What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentist are like pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years of specialty training, following four years of dental school and limits their practice to treating only children (infants, toddlers, and adolescents) as well as all ages of patients with special needs.

When should my child have his/her first visit to the dentist?

All children need to see a dentist by their 1st birthday.

Why so early? Why would a dentist need to see a baby?

The most important reason is to establish a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can start early. A big concern is early childhood caries (aka: baby bottle rot or nursing cavities). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night when they nurse continuously from the breast. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems.

How often should my child have dental visits?

For most children 6 month checkups are recommended. However, some children require more frequent visits.

What kind of toothbrush should my child be using?

The majority of children should use a soft bristle brush with a small head. Electric toothbrushes are also nice because they can remove plaque with less effort from the child.

How much toothpaste should my child use?

Before the age of 2, a toothbrush should be used with water only or non-fluoridated toothpaste. Once the child is around the age of 2 and can spit on command, a pea sized amount of toothpaste should be used. If not monitored by parents, children may easily swallow excessive amounts of fluoride that is in the toothpaste.

How important is flossing?

Plaque cannot be removed effectively between teeth that touch without flossing. Cavities between the teeth are very common and can only be prevented by a combination of brushing, flossing, and a low sugar diet. As a rule of thumb, if neighboring teeth touch, they should be flossed. Most children do not have the manual dexterity to floss for themselves until the age of 6-8. To make flossing easier in small mouths, disposable flossers on a handle may be used by children or by parents for younger children.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride encourages remineralization (a strengthening of weak areas on teeth). These weak areas are the beginning spots of cavity formation. Fluoride is often added to city water supplies and in dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements. It is documented to be safe and effective at preventing cavities when used properly and in recommended dosages. It is very important to keep toothpaste, gel, rinses, and supplements out of your child’s reach and only allow them to use the products with your supervision. Keep in mind that a lot of these products have yummy tastes that attract children to use them.

What causes cavities?

Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid after food/drink is present in the mouth. This acid can dissolve the tooth structure and causes an infection, called tooth decay. Every time you eat or drink a beverage other than water, the acid reaction occurs in the mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts about 20 minutes. During this time, the acidic environment can destroy the tooth structure and lead to cavities. Sugars and carbohydrates are foods that stick to the teeth and cause a prolonged acid attack, which increases the risk for cavities. With normal meals and healthy snacks, the body can recover. However, frequent consumption of a diet high in sugars/carbohydrates leads to a chronic attack and the body may not recover properly, leading to a higher risk for cavities.

Aren’t they JUST baby teeth?

NO! Primary aka baby teeth are very important! Primary teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally. Also, they help form a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to grow in. This path will help ensure proper positioning of the permanent teeth. Cavities in primary teeth can lead to severe infections which can lead to hospitalization and/or death! Remember that a child begins to lose primary teeth around the age of 5-6 but will have some of them in his/her mouth until the age of 11-12.

How can I prevent “baby bottle decay”?

Nursing decay is also known as “baby bottle decay/rot” or “early childhood caries.” To prevent this, avoid nursing children to sleep, at-will nighttime feedings, or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle after his/her first tooth erupts (5-6 months). If the bottle has milk in it at night, the child’s teeth will be bathed in the milk which feeds the bacteria that produces acid, causing cavities. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle/sippy cup of milk, juice, formula, or any sweetened liquid. At-will nighttime breastfeeding should be stopped by 12-14 months of age.

Are thumb sucking or using a pacifier harmful for my child’s teeth?

Thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier are the most common forms of sucking habits that affect the shape of your child’s mouth and alignment of teeth. Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants with most stopping by age 2. If your child does not stop, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. We will work with each child to develop a tailored plan to address finger or pacifier habits. In some cases, positive reinforcement is the key, while in others, a habit appliance may be made.

What is considered a healthy diet for my child?

A balanced diet with recommended servings of fruits/vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, meet, fish, and eggs. Limit servings of sugary sweets, such as cookies, candy, soft drinks, and fruit juices. Suggested snacks include yogurt, fruit, peanut butter, popcorn, cheese, and vegetables such as carrots/celery. If juice is consumed, it should be one serving (1 juice box, pouch, or small cup) once per day and only with a meal. Your child should drink water or milk between meals. If the child is picky about water, a sugarfree powder such as KoolAid or Crystal Light can be added on occasion.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

Rinse your child’s mouth with warm salt water. You may place a cold compress on his/her face if it is swollen. You may also give your child Tylenol or Ibuprofen according to your pediatrician’s dosing instructions. Do not place aspirin on the gums because this will cause a chemical burn. If your child has a fever, swelling of the face/lips/neck, trouble breathing, or is not eating/drinking, this may be a true dental emergency. Contact us immediately and/or go straight to the emergency room.

What can I do to soothe my child’s teething pain?

From 6 months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like to use a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth to sooth sore gums. You may also offer them a chilled teething ring. Do not use over the counter topical pain relief products such as Ambesol because there is too much of a risk for overdosing and these products do not relieve pain for very long. You can also give your child liquid Tylenol as directed for pain relief.

What can I do to protect my child’s teeth during sporting events?

Soft plastic mouthguards can be used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks, and gums from sport related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard made by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries to the teeth, face, and even provide protection from severe injuries to the head.

What do I do if my child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

First, if your child has any broken bones or other injuries, you should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency room. If the injury is only dental related, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm so you can find the tooth/tooth fragment. Once you find it, do not hold the root and do not rinse it off. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part that you see in the mouth) and try to re-insert it into the socket. If it doesn’t go, do not try to force it. Just place the tooth in a glass of milk or in a container with your child’s saliva covering the tooth and call our office. In order for the tooth to have a good prognosis, your child needs to be seen as soon as possible-ideally within 30 minutes-1 hour.