PEDIATRIC CARE

Those toothless smiles are adorable but yes, primary teeth (a.k.a. baby teeth) are important for many reasons. They help children speak clearly and chew naturally, and aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to follow when they are ready to erupt.

It is important to develop the habit early on of removing plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, starting at birth. For newborns, clean your baby's gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. As soon as the teeth begin to appear, start brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants.

The American Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend that your child's first dental visit should take place around 12 months of age or shortly after the eruption of the first baby tooth. This proactive approach will help us identify potential problems early on, and introduce your baby to all the sights, sounds and sensations of the dentist's office.

Do not wait until your child has a toothache or a dental emergency. This could result in your child developing a fear of the dentist which is sometimes very hard to overcome–and we wouldn't want that to happen!

Bedtime bottles should only have water – no juice, formula or milk, as your child will not be brushing his/her teeth after consuming these, and these liquids break down into sugars which cause cavities if left unattended. If you nurse your child to sleep, consider rinsing the mouth with water afterwards to avoid possible decay over time. The Academy of General Dentistry instructs parents to clean and massage the baby's gums after every feeding to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Do this by wrapping a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues.

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain–do not place aspirin on the teeth or gums. Then call and come see us as soon as possible.

Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended to correct any palate irregularities.

Depending on the fluoride level of your child's primary source of drinking water, we might prescribe fluoride supplements to ensure your child is getting enough. The American Dental Association recommends using a fluoride toothpaste as well.

Protect your child's teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sport-related injuries with a soft plastic mouth guard; a well-fitting mouth guard can even provide protection from severe injuries to the head. Our office can develop a custom-fitted appliance.

There is very little risk in dental digital radiography. Dentists are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. We use lead aprons to ensure safety and minimize the amount of radiation.