Does My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?

Does my child need to be taken to a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to handle problems
particular to children, such as dental developmental difficulties and
root canals on adult teeth that have not fully formed. However, most
children are treated by general dentists. A general dentist often has a
relationship with the entire family and therefore has a great deal of
family history knowledge, which may apply to your child. If you’re
having trouble deciding on the type of dentist to use for your child,
ask your family dentist or your child’s pediatrician for suggestions.

When should I take my child to the dentist?

The ideal time is six months after your child’s first tooth erupts.
This is the perfect time for the dentist to carefully examine the
development of your child’s mouth. Dental problems often start early, so
the sooner the visit occurs, the better. Also, your dentist can provide
or recommendspecial preventive care to safeguard against problems, such
as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and
prolonged thumb-sucking.

How do I prepare my child and myself for the first visit?

Before the visit, ask the dentist what procedures will be performed
so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action to manage your
child’s reaction to the visit. Some children may be non-cooperative.
Talk to your child about what to expect and build excitement as well as
understanding about the upcoming visit. Bring your child’s medical
records to help you complete the medical history forms before the
appointment.

When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?

Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately age 4. They
will usually lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to
lose baby teeth until age 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth
finally erupt.

Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?

It is very important to maintain baby teeth because these teeth hold
space for the future eruption of permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays
or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent tooth is
lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected
baby teeth also can cause permanent teeth to develop improperly,
resulting in permanent enamel defects and weaker teeth.

What can I do to protect my child’s oral health at home?

Clean your infant’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. Ask your dentist
if you may rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on the gums. As soon as the
first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled
toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. Help a young
child brush at night, which is the most important time to brush, due to
lower salivary flow and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque. By
approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth
with proper parental instruction. The best way to teach a child how to
brush is to lead by good example. Allowing your child to watch you brush
your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene.

Can tooth decay affect infants?

Yes! Tooth decay in infants and young children most often occurs in
the upper front teeth, but also may affect other teeth. Parents may not
realize that a baby’s teeth can decay soon after they first appear. The
decay may even enter the underlying bone structure, which can hurt
development of the permanent teeth. This problem is frequently referred
to as baby bottle tooth decay. This decay is caused by long-term
exposure of a child’s teeth to liquids containing sugars. When a child
consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums and causes
decay.

How can children prevent damage to their teeth?

At school, children should rinse their mouth with water after meals,
leaving their teeth free of sugar and acid. At home, encourage children
to drink tap or fountain water. Use a straw when drinking soda to keep
sugar away from teeth. If you purchase bottled water, be sure that it is
fluoridated. Remember, bottled juices are not a good alternative due to
the high sugar content. Regular dental check-ups, combined with
brushing with fluoride toothpaste also will help protect children’s
teeth.

How can I help my child prevent tooth decay?

Brushing teeth after meals, regular flossing and fluoride treatments
are the best ways to prevent tooth decay. Children should also be
supervised as they brush. A good rule of thumb is when children can
dress themselves and tie their own shoes, then they are ready to brush
unsupervised. Children should be supervised in proper flossing
techniques until the age of 10. If you have any concerns about your
child’s dental health or want some tips on preventing tooth decay, ask
your dentist.

source: knowyourteeth.com website