FAQs
- When should my child first see a dentist?
- How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
- What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
- What about thumb sucking or using a pacifier?
- What should I do if my child has a toothache?
- What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
- What if my child receives a jaw fracture or a severe blow to the head?
- Can we prevent dental injuries?
- How often should my child see the pediatric dentist?
- What are sealants and how do they work?
When should my child first see a dentist?
When the first tooth erupts, typically between six and twelve months of age, you should bring your child to a pediatric dentist, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. One way to remember this is to bring your child to the dentist by the first birthday. Start your child early on a lifetime of healthy dentistry.
How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?
Baby bottle tooth decay, also known as nursing caries, is a big concern for many babies. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when a child falls asleep with a bottle of milk or sweet juice in the mouth. That is why we encourage your child to drink from a cup by the first birthday. Children should also be weaned from the bottle by 12 months of age.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the dental health of children and patients with special needs. They are also referred to as the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has up to three years of specialty training beyond that of a general dentist. Pediatric dentists focus on the oral health and unique needs of infants and children through adolescence. When the child graduates from high school, the child also graduates from the pediatric dentist.
What about thumb sucking or using a pacifier?
For infants, sucking is a normal habit that provides security. However, it is a good idea to discourage it by the age of 2. If your child continues to suck the thumb or use a pacifier while the teeth are growing, it can create bite problems, or crowded, crooked teeth. Dr. B can encourage your child to stop sucking the thumb or pacifier during a visit. Coupled with support from you, this encouragement can be very effective in helping your child stop. If your children are still sucking their thumbs or using a pacifier by the time the permanent teeth arrive, Dr. B may recommend a mouth appliance.
What should I do if my child has a toothache?
For any pain, give the child acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Do not put heat or aspirin on the sore area. As soon as possible, call Dr. B.
What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Call Dr. B immediately. The most important thing is to find the tooth. Hold it by the crown rather than the root and rinse it gently in cool water. If possible, try to put the tooth back into your child's socket and hold it there with a wash cloth or clean gauze. If it isn't possible to place the tooth back in the mouth, put it in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Then get to Dr. B's office right away. The faster you act, the better chance you have of saving the tooth.
What if my child receives a jaw fracture or a severe blow to the head?
This can be a life-threatening situation. Immediately go the emergency room of your local hospital.
Can we prevent dental injuries?
Mouth guards in sports are excellent for preventing dental injuries. Dr. B can create a custom-fitted soft plastic mouth guard for your child to be used to protect the child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from a sport-related injury. To prevent other injuries, always use a car seat for your children and seatbelts for everyone else in the car. Be sure to child-proof your home to prevent choking on small objects, electrical injuries, or to prevent falls. To prevent unnecessary toothaches, bring your child for regular dental visits.
How often should my child see the pediatric dentist?
To prevent cavities and other dental problems, a check-up every six months is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate gums and cause decay. Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. Dr. B will tell you when and how often your child should visit based on his or her personal oral health.
What are sealants and how do they work?
Sealants are made of clear or shaded plastic, and they are applied to the child's teeth to help keep them cavity-free. They protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are formed. The sealants shut out food particles that could get caught in the teeth. The early years are the most cavity-prone years, and that is we recommend sealants for your young children.
Their application is quick and comfortable, and it only takes one visit. First Dr. B cleans the tooth, then conditions and dries it. Then he flows the sealant onto the grooves of the tooth and allows it to harden with a special light. Your child can eat right after the appointment. If properly cared for, research shows that sealants can last for many years.
