Please keep to the styling I FW in the original email.
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‘Our Services’ Link:
‘Children’s Dentistry’ Link:
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral health problems in children. We have specific training that qualifies us to provide care for children’s teeth and gums as they develop throughout childhood. Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive care, from preventative treatment like cleanings and sealants to treatment for oral disease and injuries. We also counsel parents about a child’s nutrition and hygiene habits.
How to Brush Your Teeth
Did you know…
that early childhood caries is the most common chronic disease in American children? It is far more prevalent than other common childhood illnesses, such as asthma. Furthermore, tooth decay and gum disease that begin early in life is likely to progress over time, potentially leading to a lifetime of oral complications.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What ages of children do pediatric dentists treat?
A pediatric dentist will treat patients from birth through adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that young patients begin visiting a pediatric dentist no later than the first birthday, when most children already have a first tooth. Children should continue to visit the dentist regularly throughout childhood to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
What type of training does a pediatric dentist have?
Pediatric dentists have two to three additional years of training specifically in the treatment of babies, children, teens and kids with special needs. We are the pediatricians of dentistry and are trained to understand not only the dental needs of a child, but also the psychological and emotional needs as well.
How can I make a pediatric dental appointment?
Our staff is happy to assist you through the process of making a first appointment for your child. Simply call our office to speak with one of our helpful staff members or make an appointment through the ZocDoc link on our website and schedule your child’s visit. We aim to make your child’s experience as comfortable as possible.
‘Care of My Child’s’ Teeth Link:
Your child’s mouth, jaw and teeth are ever growing and changing. In fact, a child’s dental needs are often far greater than an adult’s due to the rapid changes that occur between birth and adolescence. Rather than trust just anyone with your child’s dental care, look to a pediatric dentist who understands the unique oral health needs of children and can provide the most specialized care possible.
Did you know…
that pediatric dental care is about more than exams and professional cleanings? In fact, a pediatric dentist is a parent’s greatest partner in protecting a child’s oral health. Dentists can detect developmental problems, make recommendations for orthodontic treatment and even provide custom mouth guards to protect the teeth and jaw from contact sports in childhood and adolescence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I bring my child to a dentist who specializes in pediatrics?
Pediatric dentists have specialized training working with children for approximately 2 to 3 years following dental school. This additional training time provides important skills in child growth and development, as well as child psychology. A pediatric dentist understands how to relate to children and works to provide an atmosphere that is welcoming and less intimidating to young patients.
What will my child’s dental experience be like?
We will monitor your child’s oral health with two or more visits per year. During those appointments, plaque is removed from the teeth and the mouth is examined for signs of decay and gum disease. Emphasis is placed on prevention both at home and in the office. Depending on your child’s risk factors and the results of his or her exam, we may recommend specific treatments, such as fluoride treatment or sealants.
How soon should I bring my child to a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit no later than age one. These early visits are mostly educational, but can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral habits. It is never too late to visit the dentist for the first time! Whether your child is a few months old or a few years old, there is no better time than now to start thinking about his or her oral health. Call our office today to schedule your child’s appointment.
‘Your Child’s First Visit’ Link:
Children should have a dental home – preferably with a pediatric dentist who specializes in the oral health of children and adolescents. Early childhood dental visits help a child acclimate to the dental environment and become comfortable with his or her oral care provider. By attending appointments on a regular basis, children learn to put value on oral care and establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. The first dental visit is different for each child depending on the age and overall oral health of the patient.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Did you know…
that despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to see a dentist for the first time by age one, the majority of children in the U.S. do not have a first dental appointment until long after age two? Unfortunately, sometimes waiting has its consequences. As children get older, their risk for tooth decay increases – something that is more easily prevented with early oral care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will happen during my child’s first dental appointment?
The first dental appointment begins with questions about your child’s medical and oral health history. You will also be given an opportunity to discuss any questions you have as a parent or any symptoms your child may have been experiencing. We will visually examine your child’s teeth and gums for signs of decay or other complications.
Older children will have their teeth cleaned and possibly x-rayed for a more thorough examination. We usually use the first dental appointment as an opportunity to speak with you and your children about brushing, flossing, and the importance of fluoride. It is also the time when we speak with you about teething, preventing decay, and discuss nutrition at home.
How do I choose a dentist for my child?
Parents must be selective in choosing a dentist for their children. Although many dentists are capable of caring for your child’s teeth, only pediatric dentist specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists know how to relate to children and how to make them feel comfortable in the dental chair. For more information about pediatric dentistry, contact our office.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Children with healthy mouths and teeth should typically visit the dentist every three to six months for routine check-ups and preventative care, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments. However, we may recommend an alternate schedule that better serves your child’s needs.
‘Dental Emergencies’ Link:
Dental emergencies occur often in young patients. Though they require urgent treatment, it is important to remain calm and take immediate action. Dental emergencies are any trauma or condition that requires immediate attention. Examples include:
· Toothache
· Fractured or broken tooth
· Knocked-out tooth
· Tooth displacement
· Injured jaw bone, cheek, lip or tongue
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that more than 1 in 3 kids will experience a dental emergency during childhood or adolescence? Often, these dental emergencies are caused by injury to the teeth, gums, or soft tissues of the mouth. Although oral trauma can occur at any point during childhood, children are most susceptible to them when they are curious toddlers and/or pre-teen and adolescents, when they begin to participate in more vigorous sports.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I prepare for a pediatric dental emergency?
Pediatric dental emergencies always happen when they are least expected. Preparation is essential for maximizing the outcome in an actual emergency. Start by storing the phone number of your child’s pediatric dentist in your phone for easy access. You can also take steps to prevent an emergency. For example, we recommend that your child use a custom-made mouth guard when participating in sports.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child has an injury or pain affecting the teeth or gums, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Visit your local emergency room if your child has uncontrolled bleeding or has signs or symptoms of head trauma.
My child’s permanent tooth was knocked out. How should I proceed?
If your child’s tooth is completely dislodged from the gum and jaw, retrieve the tooth immediately, being careful not to touch the root. Rinse it gently in clean water and place it in a glass of milk. If you have an older child, attempt to place the tooth gently back into the socket. Call and visit your pediatric dentist immediately, as time is a critical factor in saving a lost permanent tooth.
‘Oral Health’ Link:
A lifetime of good oral health begins during the first stages of life even before the first teeth emerge. Parents who are well-educated in children’s dental health can more adequately ensure that a child’s oral care needs are met. From an early age, pediatric dentists serve as partners in oral health and prevention, answering questions and providing helpful information about teething and at-home oral care.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that 2 in 5 children have at least one cavity by the time they go to kindergarten? In fact, early childhood caries can appear shortly after the first tooth appears. Once a baby has developed tooth decay, he or she is more likely to develop additional cavities over time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How should I take care of my baby’s teeth and gums at home?
Infants do not have teeth to brush or floss. However, they do have gums that should be cleansed gently with a damp cloth each day. Once the first tooth emerges, an age appropriately- sized toothbrush can be used to carefully brush and prevent the build-up of plaque.
Should I bring my infant to the dentist?
Yes. Early visits to the dentist are highly informational and supportive. Children should visit the dentist for the first time when they get their first tooth and no later than age one. Visiting a pediatric dentist is recommended because we specialize in treating children and adolescents. Keep in mind that the initial dental visits for babies and toddlers are primarily educational, but have significant long-term impact on your child’s oral health.
Is there anything I can do to prevent early childhood tooth decay?
In addition to cleaning your infant’s teeth and gums, you can help prevent tooth decay by ensuring your child is getting the correct amount of fluoride – whether in your local water source, via fluoridated toothpaste or by way of professional fluoride treatments. In addition, do not allow your child to go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as doing so can lead to a condition known as ‘baby bottle decay’ or early childhood caries.
‘Dental X-rays’ Link:
Dental x-rays or radiographs are an important tool in pediatric dentistry. As the teeth and jaw mature, x-rays provide pediatric dentists with an enhanced view of a child’s oral health development and allow us to diagnose potential underlying problems. Depending on the condition of the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues of a child’s mouth, we may use x-rays to make a diagnosis and form a treatment plan.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that digital x-rays are safe and only emit minimal amounts of radiation? In fact, advancements in modern dentistry have made it possible to reduce the amount of radiation children are exposed to while getting dental x-rays. Digital x-rays emit 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does my child need a dental x-ray?
Your child may need oral x-rays for preventative purposes. Pediatric dentists often use x-rays to gauge the development and placement of the permanent teeth. Sometimes x-rays reveal missing or extra teeth or other underlying problems undetectable by a visual exam.
Your child’s dentist may also order x-rays to:
· Check for decay
· Monitor healing and recovery following a mouth injury
· Identify an infection
· Determine whether a child will need orthodontic treatment
When should my child begin getting dental x-rays and how often will he or she need them?
Although there are no specific guidelines for getting a first x-ray, most children have had their first dental x-rays by age 5 or 6, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. However, a dentist may request earlier x-rays if a child is at high risk of tooth decay, shows signs of decay, or signs of other complications. Dental x-rays may be ordered as frequently as twice per year or as little as once every few years.
What will my child experience while having his or her mouth x-rayed?
The x-ray process is completely painless for children. They may be seated or standing for the duration of the imaging process. The length of time required will depend on the type of x-rays taken. For more information about dental x-rays at our office, contact us to speak with a helpful staff member.
Pulp Therapy and Crowns
Pulpal therapy is a pediatric dental treatment used to treat and preserve a child’s natural tooth that has been affected by an injury or tooth decay. The pulp is soft tissue located inside the teeth. When a tooth becomes damaged or decayed, the pulp may be exposed to bacteria, causing infection and pain. Rather than extract the tooth entirely, the infected pulp may be removed and replaced with a material that prevents bacteria from further damaging the tooth.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that pediatric dentists use pulp therapy to treat both primary and permanent teeth? Saving ‘baby teeth’ is important for the long term oral health of a child. When a primary tooth is extracted prematurely, the neighboring teeth may become crowded and future permanent teeth may emerge with poor alignment. Pulp therapy may allow a primary tooth to remain intact until it naturally falls out.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my child needs pulp therapy?
Only your child’s pediatric dentist can diagnose a diseased tooth. However, an infected pulp may cause certain symptoms in a child, such as a chronic or frequent toothache, swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Will pulpal therapy change the appearance of a child’s tooth?
Pulpal therapy requires removal of the diseased pulp within the tooth. Although pulpal therapy does affect the appearance of the natural teeth, most teeth undergoing pulpal therapy will be restored with a crown. We use dental crowns to cover treated teeth to prevent future tooth damage or fracture.
What will my child experience when undergoing pediatric pulp therapy?
A child may be sedated for a pulp therapy procedure. Initially, the treatment site will be anesthetized to prevent patient discomfort. The diseased pulp is carefully removed, whether in part or in whole. The canals within the tooth may be cleaned and filled with a therapeutic material. Finally, the tooth is capped with a dental crown to protect it.
‘Types of Sedation’ Link:
Sedation helps provide young patients with a comfortable experience and effective results. Often, children are intimidated by dental visits or otherwise unable to sit still during exams and treatments for extended periods of time. Sedation helps minimize anxiety and relax children during dental visits – all under the safe supervision of a pediatric dentist.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
There are many ways of administering sedation to pediatric patients, some of which include inhalation, swallowing medicine, receiving sedation medication intravenously or via injection, and general anesthesia in the hospital.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of sedation are available for my child?
There several different types of pediatric sedation available to our patients, ranging from mild to deep. Children are most often given nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This gas is inhaled through a mask during the dental visit, providing a calming effect. Laughing gas is safe, and its effects wear off nearly immediately after treatment. Other types of sedation may be necessary for children with greater anxiety levels or special needs. Examples include oral sedation given prior to the dental visit, IV sedation, and general anesthesia which all usually leave children with little or no memory of their dental treatment.
Should I consider pediatric sedation for my child’s next dental visit?
Your child may be a candidate for pediatric sedation dentistry if he or she has special needs, is very young, has difficulty sitting still, or has anxiety about visiting the dentist. We may also recommend sedation if your child will be undergoing a lengthy or extensive dental treatment. For more information about pediatric sedation and whether it is right for your child, contact our office.
How will my child need to prepare for a dental visit involving sedation?
You will be given instructions for preparation prior to your appointment. You may need to obtain a medical clearance form from your child’s pediatrician. Your child may not be allowed to eat or drink in the hours leading up to the procedure. If your child experiences anxiety prior to the visit, consider letting him or her bring a ‘comfort’ item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal.
‘Dental Sealants’ Link:
Dental sealants is a clear coating applied to the surfaces of a child’s molars to prevent the development of tooth decay. They work by preventing food and plaque from resting in the grooves and crevices of molars – an area especially susceptible to cavities. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. children ages 6 to 12 currently have sealants on their teeth.
Dental Sealants
Did you know…
that sealants can last as long as 5 to 10 years in patients? Depending on a child’s oral development and risk factors for tooth decay, sealants may be applied to the permanent teeth as young as age 6. It is at this time that the first molars typically appear. Additional molars erupt at approximately age 12. If possible, sealants should be applied to a child’s teeth immediately after any molars with deep grooves have appeared to reduce the risk of early decay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will dental sealants affect the feel or appearance of my child’s teeth?
Sealants bond directly to the teeth, where they harden to a clear or tooth-colored coat. This makes them virtually undetectable to others. Though it is normal to feel new sealants with the tongue or when they bite down, most children quickly adapt to their presence.
What will my child experience when getting sealants?
The process of getting sealants is efficient and painless. The tooth is cleaned before we paint the sealant onto the enamel. The sealant will harden, acting as a barrier between bacteria and the chewing surface of the teeth. In most cases, sealants will last several years before needing to be reapplied. However, regular visits to the dentist will be necessary to monitor the condition of the sealants and examine their effectiveness.
Will sealants prevent all cavities?
While sealants are extremely effective for preventing tooth decay in children, they do not replace other forms of preventative oral health care. Children should still brush and floss each day using a fluoridated toothpaste. Regular dental exams and a balanced diet low in sugar are also essential for good long-term oral health.
‘Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings)’ Link:
More than half of children over age six have some degree of tooth decay. When cavities are left untreated, they can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, pediatric dentists can restore cavities to prevent them from worsening or causing complications. Modern dentistry has made it possible to fill cavities discreetly using tooth-colored fillings, also known as composites. Children with tooth-colored fillings can retain decayed teeth in a way that is both functionally effective and visually appealing.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the U.S.? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children as young as 6 months old can experience tooth decay. Tooth-colored fillings can repair damaged teeth, but the most effective form of treatment is prevention. Parents can help their children prevent cavities by maintaining proper oral hygiene and limiting exposure to sugary foods and beverages.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will be my child’s experience when getting a tooth-colored filling?
Your child’s teeth and gums may be anesthetized. We will then remove decay from the teeth and clean the treatment site. A composite material will be bonded to the tooth surface and cured with a light. Then the filling will be adjusted for comfort. Although most children experience little or no discomfort during this process, it is normal to feel some pressure. If your child has dental anxiety or concerns about the treatment process, please speak with us about sedation options.
Does my child need a filling?
Your child may need a dental filling if he or she has cavities. Although some cavities are obvious and cause pain, many are less easily seen and asymptomatic. That is why all children should visit a pediatric dentist twice yearly for a professional dental exam. Regular exams can identify tooth decay in earliest phases, when it is most easily treated.
How long will a composite resin filling last in a child?
Composite fillings are strong and capable of withstanding normal wear and tear in children. Most tooth-colored fillings will last many years if children brush twice daily, floss once per day, adopt healthy dietary habits, and visit a dentist regularly for exams.
[Other Topics]
‘When is the best time to consult an orthodontist?’ Link
Orthodontists are dental specialists who work to bring the teeth and jaws into their ideal position for optimal oral health. It is very common for children and young teens to visit orthodontists to monitor or correct complications with emerging permanent teeth. Although a child may visit the orthodontist at any time, sometimes the elementary years serve as a prime opportunity for early orthodontic intervention.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
the ideal age for a child to visit an orthodontist for the first time is age 7? Although not all orthodontic issues can be addressed at this age, many of them can at least be identified. An orthodontist may be able to pinpoint potential issues with crowding, alignment, protruding teeth, under-bites and more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are some signs that my child may need orthodontic treatment?
Only your child’s pediatric dentist can determine whether he or she should consult with an orthodontist about possible treatment. However, there are some signs that your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment:
· Jaws that click or ‘pop’ when opening and closing
· Difficulty chewing
· Facial asymmetry
· Mouth breathing
· Teeth grinding or clenching
· Difficulty with speech
· Habits like finger sucking or tongue-thrusting
What types of treatments will my child’s orthodontist use to correct misaligned teeth?
Orthodontists often use special appliances, such as braces, to bring a child’s teeth and jaws into proper alignment. Mouth appliances are custom-fitted and may be fixed or removable. In some cases, an orthodontist may recommend that certain teeth be removed to facilitate treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment requires a longer-term commitment. Expect to bring your child for return visits on a regular basis for several years. The exact duration of treatment depends on the child, the type of treatment, and the severity of the condition being treated.
‘When will my baby get his/her first tooth?’
Most people have two sets of teeth: primary and permanent teeth. Primary teeth begin developing while a baby is in the womb and typically begin to emerge during the first year of life between 4 and 12 months. This begins a process that usually ends with a complete set of 20 primary teeth by age 3. Although it is impossible to know exactly when your baby will get his or her first tooth, there are some signs that the tooth could be preparing to make an appearance. Be on the look-out for swollen gums, redness, and irritability associated with teething pain. Some babies may also drool or chew on their hands or other objects. If your child does not have any teeth by age 1, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
a baby’s teeth are present long before they break through the gums? In fact, the hard tissues of the primary teeth begin forming in the womb at approximately 18 weeks gestation. From that point forward, it takes about 10 months for complete calcification, at which time the first teeth may begin to emerge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which tooth is likely to appear first?
The first tooth is usually – not always – one of the two front teeth on the lower jaw. These two teeth are often the first to appear, as well as the first to be lost when the permanent teeth later emerge. In most cases, teeth will erupt in pairs and fall out in pairs.
How can I comfort my child when he or she is teething?
It is normal for a baby to be irritable when teething. Counter-pressure often soothes the gums, so try giving your child a hard teething toy – specifically one that has been frozen. The coldness will help numb the gums, and the pressure will alleviate discomfort.
Should I bring my child to a pediatric dentist when he or she gets a first tooth?
Yes. Children should see a dentist for the first time after the first tooth has erupted or age one – whichever occurs first. Although most children do not require dental treatment during the infant and toddler years, early dental appointments are essential for reducing a child’s risk of tooth decay.
‘Why are baby teeth important?’
The primary teeth are the first set of teeth that babies have and they continue to develop in the first few years of life. Though these teeth eventually fall out to make room for permanent teeth, primary teeth serve many important purposes. Not only are they essential to a child’s physical development, but they also contribute to a child’s social and emotional development. Primary teeth need to be a priority in a child’s health.
Did you know……
that a child’s primary teeth begin to form in the first few weeks of gestation? The first primary teeth – the central incisors – are fully calcified and ready to emerge just a few short months after birth. Additional primary teeth will continue to erupt until a child has 20 teeth by age 3. These primary teeth remain in place until they are lost, usually around the age of 12.
What are some of the functions of primary teeth?
‘Baby’ teeth allow a child to:
· Learn how to chew properly
· Develop clear speech
If my child’s primary teeth fall out or need to be extracted prematurely, will it affect his or her long-term oral health?
Possibly. The primary teeth serve another purpose: they are space-savers. As a child grows, permanent teeth develop beneath the surface of the gums. Primary teeth are space holders for these adult teeth, remaining in place until the permanent teeth are ready to emerge. Primary teeth that fall out too soon can cause crowding and alignment issues in the future. If your child’s teeth need to be extracted early – perhaps due to decay or injury – speak with a pediatric dentist about a space maintainer and whether it’s necessary for your child.
How should I care for my child’s primary teeth?
A lifetime of good oral care begins during the earliest years. While your child is an infant, clean the gums gently each day and night with a clean, damp cloth. Begin brushing the teeth as they erupt and schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist when your child’s first tooth erupts.
‘Prevention’
A child’s oral health must be protected from birth through adolescence and into adulthood. Unfortunately, many children develop tooth decay early in life – a condition that can progress into serious oral health problems. Keeping a child’s teeth strong and healthy requires preventative measures. At our pediatric dental practice, prevention is the foundation of all we do. After all, it is far easier and more affordable to avoid oral disease than it is to treat it.
Fluoride and Decay Prevention
Did you know…
that most children do not get the preventive dental care that is recommended for them? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only half of U.S. children visit a dentist for preventive purposes each year. Of those who do, children under age 5 are least likely to see a dentist compared to older children over age 6. But early childhood prevention is important for establishing a healthy mouth that lasts a lifetime.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should preventative dentistry start for my child?
Prevention begins early. A mother’s diet while pregnant will contribute to a child’s developing primary teeth in the womb. After birth, parents should cleanse a baby’s gums and begin brushing the teeth gently as they emerge. Infants should visit a pediatric dentist for a preventive care exam no later than age one or when their first tooth appears.
Besides brushing, what else can be done to prevent early childhood caries?
Diet plays an important role in a child’s dental health. Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Limiting foods and beverages containing sugar deters cavities and helps protect the enamel. Avoid giving your child sugary juices, candies and sodas, and never let your child go to bed with a bottle (unless it’s water).
What can my child’s pediatric dentist do to prevent decay?
Depending on your child’s age, oral health and risk factors, a pediatric dentist may recommend at home or in-office preventive treatments to help stave off tooth decay. For example, at home or in-office fluoride treatments may help strengthen the teeth – especially in children with low exposure to fluoride in local water sources. Another option is dental sealants, which are placed on newly erupted permanent molars to fill in pits and crevices that are susceptible to decay. As your child grows and becomes more active, his or her dentist may recommend the use of a sports mouth guard when participating in contact sports like soccer or gymnastics to prevent tooth trauma.
‘Nursing or Baby-Bottle Decay’ Link:
Baby bottle decay occurs as a result of long-term contact between the teeth and liquids that contain sugars. Often, infants and toddlers are allowed to drink sugary liquids from bottles for prolonged periods of time – perhaps while laying down or watching television. This liquid pools around the teeth, which can ultimately lead to tooth decay.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that breastfeeding infants who nurse for long periods of time can get nursing decay too? In fact, decay may also be found as a result of giving a child pacifiers dipped in a sugary substance such as syrup. The sugars feed bacteria on the surface of the teeth, causing irreversible damage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the signs of baby bottle or nursing decay?
Baby bottle decay can affect any of the teeth, but it is most often found on the upper front teeth. A tooth may show visible signs of decay, such as the appearance of yellow, black, or brown spots on the surface. Babies with infected teeth may also have swollen gums near the tooth.
What types of treatments are available for children with baby bottle decay?
Pediatric dentists determine how to treat early childhood decay based on the extent of a child’s caries. When the decay is found in its earliest stages, it may be addressed with modified feeding habits, fluoride treatment, and improved hygiene. Decay that is further progressed may require a fillings, crowns, or extractions.
Is there anything I can do to prevent my child from getting nursing or baby bottle decay?
The most effective way of preventing bottle decay is by allowing your child to only drink from a bottle or nurse during meal times. Avoid using a bottle to soothe a child, and never let your child go to bed with a bottle. You can also help prevent decay by limiting consumption of sugary beverages, such as juices and sodas. Finally, maintain a regular brushing routine, cleaning the teeth twice daily.
‘Thumb-sucking and Pacifier Use’ Link:
Children are born with a natural sucking reflex. In fact, some babies begin to suck on their fingers while still in the womb. Sucking a thumb or pacifier is relatively harmless during the first few months of life and may actually be emotionally comforting to an infant. However, prolonged sucking that lasts past the age of 3 may cause long-term oral complications.
Dental Health and Your Diet
Did you know…
that children who simply ‘rest’ their thumbs in their mouths rather than vigorously sucking on them are less likely to develop complications? It is the aggressive sucking that can cause such harmful damage to the primary teeth. Fortunately, most children stop sucking their thumbs on their own.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of complications might my child experience if he or she continues to thumb-suck past age 3?
Thumb-sucking that persists past the age of 3 may constrict your child’s palate and/or affect the alignment of his or her teeth. Alignment issues affecting the primary teeth often correct themselves if the habit is stopped before age 3. However, thumb-sucking after age 3 may cause teeth to protrude forward and the palate to constrict, requiring orthodontic intervention down the line.
Is there anything I can do to prevent my child from sucking his or her thumb or pacifier?
Positive reinforcement is the most effect means of encouraging a child to stop taking a pacifier or sucking his or her thumb. Praise your child for successes, and keep your child distracted when he or she would otherwise naturally reach for a thumb or pacifier. Never use pressure or punishment to stop your child from sucking a thumb or pacifier.
When should I talk to my child’s pediatric dentist about thumb-sucking?
Your child should already be seeing a dentist by age one. Keep the dentist aware of any changes in your child’s sucking habits over time. Notify your child’s dentist immediately if you notice any changes to your child’s teeth or the roof of his or her mouth. Older children who do not stop sucking their thumbs naturally by age 3 may need to be fitted for an oral appliance that prevents thumb-sucking.
Please see dr’s attached notes. These are based on before I sent version “H”
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