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| Who Is A Pediatric Dentist? |
- A pediatric dentist is the primary care dentist for children.
- We have had two to three extra years of specialized training beyond dental school. We are dedicated
to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years, including those with special needs.
- The very young, pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their
behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems.
The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
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| Why a Pediatric Dentist? |
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A pediatric dentist has a kid friendly office, staff, and a dentist who has had two to three years of
specialized training in how to work with kids, and allay their fears. The whole focus of the office is
geared to children and their unique needs. Children are not little adults! They need special surroundings,
and methods that brings dentistry to them in a non threatening manner. For your child to have a fun time
and develop positive experiences and attitudes, leading to a lifetime of healthy teeth, a pediatric dentist
is the way to go!!!! No more fear of the dentist!!!!
Just as you use a Pediatrician for their health needs- a Pediatric Dentist is best for their dental needs!
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| First Dental Visit- When and Why? |
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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends your child should visit the dentist by his/her first birthday. You can make the first visit
to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and her staff will explain all procedures
and answer any questions.
Please use positive words when telling your child about the dental visit. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that are pleasant
and non-frightening to the child. If you the parent are dento-phobic then I would leave the talking to the professionals at the office!!!!
We like to see the child early in order to employ anticipatory guidance – anticipate problems for a given age and prevent them!!!
Early diagnosis is smart diagnosis. It is easy to treat small problems than to deal with huge ones. Please bring your child early to us to prevent
costly and lengthy treatments.
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| What’s the importance of Baby Teeth? Aren’t they going to loose them? |
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Primary teeth are important and should be kept healthy. Neglected cavities and gum diseases can lead to problems which affect developing permanent
teeth. Primary teeth, or baby-teeth, are important for
- nutrition of the child through proper chewing and eating
- maintaining space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position,
- for normal development of the jaw bones and muscles
- development of speech
- develop self confidence through an attractive appearance
The front teeth usually last until 6-7 years of age, but the back teeth (cuspids and molars) are replaced only around age 10-13.
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| Why Dental X-rays? |
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X-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat health conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found
and treated early, dental care is more comfortable for your child and more affordable for you. X-rays help in the following:
- detect cavities that cannot be seen by a simple visual clinical exam
- to survey erupting teeth, and their path of eruption
- diagnose bone diseases, tumors and other abnormalities
- evaluate the results of an injury,
- Plan orthodontic treatment.
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| How often should my child have dental X-rays? |
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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-rays approximately once a year for most children, and every 6 months for children with
a high risk for tooth decay. The Academy also recommends a panoramic X-ray (of the entire mouth) around age 6-8, and again around age 15, to
assess growth and development and wisdom teeth.
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| Will my child be exposed to too much radiation? |
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Pediatric dentists are careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. Digital X-rays and proper shielding assure that your child
receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure. We use a digital X-ray system, which provides up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays.
With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. The risk is negligible. In fact,
the dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons will protect your child. Today’s
equipment filters out unnecessary X-rays and restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest.
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| Homecare of Your Child’s Teeth |
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Start daily brushing as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts . Use just water, or a non-fluoride toothpaste. A pea-size amount of fluoride
toothpaste can be used once your child is old enough to spit and is not swallowing. By age five or six, children should be able to brush their
own teeth twice a day, but often require parental help. We recommend parental supervision until about age eight to make sure they are doing a
thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether your child has the skill level to brush properly.
The objective of proper brushing is to remove plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place the
toothbrush at a 45 degree angle; start along the gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of
each tooth. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Start from one side of the upper jaw to the
other side and then repeat the same steps on the lower jaw. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.
For children who have trouble removing all the plaque, or who are cavity prone, an electric toothbrush may help to keep their teeth cleaner.
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| Should my Child floss? |
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Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth have a contact between them.
You should floss your child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone.
Method:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands.
- Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers.
- Use a gentle, back-and-forth (sawing) motion to guide the floss between the teeth over the tight contacts and slide it into the space between
the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.
- Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth.
- Repeat this procedure on each tooth.
- Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.
You may find it easier to use a floss holder to floss in a child's small mouth. These are available at most grocery and drug stores.
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| Good Diet is a Healthy Teeth |
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Healthy eating habits lead to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and the soft tissues of the mouth need a
well-balanced diet. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups.
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| Snacking: |
- The more frequently a child snacks, the greater the chance for tooth decay.
- The length of time the food remains in the mouth also plays a role. For example, candy and sticky snacks, such as fruit roll-ups, raisins, and dried fruit stay in the mouth a long time, which cause longer acid attacks on tooth enamel.
- When your child snacks, choose nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and cheese which are healthier and better for children’s teeth. Hard cheese has been shown to kill the bacteria that causes cavities.
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| Are cavities contagious? |
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Recent studies have shown that the bacteria that cause cavities are contagious, and can be passed from one family member to another.
If adults or other family members get frequent cavities, it is best not to share eating utensils (like eating with the same spoon or
fork etc) or drinks. Kissing the child on the mouth can also help pass the bacteria to you child. Your saliva has the bacteria which
can be transmitted to your child.
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| How Do I Prevent Cavities? |
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Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants without teeth, use a wet gauze
or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from the gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. See
"Baby Bottle Tooth Decay" for more information.
Once your child has teeth, brush them at least twice a day and begin daily flossing when any two teeth touch. Also, watch the number of snacks
containing sugar that you give your children.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends six month visits to the pediatric dentist beginning at your child’s first birthday.
Routine visits will start your child on a lifetime of good dental health.
Your pediatric dentist may also recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments for your child. Sealants can be applied to your child’s
molars to prevent decay on hard to clean surfaces.
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| Sealants - Seal Out Decay |
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A sealant is a white plastic material that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars), where four out
of five cavities in children are found. This sealant acts as a barrier to food, plaque and acid, thus protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth.
Sealants are checked during each examination and are often touched up.
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| Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries) |
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One serious form of decay among young children is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is caused by frequent and long exposure of an infant’s
teeth to liquids that contain sugar. Among these liquids are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened drinks.
Putting a baby to bed for a nap or at night with a bottle containing anything other than water can cause serious and rapid tooth decay. Sweet
liquid pools around the child’s teeth giving bacteria an opportunity to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If you must give your baby a bottle
as a comforter at bedtime, it should contain only water. If your child won't fall asleep without the bottle and its usual beverage, gradually dilute
the bottle's contents with water over a period of two to three weeks, until it contains only water.
After each feeding, wipe your baby’s gums and teeth with a damp washcloth or gauze pad. The easiest way to do this is to sit down and place the
child’s head in your lap. Whatever position you use, be sure you can look into the child’s mouth easily.
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| When Will my Baby’s first tooth show up? |
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Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their
teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between
the age of 6-10 months. See "Eruption Times of Your Child’s Teeth" for more details.
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| Eruption Times of Your Child’s Teeth |
- Baby Teeth:
Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary tooth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors,
followed closely by the upper central incisors. Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.
- Permanent teeth:
Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the lower incisors and the first molars ( 6 year molars) which erupt behind the last baby
tooth in the back of the mouth. It erupts without the loss of a baby tooth. The remaining teeth erupt sequentially till age 12- 13 years when all the
baby teeth are replaced with permanent teeth.
- Wisdom teeth:
The wisdom teeth erupt around 16 to 21 years of age. Some wisdom teeth do not come out in the right direction and may not erupt at all. Some time
wisdom teeth have to be pulled if they are not coming out in the right direction.
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| Dental Emergencies |
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| Fluoride |
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Fluoride is an element, which in the right concentrations has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be
detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion by
preschool-aged children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to brown discoloration of the permanent teeth. Many children often get
more fluoride than their parents realize. Being aware of a child’s potential sources of fluoride can help parents prevent the possibility of dental
fluorosis.
Some of these sources of excess fluoride are:
- Swallowing too much fluoridated toothpaste at an early age (before being able to spit).
- The inappropriate use of fluoride supplements.
- Hidden sources of fluoride in the child’s diet.
Two and three-year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out) fluoride-containing toothpaste when brushing. As a result, these youngsters may
ingest an excessive amount of fluoride during tooth brushing. Toothpaste ingestion during this critical period of permanent tooth development is
the greatest risk factor in the development of fluorosis. We recommend brushing with a non-fluoridated toothpaste, until your child can spit.
Excessive and inappropriate intake of fluoride supplements may also contribute to fluorosis. Fluoride drops and tablets, as well as fluoride fortified
vitamins, should not be given to infants younger than six months of age. After that time, fluoride supplements should only be given to children after
all of the sources of ingested fluoride have been accounted for and upon the recommendation of your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Certain foods contain high levels of fluoride, especially:
- powdered concentrate infant formula,
- soy-based infant formula,
- infant dry cereals,
- creamed spinach,
- and infant chicken products.
Please read the label or contact the manufacturer. Some beverages also contain high levels of fluoride, especially:
- decaffeinated teas,
- white grape juices,
- and juice drinks manufactured in fluoridated cities.
- Soft drinks at fast food restaurants are often made using the city water supply. This water may be fluoridated.
Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their children’s teeth:
- Use a non-fluoride baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush for the young child.
- Place only a pea-sized drop of children’s toothpaste on the brush when brushing.
- Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting fluoride supplements from your child’s physician or pediatric dentist.
- Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until they are 6 months old.
- Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water before giving fluoride supplements to your child (check with local water utilities).
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| What is the Best Toothpaste for my Child? |
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Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles.
They contain harsh abrasives which can wear away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child make sure to pick one that is
recommended by the American Dental Association. These toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they are safe to use.
Remember, children should spit out toothpaste after brushing to avoid getting too much fluoride. If too much fluoride is ingested, a condition
known as fluorosis can occur. If your child is unable to spit out toothpaste, use a fluoride free toothpaste or just water.
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| Grinding Teeth At Night? (Bruxism) |
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Parents are often concerned about the night grinding of teeth (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on
their teeth during sleep. The parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. In adults, bruxism is often related to stress, however
in children this has not been proven. Bruxism is very common among children.
The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment. If wear of the permanent teeth (attrition) is present, then a mouth guard
(night guard) may be indicated.
Most children outgrow bruxism. The grinding decreases between the ages 6-9, and children tend to stop grinding between ages 9-12. If you suspect
bruxism, discuss this with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
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| Thumb or Digit Sucking |
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Sucking is a natural reflex, and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them
feel secure and happy or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep.
Thumb sucking can cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and tooth alignment. How intensely a child sucks on fingers or thumbs will
determine whether or not dental problems may result. Children who rest their thumbs passively in their mouths are less likely to have difficulty
than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.
Children should cease thumb sucking by around four years of age, and make a good effort to cease digit sucking at least before the time their
permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually, children stop between the ages of two and four. Peer pressure causes many school-aged children
to stop.
Pacifiers are no substitute for thumb sucking. They can affect the teeth essentially the same way as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, use of the
pacifier can be controlled and modified more easily than the thumb or finger habit. If you have concerns about thumb sucking or use of a pacifier,
consult your pediatric dentist.
A few suggestions to help your child get through thumb sucking:
- Instead of scolding children for thumb sucking, praise them when they are not.
- Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure. Focus on correcting the cause of anxiety, instead of the thumb sucking.
- Reward children when they refrain from sucking during difficult periods, such as when being separated from their parents.
- Your pediatric dentist can encourage children to stop sucking and explain what could happen if they continue.
- If these approaches don’t work, remind the children of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night.
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| Tongue Piercing – Cool or NOT? |
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The number of children with pierced tongues, lips or cheeks, are increasing. Unfortunately these procedures which are done so casually can be
dangerous.
There are many risks involved with oral piercings, including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, or blood poisoning, and infections. Your mouth
contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Your tongue could swell large enough to close off your airway,
if inflammation goes untreated.
Possible sequelae of piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva, and injuries to gum tissue and tooth.
Difficult-to-control bleeding or nerve damage can result if a blood vessel or nerve bundle is in the path of the needle. The oral cavity is highly
vascular and densely innervated opening the doorway to several possible mishaps. Think twice !!!!
Follow the advice of the American Dental Association and give your mouth a break – skip the mouth jewelry.
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| Tobacco – Bad News- any way you use it! |
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Tobacco in any form can jeopardize your child’s health and cause incurable damage. Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco.
Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes.
This is an unfortunate misconception. Studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more difficult
to quit. Teens who use it may be interested to know that one can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. In as little as
three to four months, smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions called leukoplakias.
If your child is a tobacco user you should watch for the following that could be early signs of oral cancer:
- A sore that won’t heal
- White or red leathery patches on the lips, and on or under the tongue
- Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; or a change in the way the teeth fit together
Because the early signs of oral cancer usually are not painful, people often ignore them. If it’s not caught in the early stages, oral
cancer can require extensive, sometimes disfiguring, surgery. Even worse, it can kill.
Help your child avoid tobacco in any form. By doing so, they will avoid bringing cancer-causing chemicals in direct contact with their tongue,
gums and cheek.
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| What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment? |
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Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age, although treatment does not usually begin until at
least age 7 or 8.
- Treatment in the Mixed Dentition ( Phase I):
This period covers the ages of 6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars and before
all baby teeth are lost. Treatment concerns deal with jaw relationships and dental realignment problems. This is an excellent stage
to start treatment, when indicated, as your child’s hard and soft tissues are usually very responsive to orthodontic or orthopedic
forces.
- Treatment in the Adolescent Dentition (Phase II):
Deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.
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| Mouth Guards |
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When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth guard, or
mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child’s smile, and should be used during any activity
that could result in a blow to the face or mouth.
Mouth guards help prevent injury to teeth, lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth guard will stay in place while your child is
wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe and concentrate on what they are doing.
Ask your pediatric dentist about custom and store-bought mouth protectors.
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