Your top questions about pediatric dental care, simply answered.
Children should have their first dental visit by age one or within six months after their first tooth appears.
Excessive thumb-sucking or prolonged use of pacifiers can cause teeth to slant forward or backward. This occurs due to the pressure exerted on them over time, resulting in abnormal development.
Teething is an exciting milestone that typically begins between four and eight months, starting with the lower front teeth and concluding with the molars around 30 to 36 months. While teething can be a bit challenging, it’s completely normal! Signs include irritability, sleep disturbances, sore gums, drooling, loss of appetite, rashes around the mouth, mild fever, and increased biting or gum rubbing. It’s all part of growing up!
If your little one has swollen and sore gums, a large rubber teething ring can help soothe their discomfort! Remember not to freeze it, as it can become too complex and make their gums feel worse. If their sleep is interrupted due to discomfort, administering the correct dose of children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve their symptoms. Hang in there—teething can be tough, but you’re doing a wonderful job caring for them!
Parents can reduce the risk of mouth and dental injuries during recreational and sports activities by ensuring their children wear mouthguards. Furthermore, children can prevent mouth injuries by learning not to put anything in their mouths other than food or drinks.
Tooth decay can significantly affect your child’s dental health. It can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the gaps left by decayed teeth, creating insufficient space for adult teeth to emerge properly. As a result, your child may develop crowded and crooked teeth, which can affect their smile and make it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene.
Create a Fun Daily Routine! If your little one is ready, invite them to brush their teeth alongside you while you brush yours. Keeping this routine consistent is key, so try not to skip any brushing times. This way, your child will be more likely to enjoy their brushing sessions in the future!
Here are some dental treatments we might discuss:
We’re here to help you understand each option!
Ensure your child brushes their teeth twice daily, which is super important—once in the morning and before bedtime. You might want to lend a hand with brushing until they get the hang of it, usually around the age of eight.
Step 1: Start with the appropriate amount of toothpaste! For children aged 0 to 3 years, a smear the size of a grain of rice is ideal. For children aged 3 and older, a pea-sized amount is sufficient.
Step 2: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, with the bristles pointing toward the gums of your upper or lower teeth.
Step 3: Gently brush back and forth using short, tooth-sized strokes. Be sure to cover all areas: the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth!
Step 4: When brushing your front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically. Remember to clean both the front and back sides of these teeth!
Step 5: Don’t forget to brush your tongue! This helps remove bacteria and keeps your mouth feeling fresh. Happy brushing!
It’s a great idea to bring your little one in for their first dental visit when they turn 12 months old or within six months after their first tooth comes in. This visit usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and can be a fun experience! During the appointment, the dentist will check your child’s teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to ensure everything is growing and developing right. It’s the perfect way to start your child on a lifetime of healthy smiles!
It’s important for children to visit the dentist every six months! During these checkups, they’ll get a thorough exam, a nice cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sometimes even X-rays. Parents can play a significant role in keeping their kids’ teeth healthy by encouraging them to brush twice daily, floss daily, and enjoy sugary snacks and drinks in moderation. A little daily care goes a long way in preventing cavities!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that healthy children without any major dental issues receive X-rays every one to two years. If a child has regular cavities or other oral concerns, the ADA suggests getting X-rays once or twice a year. Keeping up with regular dental check-ups helps ensure a bright and healthy smile!
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that healthy children without any major dental issues receive X-rays every one to two years. If a child has regular cavities or other oral concerns, the ADA suggests getting X-rays once or twice a year. Keeping up with regular dental check-ups helps ensure a bright and healthy smile!
Children who feel anxious about visiting the dentist should have regular checkups, as this can help them overcome their fears. Finding a dentist who is an excellent match for your child can make a big difference! Every child is different, but many feel more at ease when they understand what to expect during their appointment. Plus, showing them how to take care of their teeth at home and setting a good example can help them develop a positive attitude toward dental care. Let’s make those dental visits a little less scary and a lot more fun!
If your little one is under the age of 6, it’s crucial to closely monitor their brushing routine. Just a tiny pea-sized amount of toothpaste is all they need, and remember to remind them to spit it out instead of swallowing! For added protection, consider discussing dental sealants with your dentist at the right time. And don’t forget, drinking tap water with fluoride can really help keep those pearly whites healthy and strong!
Remember to help your little one brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste! If your child is under 6, giving them a hand while they brush is super helpful until they get the hang of it. It might also be a great idea to check with their dentist about getting dental sealants if needed. Plus, drinking tap water with fluoride is a tasty way to keep those tiny teeth healthy and strong!
Dental sealants can prevent up to 80% of cavities in the back teeth, where nine out of ten cavities occur. Unfortunately, only about 60% of children between the ages of six and eleven receive dental sealants.
If you need urgent dental care, please contact us immediately if you are a patient of record! If there’s a head injury or any other injury, don’t hesitate to contact the emergency room at the children’s hospital or your nearest urgent care. We want to ensure your little one receives the help they need.
Dental treatment can be safely performed at any stage of pregnancy. However, if the procedure is not urgent and can be postponed, it is advisable to schedule elective treatments during the second trimester or after delivery. This approach prioritizes the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Pediatric dentistry for children with special health needs is dedicated to providing dental care to those with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Pediatric dentists specialize in this area and apply a patient-centered, personalized approach to address the unique dental requirements of these children.
Pediatric dentists who treat children with special health needs receive additional training to effectively manage and communicate with patients who have sensory sensitivities, behavioral challenges, or physical limitations. They create a supportive and comfortable environment that allows these children to receive essential dental care with understanding and compassion.
Pediatric dentists offer a range of dental treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of children with special health requirements. These services include preventive care, such as cleanings and sealants, as well as restorative treatments, including fillings and crowns. The dental team collaborates closely with parents or caregivers to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Sedation dentistry for children is a great way to help them feel more relaxed during their visits to the dentist. Pediatric dentists use special medication that makes kids feel calm and, sometimes, even helps them take a little nap. This means they can have a much more pleasant experience while getting the care they need. Everyone loves leaving the dentist with a smile!
Sedation dentistry is considered a safe and effective option for children when performed by skilled pediatric dentists or experienced anesthesia providers. These professionals closely monitor your child throughout the procedure to ensure their well-being. The medications used are thoughtfully selected based on your child’s age, weight, and specific needs. Before recommending or administering sedation, our dental team conducts a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s medical history and discusses any potential risks or side effects. You can be assured that we prioritize your child’s safety and comfort at every step.
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits for children who experience dental anxiety or struggle to remain still during dental treatments. These advantages include reduced fear and anxiety, improved cooperation and relaxation, increased comfort during procedures, and an overall positive dental experience for the child.
Dentists provide immediate dental care to children experiencing severe dental pain, trauma, or other dental emergencies in emergency pediatric dentistry. These professionals are trained to handle urgent dental situations with care and expertise.
Common pediatric dental emergencies include severe toothaches, dental injuries resulting from accidents or falls, knocked-out teeth, broken or chipped teeth, and dental infections. It is crucial to seek immediate dental care when these emergencies occur to prevent further complications.
In the event of a dental emergency involving your child, it is essential to remain calm and act promptly. First, assess the situation and provide immediate first aid, such as rinsing the mouth with warm water or applying a cold compress to reduce swelling. Next, contact your emergency pediatric dentist to discuss the situation and seek professional advice.
