General Topics:

What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist is a specialist who has completed two to three additional years of training after dental school to gain expertise in treating infants, children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists, or pedodontists as they used to be called, limit their practice to the treatment of children.

There are many General Dentists or Family Dentists who also treat children. There are even General Dentists who advertise themselves as “Children’s Dentists” and limit their practice to the treatment of children without having the training that a Pediatric Dentist does. When in doubt, ask if he or she is a Pediatric Dentist.

When should my child have his/her first visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that every child have his or her first dental visit within six months of eruption of the first tooth, or by age one.

What should I expect on our first visit for my infant/toddler?
On your first visit for your infant/toddler you will receive information about the cavity process, as well as information about proper care of the teeth in order to prevent cavities. At this age your child is not yet ready for a dental cleaning (rubber cup prophylaxis) while reclined in the dental chair. Instead, your doctor may do a “knee to knee exam” to look at your child’s teeth.

For the “knee to knee” exam you and the doctor sit facing one another with your knees touching his/her knees. The two adults are creating a bed out of their laps. You then recline your child backward with your child’s bottom is in your lap and his head in the doctors lap. This way your child can look into your eyes and feel secure that you are holding him.

It is normal for young children to occasionally cry at their first dental examination. It does not mean they are in any pain and it certainly doesn’t mean they will always cry when they visit the dentist. Crying is simply an age appropriate response to a new situation with new faces. As you continue to bring your child in regularly each six months he will grow accustomed to the routine and will be hopping into the dental chair for a ride sooner than you know!

What should I expect on our first visit for my child?
Children older than 3 1/2 are often ready to lie back in the dental chair for a traditional dental cleaning (rubber cup prophylaxis). Out hygienists make the first cleaning a breeze by explaining everything to your child in “kid friendly” terms. You are welcome to accompany your child to her first cleaning

Are baby teeth important?
Baby, or primary teeth, are very important to maintain in the mouth until they fall out naturally. The last baby tooth usually does not fall out until 11-13 years of age. If they are lost prematurely it can lead to problems with alignment of the adult teeth.

What should I do if my child has an accident involving his/her teeth?
Baby teeth: If a baby tooth is knocked out it is not re-implanted. If it is knocked loose, it is usually observed for signs of nerve death and infection. If it is fractured, treatment depends on the degree of fracture. After your child has an accident involving the baby teeth you should apply ice to the affected area, give your child a pain killer, like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), and then call your pediatric dentist.

Adult Teeth: If an adult tooth is knocked out gently rinse it under cold water if there is visible debris on it. Do not scrub the root of the tooth. Place the tooth in cold milk and get to your dentist immediately. If it is knocked loose, it is often splinted to the adjacent teeth and observed for signs of nerve death and infection. If an adult tooth is fractured, treatment depends on the degree of fracture. After your child has an accident involving the adult teeth apply ice to the affected area and give your child a pain killer, like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), and then call your pediatric dentist.

What causes cavities?
Cavities are caused by bacteria. These bacteria are usually transmitted from parent to child. The transmission usually occurs within the first year of life when parents share utensils with their children. It is important for parents to keep their own teeth healthy so their children’s teeth stay healthy.

What is a Space Maintainer?
A space maintainer holds space open for the permanent tooth when the baby tooth has been lost or removed prematurely.


Early Infant/Toddler Care:

When and how should I start cleaning my baby’s mouth?
You should begin wiping your baby’s gums and mouth after each feeding even before the first teeth erupt. You can use a washcloth, a finger brush, or a soft infant toothbrush to accomplish this. Once there are teeth you can use any soft bristled infant brush with a small head. You do not need to use toothpaste if your child cannot yet spit. If you choose to use toothpaste before he/she can spit, remember to use a “safe to swallow toothpaste” (i.e. one without Fluoride).


When will my baby start getting teeth?
The first baby teeth usually erupt by 6 months of age, however timing of eruption is not as important as sequence of eruption. The last of the 20 baby teeth are usually in by 2 ½-3 years of age.

When should my child be weaned from the bottle?
Bottle feeding should stop at 12-14 months.

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries are cavities with occur in a predictable pattern on the teeth of infants and toddlers. This condition is caused by sleeping with the bottle or frequent “at will” breast-feeding during the night for a prolonged period of time.

 

Prevention:

When should I start brushing and flossing my child’s teeth?
You should begin wiping the gums after every feeding even before there are any teeth. Once the teeth begin to come in, you can use a soft bristled toothbrush with a small head. Parents should assist with brushing until your child is 6.
Flossing should begin once any two adjacent teeth touch one another. Parents should floss for children at least once a day at night, assisting until your child is 9.

Is juice safe for my child’s teeth?
Juice is not harmful to the teeth if given in moderation. Juice can damage the teeth if given over a prolonged period of time or if given frequently throughout the day. It is best to give juice no more than 1x to 2x per day and to have your child consume it quickly so that it does not bathe the teeth in sugar. Diluted juice can be just as damaging as undiluted juice if your child is allowed to sip it throughout the day.

What kinds of snacks are good for my child’s teeth?
Snacks that are low in carbohydrates are safe for the teeth. Cheese, fresh fruit, unsweetened nuts, and luncheon meat are examples of snacks that are not damaging to the teeth. Things that adhere to the teeth longer like dried fruit, fruit leather, or gummy fruit snacks can deliver sugar to the teeth over a long period of time and can promote cavities.

Sealants
Sealants are a protective plastic coating placed on the chewing surface of molars to prevent decay from occurring in the deep pits and fissures of the tooth. Sealants cannot protect the flossing surface of the tooth.
Once sealants are placed your child should avoid chewing ice, and hard candies. It is important to have regular six month checkups so your dentist can monitor the integrity of the sealants.

Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen teeth. It can be given systemically (swallowed) or can be given topically (toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinses, professionally applied at the dentist). Too much or too little fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Too little fluoride will not strengthen the teeth so they are resistant to cavities. Too much fluoride in the toddler and preschool years can lead to dental fluorosis in the adult teeth. Fluorosis is a condition in which white or brown spots appear on the adult teeth. To prevent fluorosis, it is best not to use fluoridated toothpaste until your child can spit.

Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally derived sugar substitute that has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Xylitol gum, mints, toothpaste and mouthrinses can be a part of a cavity prevention program.

 

Adolescent Issues:

Tongue Piercing
There are many risks involved with oral piercings including chipped or cracked teeth, blood clots, or blood poisoning. Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. So follow the advice of the American Dental Association and skip the mouth jewelry.

Tobacco
Tobacco in any form can cause irreversible damage. Smokeless tobacco, also called spit, chew or snuff, is often used by teens who believe that it is safer than smoking cigarettes. However, studies show that spit tobacco may be more addictive than smoking cigarettes and may be more difficult to quit. One can of snuff per day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco use can cause periodontal disease and produce pre-cancerous lesions in as little as a few months.

 

Post Operative Care:

Care of the Mouth after Local Anesthetic (numbing)
After numbing the upper teeth, the teeth, gums, cheeks, and lips will be numb for around one hour after treatment. After numbing the lower teeth, the teeth, tongue, cheeks and lips will be numb for two to three hours after treatment.
Often children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch or play with the numb lip, tongue or cheek. Watch your child carefully for the duration of the anesthetic.

Your child will benefit from an appropriate dosage of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If taken prior to appointment, take again as recommended by the directions. If no Tylenol or Motrin was taken prior to treatment, give appropriate dosage as soon as possible after the appointment.
Room temperature liquids or soft foods are suggested during the time the anesthesia is in effect to help prevent biting or chewing on the tongue, cheeks or lips.


Care of the Mouth after Extractions
Do not let your child scratch, chew, suck, or rub the lips, tongue, or cheek while they feel numb or asleep. Watch your child carefully for the duration of the anesthetic.

Do not use a straw, go swimming, or rinse the mouth forcefully for two days.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction area. Keep the rest of the mouth clean with regular brushing and flossing in order to keep bacterial levels low in the mouth. This will promote quicker healing.

Bleeding - Some bleeding is to be expected. If unusual or sustained bleeding occurs, place cotton gauze firmly over the extraction area and bite down or hold in place for fifteen minutes. This can also be accomplished with a tea bag. Repeat if necessary.

Maintain a soft diet for a day or two, or until your child feels comfortable eating normally again.

Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for several hours after the extraction.

For discomfort use ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed for the age of your child. If a medicine was prescribed, then follow the directions on the bottle.

Please do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions.


Payment Options:

Do you accept HDS dental insurance? 
Yes we are Preferred Providers with HDS.  Plan coverage varies from plan to plan so for detailed information on your benefits it is best to contact your insurance company.

Do you accept HMSA dental insurance? 
Yes we are Preferred Providers with HMSA PPO plans.  Plan coverage varies from plan to plan so for detailed information on your benefits it is best to contact your insurance company.

Do you accept United Concordia dental insurance?
Yes we are Preferred Providers with United Concordia.  Plan coverage varies from plan to plan so for detailed information on your benefits it is best to contact your insurance company.

Do you bill my insurance for me? 
Yes we will bill your insurance for you.  We do expect you to pay your co-payment at the time of service.  We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

What other insurances do you accept? 
We are Preferred Providers with Aetna, Metlife, and Cigna.  We will be happy to submit claims to other insurance companies as well.