Pedodontics

• What is pediatric dentistry?
• Do you have to be a pediatric dentist to treat children?
• Do I need to brush my children's teeth?
• When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?
• If baby teeth eventually fall out, why are they important?
• How do thumb sucking and pacifier habits harm teeth?
• I did not give my baby candy but he still has decay. How did that happen?
• How often do children need to visit the dentist?
• Is toothpaste good or bad for children?
• Should baby teeth be sealed?
• What should I do if my child has an accident and knocks out a tooth?

What is pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with infants, children and adolescents including those patients with special care needs.

Back to top

Do you have to be a pediatric dentist to treat children?

No you don't. However, a pediatric dentist attends a post graduate program after dental school for two to three years to learn more about the specific needs of young dental patients.

Back to top

Do I need to brush my children's teeth?

Yes because children develop plaque just like adults do and it must be removed on a daily basis so it does not lead to tooth decay. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that will fit into the child's mouth at least once a day to begin with when they are very young and at least twice a day by the time most of the baby teeth have erupted.

Back to top

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?

You should schedule an appointment around the first birthday so that we can check for good oral hygiene, cavities and any developmental or congenital abnormalities.

Back to top

If baby teeth eventually fall out, why are they important?

Baby teeth are very important because they serve many of the same purposes of adult teeth such as tearing and chewing food and helping the child speak properly. Additionally, they hold the place for adult teeth. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, an appliance called a space maintainer is needed to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the space of the lost tooth.

Back to top

How do thumb sucking and pacifier habits harm teeth?

There is not much difference between the two habits and they only become a problem if the baby teeth start to get displaced or if the habit continues after the adult teeth have erupted. Read more about thumb sucking and pacifiers.

Back to top

I did not give my baby candy but he still has decay. How did that happen?

Decay is not only caused by candy; it can be caused by most foods or liquids other than water that do not get removed from the surface of teeth. Infants and children are at the mercy of their parents. If a toddler is continuously given a bottle with almost anything other than water at bedtime, they will probably develop baby bottle caries, which is decay on the front teeth. Do not give a bottle with anything other than water and get in the habit of brushing your child's teeth on a regular basis.

Back to top

How often do children need to visit the dentist?

Children should visit a dentist every six months. We like to catch anything when it is small and by seeing the child every six months gives us the best chance to keep an eye out for any signs of early decay. Additionally, since teeth start coming and going, we like to have a history of each patients dental development.

Back to top

Is toothpaste good or bad for children?

Fluoridated toothpaste should not be used for children under age 2. After that time, parents should be in charge of dispensing the toothpaste and the amount to be used each time should not be bigger than the size of a pea. Make sure the children spit the toothpaste out instead of swallowing it. It is not dangerous if they swallow it once or twice but do not let it become a habit.

Back to top

Should baby teeth be sealed?

Baby teeth should be sealed if they have deep pits and fissures meaning that they will probably decay without a sealant. Read more about sealants.

Back to top

What should I do if my child has an accident and knocks out a tooth?

Please read how to save a knocked out tooth.

Back to top

Break The Thumbsucking Habit

Thumbsucking It’s not uncommon for a child to suck his or her thumb, or the lip, or a finger, as a way to self-soothe or to help fall asleep.   Most children outgrow thumb sucking between ages 2 and 4 years, which is the time when the first baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth appear. But it’s important to break a child of a thumb-sucking habit before the permanent teeth start to arrive in order to prevent problems with tooth alignment and development of the mouth.   How intensely your child sucks his or her thumb can make a difference in the risk of problems with dental health later on. A child who sucks the thumb or finger aggressively is at greater risk for damaging teeth than a child who keeps a thumb or finger passively in the mouth.   But any type of thumb, finger, or lip sucking is a habit that should be broken. It’s not always easy, but it can be done. Try these tips from the American Dental Association: Catch them being good. Notice when the child is not sucking a thumb and praise him or her effusively, rather than scolding when the child is sucking the thumb. Provide calmness and comfort. Many children suck a finger or thumb when they feel anxious. Try to determine any specific causes of anxiety for your child that might prompt thumb sucking, and address them. Enlist their help. Ask older children to help develop methods to break the habit. For example, older children may only suck a finger or thumb at night. Try putting a sock over the hand, or taping two fingers together with athletic tape. Enlist the dentist. Ask your child’s dentist to support and encourage the child to break a thumb or finger-sucking habit.