Anesthesia:Is it safe for my child?

When administered correctly, local anesthesia is safe for children. Our team is highly trained in anesthesia delivery, and we always communicate to children in an age appropriate manner, prior to administering the anesthetic.

Appointments: What if I need to reschedule?

Appointment times are reserved exclusively for each patient. We ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you need to reschedule. That way we have enough time to notify and help another patient. We realize that unexpected things happen, and your assistance in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Baby teeth: How important are they?
Primary or “baby” teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, and they also aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to come in, or “erupt.”

Baby teeth: Should cavities in baby teeth be filled?
Tooth decay is an infection that can spread, possibly causing impairment of general health, pain and premature loss of baby teeth if neglected. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child.

 

 

 

Baby teeth: Should cavities in baby teeth be filled?

 

Tooth decay is an infection that can spread, possibly causing impairment of general health, pain and premature loss of baby teeth if neglected. Proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in enhancing the health of your child.

Cavities: What causes tooth decay?

Four things are necessary for cavities to form: a tooth, bacteria, sugar or other carbohydrates and time. Dental plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless form of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When you eat, the sugars in your food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. With time and repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms.

Cavities: How can I help prevent them?
Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. We will provide you with individualized instructions for brushing, flossing and other treatments, and we will teach parents how to supervise and teach their children to follow our guidance. In-home treatments, regular dental visits and a balanced diet will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.
Dental visit: How old should my child be for their first visit?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, no later than his or her first birthday. The first visit involves a check-up and a fluoride treatment, if appropriate.
Dental visits: Can I stay with my child?

We invite you to stay with your child during their initial examination. After the first appointment, we recommend you allow our staff to accompany your child through their dental experience. This will enable us to establish a close rapport with your child, gain their trust, build their confidence in us and help them overcome apprehension. However, whether or not you stay with your child is ultimately your decision.

Dental visits: How often should they be scheduled?
We recommend a check-up every six months in order to prevent cavities and other dental issues. However, we will always let you know how often your child should visit based on their specific needs.
Diet and nutrition: What foods are best for my child’s dental health?
Eating the right foods is essential to great dental health. Your child needs a balanced diet, including one serving each of fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, dairy and protein (meat, fish or eggs) each meal. Limit their intake of sugars and starches to help prevent decay. We discuss your child’s diet needs during your dental visit.
Fluoride supplements: Are they necessary?
We evaluate the fluoride level of your child’s primary source of drinking water. If your child is not getting enough fluoride, which may happen if the fluoride level is deficient or if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride, then we may prescribe fluoride supplements.

Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism): Is it common? How long does it last?

Bruxism is very common. You’ll know if your child is grinding their teeth because you’ll head a grinding sound while the child is sleeping. Teeth may also appear shorter over time. Most children outgrow tooth grinding around 6 to 9 years old as the permanent dentition develop, and this habit usually stops by age 12 when baby teeth are gone.

Mouth guards: Should my child wear them while playing sports?
Soft plastic mouth guards are used to protect a child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports‐related injuries. A custom‐fitted mouth guard will protect your child from injuries to the teeth and face, as well as provide protection from severe injuries to the head.
Nursing: How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep at bedtime, or putting anything in their bottle other than water. If it’s necessary to nurse at night, wash or wipe the teeth, gums and mouth prior to putting the child to bed.

Permanent teeth: What if one gets knocked out?
First, it’s important to remain calm. If possible, find the tooth and, holding it by the crown (top) rather than the root (where the tooth meets your gums), put it back it its socket. Hold the tooth in place with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in its socket, place the tooth in a clean container of milk and bring your child and the tooth to our office immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
Sealants: How do they work?

Sealants work by filling in the crevasses on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that might get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast and comfortable, and sealants can effectively protect teeth for many years.

Spacing: Should I be concerned about the space between my child’s two upper front teeth?
If your child has a space, it will usually close within the next few years as the other front teeth erupt. We will take a look and help you determine whether there is cause for concern.

Teething: How can I help my child through this painful stage
Sore gums are part of the normal eruption process. Using a teething biscuit, a piece of toast or a frozen teething ring can often ease discomfort. Medications that can be rubbed into the gums to reduce pain can also be found at your pharmacy.

Thumb sucking: Is it bad?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits are not a problem unless they continue for a long period of time. Most children will stop on their own; however, if your child’s habits persist and it begins to have an effect on the teeth, a mouth appliance may be recommended.

 

Toothache: What should I do?
Make an appointment with us as soon as possible, so we can assess the situation. At home, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water, place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen, and give your child acetaminophen if they are in pain.