Pediatric Dentistry

A specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the unique needs of infants and children. Pediatric dentists focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in dentistry for children.

Getting an early start in regular dental care is an important step on the road to teaching your child healthy lifetime habits. Studies show that children with poor oral health have decreased school performance, poor social relationships and less success later in life.

Beginning tooth and mouth examinations early may lead to detection of early stages of tooth decay that can be easily treated. Your first visit with a pediatric dentist will provide you with:

*   A program of preventive home care including brushing, flossing, diet and the importance of fluorides.

*  A tooth decay risk assessment.

*  Information about Early Childhood tooth decay, which may be due to inappropriate nursing habits or inappropriate use of sippy cups.

*  The latest facts about finger, thumb and pacifier habits.

*  What you need to know about preventing injuries to the mouth and teeth.
   
*  Information on growth and development.

Pediatric dentists help prevent dental problems

Tooth cleaning and polishing and fluoride treatments are all part of a good prevention program. But there's much more. For example, your pediatric dentist can apply sealants to protect your child from tooth decay, help you select a mouth guard to prevent sports injuries to the face and teeth, and provide early diagnosis and care of orthodontic problems. Your pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to develop a combination of office and home preventive care to insure your child a happy smile.

Dental Care for Your Baby

When should my child first see a dentist?

"First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.

Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have?

The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.

The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

How can I prevent tooth decay from a bottle or nursing?

Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.

When should bottle-feeding be stopped?

Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.

Should I worry about thumb and finger sucking?

Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless your child’s pediatric dentist advises it, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.

Any advice on teething?

From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry