Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pediatric dentist?
A pediatric dentist has the same training as a general dentist, but with the addition of two more years of specialty training exclusively about children. We are analogous to your pediatrician, your children's medical doctor. Our practice exclusively treats children. Thus, our office is different in that we create an environment that makes children more comfortable. Because, we see so many children, we are very good at understanding child development. We practice in an open bay format (there are no small rooms). Children can see each other being good. Parents are welcome in our clinical areas.
What is the suggested age for the first dental exam?
The first exam should be early, “first visit by first birthday”. Why so soon? Dental Problems begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also known as nursing caries or Bottle tooth decay). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night. The same decay pattern can occur with a child who continuously nurses from the breast.
What age is the first cleaning?
The first cleaning should occur by age 3 years. However, not all children can cooperate for this. It is my policy not to use force for a cleaning. Cooperation can be achieved my familiarity and “show, tell, do” techniques. Children who have had many visits to the dentist for routine preventive care can become comfortable and be relaxed patients with time.
How often should my child see a dentist?
Children should receive a dental examination, cleaning and a fluoride twice per year. Regular dental visits are valuable in that we teach the child and family how to take care of their teeth properly. Children who have regular care have better oral hygiene and fewer dental problems. Most all dental problems are preventable, but only if the family receives the correct information and takes preventive actions. Click here for more information on our services.
Should my child use toothpaste?
Children under the age of 4 years are not good at spitting out the excess toothpaste. Most all the fluoride from the paste is ingested. It is best to avoid fluoridated toothpaste for children less than 3 years. After 3 years of age, parents can introduce fluoridated toothpaste: Use a very small amount on the brush, half the size of a pea, and supervise the tooth brushing. Do not let a child consume toothpaste. A child under the age of 3 should be getting .25mg of systemic fluoride per day; this is equivalent to ¼" of toothpaste on the brush. If the child is taking supplements or lives in a fluoridated water area, he/she could be receiving twice to three times the suggested levels of fluoride due to the overuse of the toothpaste. Dental Fluorosis is a permanent, staining, yellowing, and mottling of the permanent teeth. After, the age of 5, this risk is lowered since the front teeth are nearly formed and the child's body weight is much greater.