Children's Dentistry

Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help establish a dental home, monitor oral development, and provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices.

To help your child maintain good oral hygiene:

• Start Early: Clean your baby's gums with a soft cloth before teeth erupt and use a soft-bristled toothbrush once teeth appear.
• Supervise Brushing: Ensure your child brushes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flosses daily.
• Healthy Diet: Encourage a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule check-ups every six months for professional cleanings and monitoring.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate good oral hygiene habits yourself.

Common dental issues in children include:

• Cavities: Often caused by sugary foods and poor oral hygiene.
• Early Tooth Loss: Due to decay or injury, affecting proper alignment of permanent teeth.
• Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking can impact tooth alignment and jaw development.
• Gum Disease: Even children can develop gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn't maintained.
• Dental Trauma: Injuries from falls or sports can damage teeth and require prompt attention.

Yes, dental sealants are highly beneficial for children. Sealants are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to protect against cavities. They are particularly effective in children who are still developing good brushing skills, as they help prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas.

Preventing cavities in your child's teeth involves several key practices:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Ensure your child brushes twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flosses once a day. Supervise their brushing to ensure they are thorough.
• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay. Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings every six months to monitor and maintain your child’s oral health.
• Fluoride Treatments: Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments to strengthen your child's tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.
• Dental Sealants: Consider applying dental sealants to your child's molars to protect against cavities in the chewing surfaces.
• Drink Water: Encourage your child to drink water, especially fluoridated water, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: If appropriate, sugar-free gum can help increase saliva production, which neutralizes acids and helps prevent cavities.
• Avoid Bottle at Bedtime: Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle containing anything other than water, as this can lead to “baby bottle tooth decay.”

By instilling good oral hygiene habits early and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your child from cavities and ensure a healthy smile.

In case of a dental emergency involving your child, follow these steps:

• Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it. Use dental floss to remove any trapped food. If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Contact your dentist promptly.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: For a permanent tooth, rinse it gently with water without scrubbing the root. If possible, reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place. If not, store the tooth in milk or saliva and see a dentist immediately. For a baby tooth, contact us to discuss.
• Chipped or Broken Tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water. Save any broken pieces and rinse them as well. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and see us as soon as possible.
• Bitten Tongue or Lip: Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding persists, go to the emergency room or come visit us.
• Objects Stuck Between Teeth: Gently try to remove the object with dental floss. Avoid using sharp objects to dislodge it. If unsuccessful, contact us for assistance.

Prompt action and professional care are crucial in managing dental emergencies to minimize damage and ensure the best outcome for your child's oral health.