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.
When should by child be getting their baby teeth and/or permanent teeth?
Please
view our tooth eruption chart.
(More Information on Eruption)
Why does my child need x-rays?
X-rays assist the doctor
in making an informed diagnosis. We do not request to take x-rays without
careful consideration of the age of the child, the value of the films
relative to the problem, and decay risk. Generally, 2 bitewing x-rays
are recommended approximately once per year for children, to rule out
cavities and detect anomalies of eruption.
(More
Information on X-rays)
What is the suggested age for the first dental exam?
Our office has an Infant
Oral Health Program. We will examine your child's teeth for caries and
occlusion. The most important part of our program is to answer Parent's
Questions about toothbrushing, flouride supplements, thumbsucking, pacifiers,
nutrition as it relates to decay, bottle feeding, and breast feeding.
(More on Preventative Cleanings and
Exams)
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.
(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. Use a very small amount on
the brush, half the size of a pea, and supervise the toothbrushing. 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.
(More Information of Fluoride)
How do dental sealants work?
Sealants
work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing
cavities. The application is fast and comfortable and can effectively
protect teeth for many years.
(More Information on Sealants)
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
developed by a pediatric dentist will protect your child from injuries
to the teeth, face and even provide protection from severe injuries
to the head.
(More Information on Mouthguards)