment, cabinetry, and floors in the treatment rooms are dental specific and were designed for complete disinfection. Our sterilization center incorporates the latest cleansing and sterilization equipment and is structured so that sterile items do not contact non-sterile items.