Pediatric dentists have gone through extra years of training after dental school – all so they can more carefully and accurately treat children. Kids need different types of approaches throughout the stages of childhood to guide their dental growth and development, and to help them avoid future dental problems. That’s why pediatric dentists exist – to meet all of those needs.
Why Are The Primary Teeth Important?
Primary teeth are like training teeth for your kids. They allow for proper eating and chewing, and guide their permanent teeth into their proper places as they develop. They also support proper jaw bone development and allow for proper speech. Normally, several baby teeth last until ages 6-7, while others can last all the way until ages 10-13.
Dental Emergencies
Toothache: Clean the affected tooth area, and rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water. You may use dental floss to dislodge food that may be impacted. If the pain persists, please call our office. Avoid placing aspirin or heat on the gum or directly on the aching tooth. Use cold compresses for swollen faces.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Locate and hang on to the tooth if possible. You may rinse the tooth with water only – no soap, scrubbing, or unnecessary handling of the tooth. If there are no fractures, attempt to reinsert the tooth into the socket, and use a gauze to have the patient hold the tooth in place. If this is not possible, the tooth should be transported in a cut containing the patient’s saliva or milk. The tooth may also be carried inside the patient’s mouth, only if they are old enough that it will not be a hazard to them.
See a dentist IMMEDIATELY, as time is of the essence to save the tooth.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Please contact us during business hours. This is usually not a dental emergency, and no treatment may be necessary.
Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Quick action may save the tooth, or prevent infection in the event of a chip or crack. Rinse the mouth with water and use cold compresses to control any swelling. If any fragments can be found, bring them with you to the dentist.
Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist for assistance.
Severe Blow to the Head: Your child should be taken to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Bring your child to the nearest emergency room, and make every effort to prevent movement of the jaw.
Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)
X-rays are a vital part of any dental appointment! They allow your dentist to see details that are invisible to the naked eye and that will be missed without them.
They are commonly used to locate cavities, yes, but also so much more! They can help the dentist view erupting teeth, identify bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or prepare for orthodontic treatment. Finding potential issues early allows for treatment that is less uncomfortable for children – and less expensive for parents.
Radiographs and examinations are recommended every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Many pediatric dentists request radiographs once yearly, and it’s a good idea to obtain a complete set of radiographs every three years.
What’s The Best Toothpaste For My Child?
While teaching your child good brushing habits is an absolute must for a lifetime of healthy smiles, many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes can be damaging to young children as they aren’t designed with their sensitive enamel in mind. Toothpastes approved by the ADA will have a label on the box and tube – and are much more suitable for young smiles.
Kids should spit out toothpaste after brushing to prevent ingesting too much fluoride and contracting the fluorosis condition. If your child is too young or unable to spit out toothpaste, a fluoride-free toothpaste or a “pea-sized” amount of regular toothpaste is recommended.
My Child Grinds Their Teeth at Night (Bruxism)
There are many suggested reasons as to why children develop a grinding habit in their sleep – it could be due to stress, or adjusting to new experiences or environments. It also could be due to how your child sleeps. No matter the cause, bruxism is identifiable and, when necessary, treatable.
If excessive tooth wear is present, a mouth guard (night guard) may be used to help treat the condition, so long as the child is old enough where the appliance would not pose a choking hazard.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a natural and relaxing habit for infants, which may even help them get to sleep!
As we know, thumb sucking shouldn’t last forever – and continuing the habit after the eruption of teeth can have negative consequences on tooth growth and alignment, though passively resisting the thumb in the mouth will have far less detrimental consequences than sucking vigorously.
Thumb sucking, and use of pacifiers, should stop between the ages of two and four.
What Is The Best Time For Orthodontic Treatment?
The need for orthodontic treatment can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age – and early steps can often be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment later in life.
Stage I – Early Treatment: Ages 2-6 years. The main causes of concern are underdeveloped dental arches, the premature loss of primary teeth, and harmful habits that may hinder tooth development. Treating issues in this stage is often successful and can often prevent the need for future treatment
Stage II – Mixed Dentition :Ages 6-12 years. Main causes of concern deal with jaw malrelationships and dental realignment problems.
Stage III – Adolescent Dentition: Ages 12 and up. Deals with permanent teeth and correcting issues with these teeth.
Perinatal & Infant Oral Health
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) that pregnant women undergo oral healthcare and counseling during their pregnancy. Periodontal disease may increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, and a proper consultation can help you better prepare for and deter these issues.
Mothers with poor oral health may also be at a greater risk of passing along bacteria that causes cavities to their children. Consider these simple steps to avoid the issue:
When Will My Baby Start Getting Teeth?
Teething is the process of your child’s baby teeth first erupting – also known as the time where they want to chew everything! Some babies get their teeth very early, while others develop them later in infancy. The lower front teeth usually appear first, somewhere around the 6-8 month range.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (Early Childhood Caries)
Frequent and long exposures of an infant’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar can lead to a condition known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. These liquids include milk (including breast milk,) formula, tea, juice, or other sugary drinks.
This can be brought about by leaving your baby with a bottle filled with anything other than water. Sugary liquid will pool around your baby’s teeth, and allow plaque to build and attack their developing enamel.
Your baby’s gums and teeth should be wiped with a damp washcloth or gauze pad to remove any plaque that has built up after a feeding.
Sippy Cups
Sippy cups should be considered a training tool to help wean your child off the bottle – and should be discontinued by the time they are a year old. If they use a sippy cup throughout the day, fill it with water rather than other liquids – as these liquids can cause the same issues whether they are in a bottle or a sippy cup.
Good Diet = Healthy Teeth
It’s simple – healthy eating habits means healthier teeth! Our teeth and all the bones and tissues of the mouth need the nutrients that come from a well-balanced diet, just like the rest of our body. Avoiding sugary or unhealthy snacks, as well as excess snacking, reduces the chance for cavity formation and tooth decay. When it’s time to snack, try to help your child stick to nutritious foods such as vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cheese.
How Do I Prevent Cavities?
For infants unable to brush and floss yet, a wet gauze or clean washcloth can be used to gently wipe away plaque from teeth and gums.
Older children should brush their teeth at least twice a day, or receive help doing so – as well as limit their unhealthy snacking habits.
At your child’s periodic dental visits, we may recommend protective sealants or home fluoride treatments to help prevent decay. Ask us for more information!
Mouth Guards
A properly fitted mouth guard, or mouth protector, is a must for any child who’s getting into sports or other high-activity recreational activity! This essential piece of gear can help protect your child’s smile, and should be equipped whenever there’s a threat to receive a blow to the face or mouth.
These mouth guards can be the difference between a broken or lost tooth, or excessive damage to the lips, cheeks, gums, and more.
Our office proudly provides custom mouth guards, free of charge, to our patients in organized sports!
Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercings are a creative way to express one’s self – but they can be a bit dangerous.
Oral piercings have the potential to result in chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots or poisoning, heart infections, brain abscesses, nerve disorders, infection, and much more.
Tobacco
Tobacco of any kind can cause irreparable damage to your child’s oral health – and follow them into adulthood.
If your child is a tobacco user, or you suspect they are, be sure to discuss the dangers with them and be on the lookout for signs of oral cancer, which may include: