CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY

FAQs

Having the right information to make the best decision for your child’s dental care is an important part of our work. We’ve included some of the most commonly asked questions from parents to give you insight into your child’s oral health. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule your child’s next dental appointment.

How do I keep it up at home?

This is a question for the ages, because how do you upkeep your child’s oral health at home? The answers are more in-depth than you may think. Most parents primarily think of only brushing and flossing when they hear the words “oral care,” when in fact good preventative care includes many factors, such as:

Diet – Very sugary diets should be modified and continuous snacking should be discouraged. Oral bacteria ingest leftover sugar particles in the child’s mouth after each helping of food, emitting harmful acids that erode tooth enamel, gum tissue and bone.
Oral habits – A pacifier or thumb, over time, can cause the teeth to misalign, so choose an “orthodontically” correct pacifier model or talk to your dentist about other options. This will minimize the risk of developmental problems like narrow roof arches and crowding. A sippy cup also poses a problem, and at the most convenient time (ideally 12-14 months) should be replaced to stop any sugary liquid from swirling around a child’s teeth.
General oral hygiene – Sharing utensils and cleaning toys or pacifiers by sucking on them or sharing food with a child is bad for a parent to do. In fact, the oral bacteria in the parent’s mouth can cause cavities and tooth decay in the child. Rinsing with warm water and not sharing food in this manner can prevent any bacteria from spreading.
Brushing and Flossing – Children’s teeth should be brushed a minimum of two times per day using a soft bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, with parents helping until the child can reach all areas of the mouth. Toothpaste should be non-fluoridated only before the age of two and ADA approved. A baby’s gums should be wiped with a damp cloth after feeding. Flossing should be done especially in between teeth where cavities easily grow. Your dentist can help with head positioning tips for a more fun experience for the child.
Fluoride – Fluoride helps prevent mineral loss and simultaneously promotes the re-mineralization of tooth enamel. Too much fluoride can result in fluorosis, a condition where white specks appear on the permanent teeth, and too little can result in tooth decay. It is important to get the fluoride balance correct.

Why are primary teeth important?

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, begin to develop beneath the gums during the second trimester of pregnancy. The teeth begin to emerge above the gums approximately six months to one year after birth. Typically, preschool children have a complete set of 20 baby teeth — including four molars on each arch.

The major functions of primary teeth include:

Speech production and development
Eating and nutrition
Self-confidence
Straighter smile
Excellent oral health

What toothpaste is the best for my child?

Though all toothpastes are not created equal, most brands generally contain abrasive ingredients to remove stains, soapy ingredients to eliminate plaque, fluorides to strengthen enamel and some type of flavoring.

Be aware that adult and non-ADA approved brands of toothpaste often contain harsher abrasives, which remove tooth enamel and weaken primary teeth. In addition, some popular toothpaste brands contain sodium lauryl sulphate (shown as SLS on the package), which causes painful mouth ulcers in some children.

Prior to the age of two, brushing should begin. Initially, select a fluoride-free baby toothpaste and softly brush the teeth twice per day. Flavoring is largely unimportant at this time.

Between the middle and end of the third year, select an American Dental Association accepted brand of toothpaste containing fluoride. The ADA logo will be clear and present on the toothpaste packaging. Use only a tiny pea or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and encourage the child to spit out the excess after brushing. If the child does ingest tiny amount of toothpaste, don’t worry; this is perfectly normal and will cease with time and encouragement.

Sedation Dentistry

Our office does not use general anesthetic or conscious sedation on children. Dental sedation is used to reduce the child’s anxiety and discomfort during dental visits. In some cases, the child may become drowsy or less active while sedated, but this will quickly desist after the procedure is completed.

Sedation is used in several circumstances, including:

Very young children who are unable to keep still long enough for the dentist to perform high-precision procedures safely
In children who struggle to manage anxiety during dental appointments
For children with special needs to prevent spontaneous movement and guide cooperative behavior

The most common types of sedation are:

Nitrous oxide: Commonly known as laughing gas, this is used for children who exhibit signs of nervousness or anxiety.
Oral sedation: Used for children who are uncooperative, particularly anxious or unable to control their muscles for prolonged periods.
Other forms of conscious sedation: Less common ways to administer sedatives include IV sedation, the use of suppositories and even the use of a nasal spray.

General anesthetic is rarely used in dental work unless:

A procedure cannot otherwise be performed safely
The child has a condition which limits cooperation or the ability to follow instructions
The child needs a lengthy treatment
The child needs more complex dental treatment or oral surgery

Still have questions?

Give us a call.

For any other questions, please call us at (330) 974-0850