Pediatric Dentist, Infant & Toddler Care Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General Topics

What is a Pediatric Dentist?
When should my child have his/her first visit?
What should I expect on our first visit for my infant/toddler?
What should I expect on our first visit for my child?
Are baby teeth important?
What should I do if my child has an accident involving his/her teeth?
What causes cavities?
What is a Space Maintainer?

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.