Pediatric Care
We and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. We perform exams and treat cavities on baby teeth.
Sedation Dentistry for Children
Nitrous oxide, also know as laughing gas, helps patients relax during their dental visits. It is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child's nose. The gas has a sweet scent and it is quickly eliminated from the body at the completion of the treatment. While inhaling nitrous oxide, the patient remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a safe, effective technique to use for treating children's dental needs.
Baby Bottle Caries
Your child’s baby teeth are an essential part of their overall oral health, even though they are just temporary. It is important to take care of them and nurture their development. Children’s teeth are essential to receiving proper nutrition and speaking properly. Start your infant’s dental care off right by learning about baby bottle tooth decay.
What is the Cause of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Most often, this decay will affect the upper front teeth of a baby’s mouth. The most common cause is a prolonged and frequent exposure to drinks containing sugar. This happens because parents will put their baby to sleep with a bottle, sort of like a pacifier.
Another common reason that children are susceptible to baby bottle tooth decay is due to a lack of fluoride. Thankfully, this tooth decay is preventable.
Protecting Your Child’s Teeth
Follow these simple tips to protect your child’s teeth from decay.
• Don’t share feeding spoons with your baby.
• After each feeding, carefully wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth.
• Brush your child’s teeth gently with a toothbrush geared for them.
• Use the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste while brushing your child’s teeth: rice-sized amount for children under three and a pea-sized amount for ages three to six.
• Always supervise your child while they brush to ensure they aren’t swallowing toothpaste.
• Don’t put sugar water, soft drinks or juice in your baby’s bottle. Stick to breast milk, formula or milk only.
• Don’t put your infant to bed with a bottle.
• Always use a clean pacifier and don’t dip it in honey or sugar.
• Have your child drinking from a cup by the time they are one.
• Provide a healthy eating routine for your child.
• Schedule the first dental visit when your child’s first tooth appears.
Starting dental visits early with your child is an essential way to care for their growing smile. Make visiting the dentist fun and exciting and you will see your child get excited about taking care of their teeth. It’s never too early to prepare your child for a bright, white and healthy smile.