Dental Topics

“First visit by first birthday” sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between 6 and 12 months of age. This visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (formerly known as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for tooth decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

At-will breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt and other sources of nutrition have been introduced. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. Fruit juice should only be offered in a cup with meals or at snack time.

Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; many stop by age 2. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crooked teeth or bite problems. If the habit continues beyond age 3, a professional evaluation is recommended. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

From six months to age 3, your child may have tender gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger.

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Use a “smear” of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age. For the 2-5 year old, dispense a “pea-size” amount of toothpaste and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.

FACT 1:
You have not outgrown tooth decay. In fact, dental decay may be more of a problem for you during the teen years than it ever has been before.

FACT 2:
Gum disease (gingivitis) is a risk to your dental health. It is also a threat to your appearance. Gum disease causes red and swollen gums, bleeding gums and bad breath.

FACT 3:
You will have all your permanent teeth with the possible exception of your wisdom teeth (third molars). During these growing years, your face and jaws will undergo many changes. You can be healthy and attractive through these changes by taking good care of your teeth and visting your pediatric dentist.

It is up to you! What you do and do not do is important. Here is a checklist for a healthy smile:

• Eat intelligently! Life is going to be hectic now. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of junk foods when you eat on the run.
• Snack smart. be careful of snack foods containing sugar; they can cause damage to the teeth and gums.
• Practice good prevention at least twice a day. Brush effectively using a fluoridated toothpaste. Floss to prevent gum disease and tooth decay on the sides of the teeth.
• Keep up with your dental checkups. Tooth cleanings, fluoride treatments and scalants are important preventive services for you.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco! The warnings you hear and read about are true. Besides lung and heart problems, tobacco can cause oral cancer. Of all cancers, 2.4% occur in the mouth, and tobacco use has been estimated to account for over 90% of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx. If you are using tobacco and notice any changes in your mouth, contact your doctor immediately.
• Wear a mouth guard for any sport or activity in which your mouth can be hit.
• Buckle up in the car. A seat belt and shoulder harness can keep your face from striking the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield during minor accidents.

You (or a friend) may have an eating disorder if you answer YES to the following questions:

1. Do you weigh yourself more than once a day?
2. Are you obsessed with being very thin, even while you are below a normal weight?
3. Do you have a fear of not being able to stop eating?
4. Do you vomit after a meal – or have the urge to do so?
5. (For females only) Have you missed three consecutive menstrual periods?

All eating disorders have health risks. The worse cases can lead to death. Eating disorders associated with vomiting can damage the teeth because of stomach acid. If you suspect you have an eating disorder, please see your doctor as soon as possible.

1. Be careful of between-meal sncaks.

2. Clear the snack from the teeth as soon as possible. Even a simple swish and rinse with water will help.

3. Do not let snacks take the place of nutritionally balanced meals.

There are many things a pediatric dentist can do to help assure your oral health for a lifetime. Preventive dentistry techniques such as tooth cleanings, sealants and fluoride treatments are just as important as ever for you. Tips on flossing and brushing, and ideas on snacking and choosing a healthy diet, are available to you from your pediatric dentist and staff as well.

Your pediatric dentist will be glad to talk to you about how your teeth look. If you feel your teeth are too dark, there are techniques now to whiten them. If you have broken teeth, teeth with defects or spaces between your teeth, there are a number of esthetic dentistry techniques to help you look better.

If you are concerned about your bite, crooked teeth or the appearance of your smile, your pediatric dentist can give you advice about correcting such problems.

During your teen years, your wisdom teeth (third molars) will be developing. Although some third molars come into the mouth normally, others need to be removed because of poor position and lack of space. Your pediatric dentist will make sure the proper treatment is prescribed at the right time.

Dentistry for adolescents and teens is a fundamental part of the advanced training of the pediatric dentist. Let us keep your smile sparkling and healthy.

• brushing

• dental development

• flossing

• fluoride

• oral habits

• orthodontics

• parent involvement

• proper diet

• sealants

• sports safety

Preventive dentistry begins with the first tooth.  Visit your pediatric dentist at the eruption of the first tooth or by age one.  You will learn how to protect your infant’s dental health. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental disease and helping your child build a cavity-free smile.

After evaluating your child’s dental health, your pediatric dentist will design a personalized program of home care for your child.  This program will include brushing and flossing instructions, diet counseling, and if necessary, fluoride recommendations. By following these directions, you can help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental check-up at least twice a year for most children.  Some children need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns or poor oral hygiene.  Your pediatric dentist will let you know the best appointment schedule for your child.

Regular dental visits help your child stay cavity-free.  Teeth cleanings remove debris that build up on the teeth, irritate the gums and cause decay.  Fluoride treatments renew the fluoride content in the enamel, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities.  Hygiene instructions improve your child’s brushing and flossing, leading to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.  Tooth decay is not the only reason for a dental visit. Your pediatric dentist provides an ongoing assessment of changes in your child’s oral health.  For example, your child may need additional fluoride, dietary changes or sealants for ideal dental health. The pediatric dentist may identify orthodontic problems and suggest treatment to guide the teeth as they emerge in the mouth.

The pediatric dentist will review your child’s medical and dental history.  He or she will gently examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues and jaws.  The teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of a fluoride solution.  Your pediatric dentist will not just talk to you about dental health, he or she will talk to your child with easily understandable words, pictures and ideas.  Your child will be motivated to take responsibility for a healthy smile.

No.  Pediatric dentists, acting in accordance with the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend X-rays only when necessary to protect your child’s dental health.  For example, X-rays may be needed to diagnose tooth decay or abnormalities.

Or they may be required for orthodontic treatment.  Your pediatric dentist will discuss the need for X-rays with you before any are taken.

The following steps will help your child be part of the cavity-free generation:

1.  Beware of frequent snacking
2.  Brush effectively twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
3.  Floss once a day
4.  Have sealants applied when appropriate
5.  Seek regular dental check-ups
6.  Assure proper fluoride through drinking water, fluoride products or fluoride supplements

Toothache: If the child’s face and/or gums are swollen, apply ice packs to the area.  Do not apply heat and do not put aspirin products on the tooth or gum. Contact your pediatric dentist promptly.

Swelling for no obvious reason: with teeth sore to touch:  The child is most likely dealing with an infection and should see their dentist (or hospital emergency service if appropriate) as soon as possible.

Injury to Lip or Tongue (bleeding): Apply pressure, using a clean, cold cloth or ice in a towel to bleeding area.  You should seek hospital emergency services if bleeding does not stop and see your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

Broken tooth:  Contact your pediatric dentist immediately.  Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment.  Rinse mouth with water and apply cold compress or ice to reduce swelling if lip is also injured.  If you can find the broken fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.

Jaw or Head Injury: You need immediate medical attention.  A severe head injury can be life-threatening. Keep in mind that an emergency medical team might be able to reach you faster than you can get to the hospital.

Knocked out (avulsed) permanent tooth: Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water (Do not scrub or clean with soap-only use water). If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or washcloth.  If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Get to your pediatric dental office immediately. Call the emergency number if after hours. The faster you act, the better your chance of saving the tooth.

Knocked out baby tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.  The baby tooth should not be reimplanted because of the potential damage to the developing permanent tooth.

Many dental injuries can be avoided by following a few simple rules.  These are preparedness steps you can take, as the success of dental treatment after trauma often depends on timely action.

Automobile safety:  children should be correctly fastened into a car or booster seat.  The seat should be age and weight appropriate and should be installed properly.

Sports Safety: Make sure your children wear helmets when skating or riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.  Mouth guards and face masks should be worn while playing contact sports.

Safety at home:  About half of all dental injuries occur at home!  Be prepared and keep your pediatric dentist’s phone number close by.  Become informed as to your school and sports groups’ procedure for handling dental emergencies.

Our office uses a LightScalpel® carbon dioxide laser to perform tongue and lip tie releases. The laser precisely vaporizes while sealing blood vessels. This reduces bleeding and enables the provider to complete the procedure in an efficient manner with little swelling and discomfort for the patient. Our office works closely with your therapist to provide you with the highest quality of care when it comes to the diagnosis, release, and after care.