Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is a pediatric dentist?

    Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

  • Why are Primary Teeth so Important?

    It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems which affect developing permanent teeth. Primary teeth, or baby teeth, are important for (1) proper chewing and eating, (2) providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position, and (3) permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the development of speech and add to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.

  • Eruption Of Your Child’s Teeth

    Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth 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 begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).

  • Dental Emergencies

    Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child's dentist.

     

    Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.

     

    Knocked Out or Displaced Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY!  Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

  • Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

    Radiographs (X-Rays) are a vital and necessary part of your child’s dental diagnostic process. Without them, certain dental conditions can and will be missed.

     

    Radiographs detect much more than cavities. For example, radiographs may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. Radiographs 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.

     

    The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, most pediatric dentists request radiographs approximately once a year. Approximately every 3 years it is a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs, either a panoramic and bitewings or periapicals

    and bitewings.

     

    Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. 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 radiographs represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem. Lead body aprons and shields will protect your child. We use digital equipment which filters out unnecessary x-rays and restricts the x-ray to the area of interest.

  • What’s the Best Toothpaste for my Child?

    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 ensure they are safe to use.

     

    It is important to select a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as fluoride helps to prevent dental decay.  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, which affects the permanent teeth, can occur.  If your child is too young or unable to spit out toothpaste, use only a smear of toothpaste so that if it is swallowed the amount of fluoride ingested will be minimal.

  • Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? (Bruxism)

    Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding their teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school, etc. can influence a child to grind their teeth. Another theory relates to pressure in the inner ear at night. If there are pressure changes (like in an airplane during take-off and landing when people are chewing gum, etc. to equalize pressure) the child will grind by moving his jaw to relieve this pressure.

     

    The good news is most children outgrow bruxism. Grinding typically decreases between the ages of six to nine and children tend to stop grinding between ages nine to twelve. If you suspect bruxism, discuss this with your pediatric dentist.

  • Thumb Sucking

    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 that persists too long 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.

     

    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, or if this habit persists beyond age three, consult our office.

  • What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

    The "best time" for orthodontic treatment is different for every child.  Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can sometimes be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. If your child has orthodontic problems at a young age, often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age.

     

    Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years. At this young age, we are concerned with underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits such

    as finger or thumb sucking.

     

    Stage II – Mixed Dentition: This period covers the ages of

    6 to 12 years, with the eruption of the permanent incisor (front) teeth and 6 year molars. Treatment concerns deal with jaw malrelationships 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.

     

    Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: This is the most common age for orthodontic treatment.  This stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite.

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