What is a Pediatric Dentist?

The pediatric dentist has an extra two years of specialized training and is dedicated to the oral health of children, from their infancy through their teenage years. The very young pre-teens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

Your child should visit the dentist by his or her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less fuss concerning the visit, the better. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". Pediatric dental offices purposely use words that convey the same message but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.

Care of Your Child's Teeth

Begin daily brushing as soon as the child's first tooth erupts. A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it. By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day, with supervision until about age 7 to make sure they are doing a thorough job. However, each child's progress will be different. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. When teaching children to brush, place toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Start along the gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria. Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You may wish to floss the child's teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth. Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth. Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don't forget behind the four teeth in the back.

What is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

Malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2 to 3 years of 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. Treatment initiated in this stage of development is often very successful and, many times though not always, can eliminate the need for future orthodontic/orthopedic treatment. 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 stage deals with the permanent teeth and the development of the final bite relationship.

Mouth Guards

When a child begins to participate in recreational activities and organized sports, injuries can occur. A properly fitted mouth-guard, or mouth protector, is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your child's smile and should be used during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. Mouth guards help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw. A properly fitted mouth-guard will stay in place while your child is wearing it, making it easy for them to talk and breathe.