What Is a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children. After completing a four-year dental degree program, pediatric dentists are required to undergo an additional two to three years of rigorous training. This special program combines study with hands-on experience to prepare pediatric dentists to meet the needs of children from infancy to adulthood and those with special health care needs.

What Should I Do in a Dental Emergency?

Kids are active and emergencies happen. We understand that some emergencies happen out of staffed office hours. Kids are active and emergencies happen. We understand that some emergencies happen out of staffed office hours. In that case please visit your nearest Emergency room and contact our office during regular office hours. Below are some common emergent occurrences:

Toothaches

Clean the area around the tooth. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food between the teeth. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of the face. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gums or tooth. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If pain persists, contact Kids First Pediatric Dentistry.

Knocked-Out Teeth

For primary (baby) teeth: contact Kids First Pediatric during normal business hours. Primary teeth are NOT re-implanted and this is usually not considered to be an emergency.

For permanent teeth: if possible find the lost tooth, if possible. Handle the tooth only by the crown, never by the root. If tooth is dirty, rinse only with water—DO NOT use soap or scrub the tooth. If possible, replace the tooth into the socket and have the child hold the tooth in place by gently biting on a gauze pad or washcloth. If it is not possible to hold the tooth in place, place the tooth in a cup of milk or cool water. Go to the dentist immediately. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth and seeing a dentist within 30 minutes is best.

Broken Teeth

For primary or permanent teeth: Contact Kids First Pediatric Dentistry. Gently cleanse the area around the break with cool water. Place a cold compress on the face in the area of the broken tooth to minimize swelling. If possible, save any broken tooth fragments and take them to the dentist.

Severe Blows to the Head

Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.

Possible Jaw Fractures

Do not move the jaw. Stabilize it by tying a towel, necktie, etc. over the top of the head. Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What Information Should I Know about Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)*?

X-ray films detect much more than cavities. For example, X-rays may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate the results of an injury, or plan orthodontic treatment. X-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable and affordable.

In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are more susceptible than adults to tooth decay. For children with a high risk of tooth decay, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends X-ray examinations every six months to detect cavities developing between the teeth. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require X-rays less frequently. In general, pediatric dentist request X-rays approximately once each year.

Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of child patients to radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is extremely small. In fact, dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than undetected and untreated dental problems. Lead body aprons and shields help protect your child. Today’s equipment filters out unnecessary X-rays and restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest. High-speed film, digital X-rays, and proper shielding assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.

How Should I Choose a Toothpaste for My Child?

Most dental decay is caused by plaque – a sticky, white film that forms constantly on teeth. Therefore, proper brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Part of proper brushing is choosing the correct toothpaste for your child. Many types of toothpaste contain harsh abrasives, which can shred the enamel of your child’s teeth. The ADA seal of approval found on the box assures that the toothpaste has been tested and is safe for use.
Watch your child’s use of fluoridated toothpaste. A pea-sized amount on the brush is plenty for fluoride protection. Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste, not swallow it, after brushing. Consumption of fluoride toothpaste over a regular period of time or in too great a dose can lead to fluorosis, or defects in tooth enamel. If your child is too small or unable to spit toothpaste out, consider using non-fluoridated toothpaste or no toothpaste at all until they are able to spit the toothpaste out.

What Effect Does Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Have on My Child’s Teeth?

Bruxism is a condition in which children grind or clench their teeth while they sleep. Anxiety, frustration, and stress can trigger the condition in children. Treatment may be unnecessary as children generally outgrow bruxism. Between the ages of 6 and 9 children generally decrease the amount of time they spend grinding their teeth, with most stopping completely by age 12.
In a more severe case, the child may need to wear a mouth guard. The mouth guard is molded into the shape of the child’s teeth and worn throughout the night. Although the guards can be effective, children may have difficulty adjusting to them, and they can become dislodged in sleep and become a choking hazard, or they can interfere with normal jaw growth and development. A child affected by bruxism should see a dentist on a regular basis for evaluation.

What is Pulp Therapy*?

It’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Malocclusions – crowded or crooked teeth – can often be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. Early orthodontics can enhance your child’s smile, but the benefits far surpass appearance. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions.
There are generally three stages for orthodontic care. Stage 1 treats children between 2-6 years of age, treating conditions such as the effects of thumb sucking or the premature loss of primary teeth. During Stage 2, a pediatric dentist will work with children between 6 and 12 years old, as their permanent teeth begin to erupt. The tissues of the mouth are usually very responsive during this age range, making this an excellent time to begin orthodontic work. Stage 3 orthodontic work deals with the permanent teeth and the final bite relationship.

When is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?

It’s never too early to keep an eye on your child’s oral development. Malocclusions – crowded or crooked teeth – can often be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more extensive treatment later. Early orthodontics can enhance your child’s smile, but the benefits far surpass appearance. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, and even prevent the need for tooth extractions.
There are generally three stages for orthodontic care. Stage 1 treats children between 2-6 years of age, treating conditions such as the effects of thumb sucking or the premature loss of primary teeth. During Stage 2, a pediatric dentist will work with children between 6 and 12 years old, as their permanent teeth begin to erupt. The tissues of the mouth are usually very responsive during this age range, making this an excellent time to begin orthodontic work. Stage 3 orthodontic work deals with the permanent teeth and the final bite relationship.